Pitman on the mend
WELLINGTON: Early indications are positive for Riccarton trainer Michael Pitman, who underwent surgery for bowel cancer on Monday.
The 63yearold, who trains in partnership with son Matthew, prepared Savvy Coup to win Saturday’s group 1 Livamol Classic.
The daughter of Savabeel will now head to Melbourne for a clash with Winx in the Cox Plate on October 27 and Pitman is hoping to recover in time to be trackside.
‘‘We were anxiously waiting yesterday,’’ Matthew Pitman said.
‘‘He was meant to be in theatre for five hours and he ended up being in there for about seven and ahalf, but other than taking a bit longer than anticipated, it went pretty well from what the surgeon told us.
‘‘I’ve spoken to Dad this morning and Mum has been in to see him. ‘‘He’s well and he has got his phone back, so he is sitting there in hospital watching races. He’s a bit drowsy and a bit sore, but all went well.’’
Savvy Coup will travel to Melbourne on the October 17 to give the dual group 1 winner 10 days to prepare for her toughest assignment to date.
Meanwhile, the win of Son Of Maher at Riccarton yesterday would no doubt have provided the perfect tonic for Pitman senior.
The 6yrold gelding showed he was on track to defend his title in the group 2 Coupland’s Mile on November 11 with a gritty victory in the Coupland’s Mile Prelude over 1400m.
‘‘We were really happy with where he was at and it was an exceptional ride from Tina [jockey Comignaghi].
‘‘It will be a lovely boost for Dad.’’