System Of Play to Miss Guineas

Te Akau Racing regrets to advise that our exciting colt System Of Play, a leading contender for next Saturday's Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas, has been ruled out of the race following the discovery of a small bone chip in his right fore fetlock joint.

The injury was identified during a routine veterinary examination following his Thursday morning gallop, as part of the stable's established protocols ahead of major racing commitments and inter-Island travel.

Despite showing no obvious signs of lameness, swelling and sensitivity in the joint prompted immediate further investigation by Te Akau's veterinary team, led by Dr Ronan Costello. Subsequent x-rays confirmed the presence of a small bone chip requiring surgical removal.

System Of Play is scheduled to undergo surgery on Monday, with the procedure considered relatively straightforward.

Having impressed in winning his first two career starts, System Of Play had established himself as an exciting Guineas' prospect, making this an understandably disappointing development for his owners and the entire Te Akau team.  Encouragingly, his prognosis is favourable.

While missing such a significant race is naturally disappointing, System Of Play is a colt of considerable talent and potential, and his long-term wellbeing and racing future remain the absolute priority.

The team is optimistic that this will prove to be a temporary setback, with plenty to look forward to over the autumn and beyond. Every care will be taken to ensure System Of Play has the best possible opportunity to make a full recovery, and we look forward to welcoming him back into training in due course.