Not exactly what we were expecting to see from our budding superstar Becky the Thatcher on her first day back at work at Catterick yesterday, but after discussions with both the Course vet after his post race examination, and later my good friend James Given MRCVS (Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) the agreed diagnosis was that Becky was suffering from a displaced palate, a condition which restricts a horses ability to breathe properly
PJ McDonald told us she was going really well until they climbed the hill onto the back straight second time around when he realised something was amiss with Becky, and when she didn`t even begin to respond to his urgings, he did the right thing, and let her come home in her own time.
Micky Hammonds vet also had her scoped, and it was agreed that the minor operation was needed, and should be done.
A minor setback which we could have done without, but Becky will hopefully only be on the easy list for a few days before she`s on the Middleham moors again…..back on track.
Richard
