Xtravagant Australian Start Delayed

We know how many wonderful supporters Xtravagant has - the horse we know as Blake #sexonhooves.  We are always very grateful and humbled by your enthusiasm and passion for our handsome boy, stable-named after the intrepid adventurer the late Sir Peter Blake.

We have this afternoon contacted Xtravagant's owners to advise that he has had a minor hiccup -  it is not in any way a major set-back before you get too concerned!  On Saturday morning he galloped well at Flemington and returned to his stable a very happy horse.

Yesterday morning (Sunday) he left a little bit of feed and had a slightly elevated temperature.  He was immediately treated for this and by mid-afternoon, his temperature was back to normal.  Last night he cleaned up all of his feed and this morning our co-trainer Steve Autridge said he was back to normal - no temperature and back to his happy self.

The bottom line is that, with our veterinary team, we do not think it is in Blake's best interests for us to gallop him tomorrow morning.  Be assured that this is a disappointment - not a serious problem - just a frustration and an untimely one!  This is of course, as you know, what can happen with horses despite the very best care and attention - we all know that they are not machines.

We have decided that we will not run Blake this Saturday and run the risk of flattening him.  However there is a very suitable race the following Saturday (10 September) at Flemington. It is the Group 2 Bobby Lewis and we believe that he will be 100% to run in this.  He will remain on target - instead of having three weeks until his next race after his fresh up run, he will have a fortnight which should not have any significant impact at all.

We are looking forward to 10 September - we have a very valuable colt in Blake and we will always do the right thing for him and by him.