Gary misses Winter Derby date at Monmore
Belinda Green's consistent star sidelined with elbow issue and set to be rested
Winter Derby shares stage with Golden Jacket on gala night
GARY THE ARB misses the chance to go one better in Saturday’s final of the Ladbrokes Winter Derby after connections lost a race against time to get him ready for the £10,000 final.
The Belinda Green-trained star, one of the most popular trackers in training, deserves a Category One title after reaching the finals of many competitions - albeit did win a Category Two event on English Derby Final night at Towcester. He had been due to line up from the white jacket in the weekend’s showdown supporting the Ladbrokes Golden Jacket Final. However, trap three will now be vacant in the 480m decider.
Hove trainer Green explained: “Gary has soreness in his elbow and, while it has got progressively better as the week has gone on, ultimately we have run out of time for him to take his place in tomorrow’s race.
“I made the saddening call to owner Garry Smith this morning that he needed to be pulled out. Although we are both gutted by the situation, we are both in agreement that his welfare always has been, and always will be, our first priority.
“Gary will have all the treatment he requires and a well deserved rest now.”
Favourite for the Ladbrokes Winter Derby with the sponsors is Droopys Aladdin, a 7-4 chance. They then bet: 5-2 Bruce Bay, 3-1 Texas Jack, 9-2 Bouncing Monarch, 10-1 Toddys Wolf.
