Racing: Fracture ends NZ Cup dream for Alta Serena

Alta Serena's New Zealand Cup dream is over after she was diagnosed with a fractured pedal bone yesterday.

The outstanding mare, who finished second in the New Zealand and Auckland Cups last season, will be away from the track for at least three months.

That leaves the Auckland Cup in March as her only major target for the season, and possibly the rest of her career. Co-trainer Brian Hughes confirmed yesterday that the 7-year-old has a slight fracture to the outside of her pedal bone.

"It is not as bad as it could have been because it does not reach into the joint," said Hughes. "But an injury like this usually means three months away from all work.

"The good news is we can still swim her and if we can do that for a few months we at least have a shot at having her back for the Auckland Cup in March."

Alta Serena has been one of our most consistent open class pacers in the last two seasons, winning the Easter Cup last year as well as the Queen of Hearts and finishing close up in Elsu's Interdominion Final and last season's Victoria Cup.

The fact she has been able to win 21 races in her career is a great compliment to Hughes as she has been troubled by dodgy hooves her entire career.

"We are used to things going wrong for her and us overcoming them but this one won't be so easy.."

Alta Serena was the $8 third favourite for the NZ Cup before the withdrawal.