Zipping Willow will endure a spell on the sidelines before being aimed for a potentially glorious end to her superb racing career.
The queen of Wentworth Park sprinting over the last 18 months, who has 34 victories from 52 races, was injured at the start of the Group 2 Woy Woy Poultry Supplies Gosford Cup last Friday night.
She will now be rested for at least four weeks before returning with a couple of hitouts ahead of a planned crack at the Group 1 Macro Meats Golden Easter Egg (520m) in March.
Trainer Jason MACKAY, who has enjoyed a memorable partnership with the chaser, said that Zipping Willow would be retired after that series, “win, lose or draw”.
“You’ve got to understand this is the fourth or fifth injury she’s had,” MACKAY said. “I don’t want to put her through that anymore.
“She will get a couple more races and hopefully have a go at the Easter Egg, but then that’s enough.”
The two-time Group winner, who has secured almost $200,000 in prizemoney, was a red-hot $1.70 favourite to claim the Gosford Cup after drawing box one.
She injured a couple of toes while attempting to ping the lids, though, and eventually came home fifth.
MACKAY said Zipping Willow will likely be out for between four-six weeks and then have “a couple of runs” prior to the Easter Egg heats.
“We’ll just work on the injuries now and see what happens,” the trainer said.
“If she gets back to her best then we’ll have a go at the heats of the Easter Egg, but win, lose or draw there that’s it for her.”
The super sprinter has 20 Wentworth Park wins to her name but has not enjoyed the best of luck before big races.
She was withdrawn from the Group 2 Black Top decider at Unibet Gardens last August after suffering a pre-race shoulder injury.
A planned assault on the 2014 Melbourne Cup was also cancelled after she was hampered by injury and illness in the lead-up to the race.
MACKAY said it would be an emotional few weeks preparing to say goodbye to the chaser.
“She’s basically a little baby to my kids,” he said. “My four-year-old daughter is attached to her and my middle daughter loves her.
“Saying goodbye will be the hard part (but) she will go back to the owners and they will reap the rewards.”
This year’s Macro Meats Golden Easter Egg starts with heats on March 21, with the semis a week later.
The $250,000-to-the-winner final takes place on Saturday, April 4.
