Neville Parnham has been dealt a harsh setback with Bustler and September Born both ruled out for the rest of the winter racing season.
Bustler managed two appearances at Pinjarra, but for September Born, a string of unfortunate setbacks has continued since the end of last year’s Ascot carnival.
The promising colt by Playing God made a name for himself in the spring, winning the Listed Fairetha Stakes (1400m) after running second in the Listed Belgravia Stakes (1200m) on resumption.
While clearly disappointed, Parnham emphasized the importance of patience and long-term goals.
“He’s going to the paddock, he’s got some bruising on his bone,” Parnham told Racing WA.
“It needs time to settle; we’ll put him out for a nice little break and hopefully get him back for the carnival at Xmas time.
“It wasn’t worth pursuing, we would be band-aiding him up and he’s got too much talent for that.
“There was just something there that I wasn’t completely happy with.
“We can’t be worried about it; it is what it is, and we move on.”
September Born has recorded two wins and a second from his four career runs and was on track to emulate his sister Kay Cee, who captured both the Raconteur Stakes (1400m) and Belmont Guineas (1600m).
Bustler, meanwhile, has not met expectations this campaign despite a strong trial and encouraging signs at home. He was unplaced in both the Belmont Sprint (1400m) and Hyperion Stakes (1600m).
Parnham believes the Pinjarra track may be part of the issue.
“He hit his front joint, right on the back of the sesamoid,” Parnham said.
“He’s done it twice in his life and both have been at Pinjarra.
“It’s not a soundness issue, he’s as sound as a bell.”
With Bustler headed for a break, September Born will miss the Raconteur Stakes, but Parnham may still have a contender in God’s Gate. The Playing God colt ran a gritty second last time out over 1300m at Pinjarra.
“He’s still learning a fair bit, but we’ve seen good talent from him,” Parnham said. “That’s the best I’ve seen him finish a race off.”
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