After qualifying for the 2023 MGM Borgata Pacing Series Final, older pacing star Jimmy Freight was conspicuously absent from the lineup of horses set to compete for the half-million dollar event this Monday (April 24) at Yonkers Raceway.
Trot Insider has learned that Jimmy Freight has been sidelined due to injury.
Accumulating 225 points in the preliminary legs by virtue of a win and three second-place finishes, Jimmy Freight had punched his ticket to the Borgata final despite a vet scratch from the final leg on Monday, April 17. Clearly that scratch could have just been precautionary to ensure a well-rested 'Jimmy Jets' when the major money was on the line. Unfortunately for the connections, Jimmy Freight will watch this one from his stable stall.
"He came up with an injury," said co-owner Adriano Sorella. "We found a slight tendon tear and he will need a little rest. Vets are optimistic as it wasn’t severe. He’s getting there in age so we are not risking it.
"We knew something was off in his last race when Backstreet Shadow came to him. It's unfortunate for all the partners, Brett [Pelling, his trainer], and his caretaker."
A son of Sportswriter - Allamerican Summer, Jimmy Freight sports a solid summary of 35-18-13 from 81 career appearances with a mark of 1:48 taken last year at the age of seven along with $1.95 million in earnings. According to Sorella, part of the ownership group that includes Let It Ride Stables Inc. and Jimmy Freight Stable of Boca Raton, Fl., the odds are in favour of Jimmy Freight adding to those totals later in his eight-year-old season.
"It’s a small tear in the outer branch tendon of his left front. Fortunately this type of injury isn’t exactly career-ending, but it could hinder his racing career, especially at that high level. Vets say approximately three months to fully heal, so maybe back late August/early September. However, as you know, these things could change.
"The partners are all on the same page, and hopeful for his return. We spoke about his breeding moving forward, however, we are really focused on his well being and seeing him back at what he enjoys which is racing. He’s one tough animal."