Fans of harness racing will see 2021 Somebeachsomewhere Horse of the Year Desperate Man this Saturday (July 23) at Hanover Raceway, but where they haven't seen him lately is in competition on the racetrack.
According to trainer and co-owner Kathy Cecchin, Desperate Man has been battling some sickness issues for the first time in his career.
"I am very much hoping that we have turned the corner and he is OK now....just trying to give him time, he was pretty down," Cecchin told Trot Insider. "We know he has to be at 110 percent....we are just waiting and hoping that he is himself.
"This week has been the most positive since his last race as far as his overall demeanor, but we haven't trained him yet so it's hard to say whether it's wishful thinking or he is really OK."
A son of Shadow Play - Dreamlands Latte, Desperate Man was last in action on June 11 in a Free-For-All at Woodbine Mohawk Park where he finished seventh for the first time in his 23 lifetime starts. Before that performance he sported a 1-1-1-1 summary in four seasonal starts, including a win in his Charles Juravinski Memorial Cup elim and runner-up finish to Linedrive Hanover in his Canadian record 1:49h score in the Juravinski Final at Flamboro Downs
Desperate Man has banked $1,071,811 lifetime with 16 top-three finishes. For now, the connections — John & Kathy Cecchin and Paul & Nikki Davies — will focus on getting their prized pupil back to himself and having him on his best behaviour for Trevor Henry Day at Hanover Raceway.
"If everything seems OK at the beginning of next week we will decide about qualifying him or schooling him. We are very committed to not doing anything that isn't in his best interest, so whatever time he needs, everyone is on board with making sure he gets it.
"I hope he is well, signs are positive, and that is great....the most sleep I have had in a month!"
Cecchin joked that there is one additional concern, and that involves a less competitive on-track appearance this Saturday.
"We are hoping to have fun with him at Hanover, and that he is actually fast enough to lead a post parade which, based on his participation in his own post parades, is for sure a large question!"
To view the entries for Saturday's card at Hanover, click the following link: Saturday Entries - Hanover Raceway.