By Michael Guerin
Richard Yuill felt sick as he watched Tycoon Lil's crippled knee being x-rayed yesterday.
Yuill, who trains the champion mare with Colin Jillings, was riding Tycoon Lil on Monday in what may be the last workout of her career.
The mare who dared to take on Aussie champion Might And Power in a thrilling spring war may have finally succumbed to a fracture in a tiny bone in the back of her knee.
"I was riding her myself and it was only quiet pacework, nothing out of the ordinary," said Yuill.
"But soon after she pulled up she started to nod and as she cooled down at home she got worse."
Vets advised Yuill and owner Peter Walker Tycoon Lil will have to be spelled for at least three months after fracturing an accessible carpal bone.
But the reality for her army of fans is much worse.
With nothing left to prove as a racemare, last season's Horse of the Year may now head to the broodmare's paddock.
"The decision is entirely up to Peter but the way he was talking today I wouldn't be surprised if she was retired," said Yuill last night.
"She will have to be in the paddock for three months as it is and you have to wonder whether it is worth bringing her back.
"She has been such a great horse she is already an incredible broodmare prospect. Another big win or two would hardly matter to her broodmare career."
For Yuill yesterday's x-ray results were bitter sweet.
"It was amazing because while she has the small fracture her knees are actually perfect, there are no signs of wear and tear.
"I suppose that is because she has such a wonderful galloping action she doesn't take anything out of herself but it is a great shame to think something this small, suffered while she was paceworking, could end her career.
"Still, one of the first things Peter said was that he would do what every was in the mare's best interests.
"It was amazing how well he took the news, and Colin (Jillings) was the same.
"Colin is away in Taupo but he said it is just one of those things that happens in racing and that it isn't the first time we have had this happen and won't be the last."
Tycoon Lil had been back in work for just 10 days, aiming at the Doomben Classic during the Queensland winter carnival.
While the injury has definitely ended those plans, a Melbourne spring campaign is a realistic option if Walker chooses to try her on the racetrack again.
That decision will not have to be made for at least three months but two names must loom large in Walker's mind - Zabeel and Danehill.
Tycoon Lil is by Last Tycoon so can visit either of Australasia's champion stallions should Walker choose to turn her into a mummy next breeding season.
Which could make for some pretty valuable foals from a mare who won the Oaks, 1000 Guineas and Sir Tristram Classic in New Zealand last season before her breathtaking Canterbury Guineas win in Sydney.
While Tycoon Lil found wins harder to come by this season, she did beat Might And Power in Sydney before a gutsy third to the champ in the record-run Cox Plate.
Horse Racing: Champ's career in balance
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