Racing: Viennetta's race career in danger

SYDNEY - The racing days of class New Zealand mare Viennetta could be over after she haemorrhaged in the Sofitel Stakes at Flemington, Melbourne.

Viennetta raced on the pace in the 1400m stakes' event on Saturday, but dropped away in the straight because of the bleeding attack, Manawatu trainer Peter Hurdle said.

"It seemed to happen just after she turned for home," Hurdle said yesterday.

"Jockey Scott Seamer said he thought she was going to challenge [leader and eventual winner] Caprizzi Strip and he felt something was amiss when he asked her to let down.

"She went from travelling to labouring, just like that."

Viennetta, who finished 10th in the race, received a mandatory three-month ban from racing because of the haemorrhage.

Hurdle said her owners were mulling over whether to spell her for the three months and aim her again at the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes at Te Aroha - the race in which she was controversially relegated from first to third this year - or send her to the broodmares' paddock.

"She has a tentative booking to [sire] Anabaa. My gut instinct is that she will go to the Hunter Valley [in New South Wales where Anabaa stands]. It's a blow."

- NZPA