KEY POINTS:
Dual New Zealand group one winner Jokers Wild's racing career is in the balance after x-rays yesterday confirmed a chipped bone in a fetlock.
Transtasman trainer Mike Moroney said Jokers Wild suffered the injury when he copped a sharp bump during Saturday's Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield before finishing 11 lengths last to Bon Hoffa.
The injury, to his right front fetlock, will sideline him until next year's Queensland winter carnival at the earliest, Moroney said last night.
A decision will now be made in consultation with the horse's New Zealand owners John Carter, Barbara Paterson and Gary Christini whether to undergo surgery in a bid to prolong his racing career, or to send him to stud next year.
"It's a pity because he could have gone to stud this spring but it's probably too late now," Moroney said. "We hoped to win another group one with him."
Moroney said his stable's veterinarian in New Zealand would also view the x-rays before a decision was made.
The stable targeted Saturday's race because it was seen as an ideal one for Jokers Wild to secure an Australian group one win.
But after drawing barrier 20 he was forced to race three wide near the pace before suffering the check.
Moroney said there had already been "a lot of interest" from studs on both sides of the Tasman.
Stablemate Eskimo Queen turned in a slashing run at Caulfield to claim outright Caulfield Cup favouritism.
- NZPA
