Purdon charged as Escapee races with raw wound

CHAMPION trainer Mark Purdon has been charged over failing to notify stewards of a condition that might affect a horse’s performance after talented trotting filly Escapee ran yesterday with a big raw wound on her right rump at Cambridge.

The second favourite was vetted after galloping her way out of contention on the first bend of the Three-Year-Old Ruby and the rub, which measured at least 20cm, was detected.

Chief stipendiary steward Cameron George, who said video evidence confirmed the injury was there before the race, interviewed Purdon and later charged him under rule 305 (a), but a hearing was adjourned.

George said Purdon told him he did not reveal the condition, caused by rubbing the sulky shafts during the week, because he did not believe it would affected the filly. ‘‘And he still doesn’t think it did.’’ Escapee lost too much ground in the early gallop, and despite joining the field, she raced fiercely and finished 24 lengths from winner Cyclone U Bolt.

Purdon said he had fitted a gaiting strap yesterday to Escapee which had rubbed on the filly’s rump.

Stipendiary steward Nick Ydgren took the blood-stained strap as evidence for the inquiry .

Meanwhile, Roxburgh-trained mare Pembrook’s Delight stunned punters by downing hotpot Bettor Cover Lover in the opening race.

‘‘This is one for the small guy,’’ yelled trainer Geoff Knight after Pembrook’s Delight’s giant-killing win.

Cambridge racegoers could hardly believe their eyes when the unheralded Central Otago mare pounced from the trail to nail the $1.20 favourite just short of the post in a slick 1:55.45 for the mile. ‘‘I’m just blown away. We’re just small fish in a big pond and this is our first Jewels runner,’’ said Knight.