The chances for Canadian-connected Take My Picture to win Sunday's Elitlopp just improved with the scratch of Swedish trotting star Maharajah.
“Maharajah looked really nice in training on Monday. His caretaker Lisa has been extremely cautions with him and she noticed this morning that one of his rear legs, which he suffered an injury to last winter, was swollen," trainer Stefan Hultman told ATG. "Our veterinarian Nils Roneus has checked Maharajah with ultrasound and unfortunately there are signs of minor bleeding."
Hultman went on to explain that the injury is not serious but in a grueling two-heat contest, the connections would rather not risk anything.
"We are careful with our horses, they are our friends and it is our responsibility to take care of them as much as we can, " said Hultman. "This is of course very, very sad for everyone who had looked forward to see him on Sunday. I can promise you that no one is sadder than I am. The main thing is that he is happy and fit. We will bounce back."
Hultman's hopes now rest with Panne The Moteur in the second elimination. The fields for Sunday's Elitlopp are as follows:
Elimination Heat #1
1. Nesta Effe
2. Take My Picture
3. Timoko
4. Formula One
5. Raja Mirchi
6. Shaq Is Back
7. Maharajah (SCRATCHED)
8. Friction
Elimination Heat #2
1. Arch Madness
2. Commander Crowe
3. Sebastian K
4. Brad The Veluwe
5. Mack Grace SM
6. Nahar
7. Panne The Moteur
8. Amaru Boko