Conquest Stables · @ConquestStables
3rd Jul 2015 from TwitLonger
OWNER'S UPDATE: Conquest Curlinate / Queen's Plate
I felt you all needed to know what I know on the Conquest Curlinate last second withdrawal from the Queen's Plate.
I was given an urgent call at 8:15 am on my way to the draw from Mark Casse..."Call asap"...This is rare! I immediately called with the feeling that this was not the "You've won the Canadian lottery" type of call. Unfortunately that was correct. Mark said that while galloping this morning Curlinate was somehow interfered with by a horse who apparently veered into him. It required an emergency maneuver for our treasured jumbo jet to avoid a serious incident. Many thanks to our terrific exercise rider for staying cool and avoiding a potentially unthinkable result.
We had no information that was medically documented at the draw time other than what Mark said, which was that Conquest Curlinate had incurred a minor freak training injury that forced us to withdraw him from the Plate competition.
Later in the morning Dr. Bob examined him again and viewed the x-rays that were taken, he then consulted with those who we feel are the top people in the world in their field and to our heartbreaking dismay we learned that this in fact was a very complicated sesamoid injury, which unfortunately will retire our young maturing star. I've been quite emotional on this issue and how it occurred but I will save that for a complete post on my thoughts... This for me is a time for numbing sadness and unfortunately some very deeply felt opinions.
This is in no way was a fault of Mark, or anyone at Casse Racing. They are traumatized, as they love the horses as we all do.
My intent from the start has been to bring transparency to this sport to make it better... You have all been very, very supportive and have my most sincere thanks... You are our team and we love you all.
In time I will thoroughly elaborate on how I think this tragedy could have easily been avoided. I feel the terrific people at Woodbine are where I will start my quest. I hope that, as always, you all will send me your feedback on whether you agree with my assessments. I know I will have an open ear at Woodbine, they are very progressive with terrific management!
To repeat, Conquest Curlinate will be retired. We would never ever risk the chance of this being beyond uncomfortable for him. He is surrounded by love and we have had a few calls already about him creating some majestic babies. Mark will make that decision but I'm certain with the immediate interest that he will have a very pleasant retirement. This is understandably heartbreaking and as I give all of our fans, who we consider to be part of our team, more info I think you may also share in my frustration.
On a positive note, just a reminder... We do have another incredibly gifted horse entered in the Queen's Plate... Conquest Boogaloo... who is Mr. Barker's pick to win👍 as well as many of our other fans and analysts. Just as numbers exercise I had one of my PHD Cray operators run through the hard numbers... Basic rate of change, linear acceleration, furlong speeds, closing speeds and many other variables... And of all the entrants only one came out on top. I would not ever sell a Conquest horse short... I don't gamble but I do love to perform the best we can for you. Let's hope Boogaloo busts a few moves out there Sunday with his ace rider and buddy Alan Garcia 👍👍
Our very best,
Ernie, Dory and Team Conquest