O'Brien Award winning trainer Bob McIntosh has spoken with Trot Insider and given an update on Nebupanezzar, last season's Two-Year-Old Pacing Colt of the Year
in Canada.
In mid-May, McIntosh explained how he had discovered a slight bump on the outside of one of Nebupanezzar's tendons. A subsequent ultrasound revealed a slight tear in the tendon sheath. Instead of risking damage to the actual tendon fibres, McIntosh decided to back off the gelding in terms of training and racing. The move was obviously in the best interest of the animal, but still took Nebupanezzar, the reigning Governor's Cup champion, out of contention for many of the lucrative early season stakes.
"He was down with Dr. Larry Bramlage at the Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky on Tuesday (June 16)," McIntosh explained to Trot Insider. "He was re-ultrasounded and the results have shown that everything has healed up 100 per cent."
McIntosh told Trot Insider that he does not have an exact date in mind for Nebupanezzar's return, but he is hoping that the millionaire son of No Pan Intended will qualify back either in mid or late August. "We're just going to feel our way along with him," he said.
Even though Nebupanezzar has been away from the track for a good bit of time now, McIntosh doesn't think the winner of 10 of 14 career starts will be as far off schedule as some may think.
"We've been swimming him all along," McIntosh told Trot Insider. "I have a good feeling that his wind is in good order because of the work he has been putting in the pool. It is still one of those situations, though, where we are going to have to play things by ear, somewhat."
Great news from Bob McIntosh
Great news from Bob McIntosh regarding Nebupanezzar! He was such a treat to watch last year & I hope that he is able to return as early as Bob mentions & that he will return at the level of performance he was at previously. Good luck!