Trot Insider has spoken with Dial Or Nodial's trainer, Jim Campbell, for an update on the Western Ideal gelding which was taken to the University of Guelph
after competing in the $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup Saturday, June 27 at Mohawk Racetrack.
Campbell told Trot Insider the gelding left the University of Guelph this morning and is headed back to the United States, where he will be examined by the renowned Dr. Patty Hogan of the New Jersey Equine Clinic.
As Trot Insider previously reported, Dial Or Nodial was favouring his right hind leg in the paddock after the race. The gelding was then X-rayed at Mohawk. The X-rays did not reveal any injuries; therefore the gelding went to the University of Guelph for further X-rays and inspection.
"Those X-rays did not reveal anything, either," Campbell told Trot Insider, "at this point, the whole thing is still a mystery to us."
Campbell said that Dial Or Nodial had a good week leading into the rich event. The gelding had captured his 'Cup' elimination from off the pace a week earlier, posting a one-length victory in 1:50.2. Dial Or Nodial raced gamely on Saturday, as he was on the outside through the middle half-mile of the race and was battling for the lead on the final turn. The gelding came a last quarter in 27 seconds and finished fifth, still pacing his mile in 1:49.1.
"The horse warmed up normal and was a little stiff during the post parade," Campbell told Trot Insider, "but he was back to his normal self right after ---- he loosened right up and went a big mile out there."
Campbell told Trot Insider that the Meadowlands Pace is the next major stakes event on Dial Or Nodial's dance card, but at this point, considering the current situation, that may be up in air.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering Dial Or Nodial a speedy recovery.