Fabre star Manduro forced to retire after injury

Sep 18 2007 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

TRAINER Andre Fabre confirmed his leading Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe hope Manduro will miss the race and will not feature on the track again.

Following his fifth straight victory of the season in Sunday’s Prix Foy at Longchamp, the five-year-old suffered a fracture to his off-hind leg.

And yesterday Fabre confirmed the sad news of his stable star’s retirement.

He said: “He has had a comfortable night and will have an operation on Tuesday. It is not life-threatening, but he will not run again.

“We knew there was a problem about 10 minutes after the race as he walked around quietly and then was taken straight to the vet’s box.

“I am afraid that is racing and as long as there are no complications he should remain comfortable.”

Manduro had been vying for favouritism for the middle distance championship contest in France next month following his Prix Niel win. But British bookmakers including Ladbrokes, William Hill, Coral, totesport, BetFred, and Liverpool firm BetDirect have all decided to refund all ante-post bets on Fabre’s ill-fated horse.

In his absence Vodafone Derby winner Authorized has hardened into a best-priced 13-8 favourite with Coral, Stan James and BetFred for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on October 7.

Next best is Irish Derby hero Soldier Of Fortune, who won over course and distance in Paris in the Prix Niel on Sunday. He is a 7-2 chance with Coral and Paddy Power, with stable-mate Dylan Thomas generally 5-1.

Meanwhile Liverpool-born jockey Liam Jones lost his apprentice claim at Leicester yesterday when he rode his 43rd winner of the season on Suzi’s Decision – trained by another Merseysider Paul D’Arcy – in the ladbrokes.com Ibstock Maiden Auction Stakes.

The 22-year-old from Norris Green is currently challenging William Buick to become champion apprentice.

He said: “Everything’s going well and I would love to win the apprentice championship. I’m going to ride on the all-weather this winter to keep my name going and build up as many contacts as I can for next year. My weight’s good – I can do 7st 12lb.”

TODAY’S NAP: Angus Newz (4.40pm Yarmouth).