THE abcess which has put Cigar's bid for the Santa Anita Handicap and the Dubai World Cup in jeopardy has been drained by trainer Bill Mott with the assistance of vet Jim Prendergast and stable staff.
After removing a shoe, trainer Bill Mott located the abcess in the inside quarter of Cigar's bruised right front foot. It was then opened and drained. Cigar was reported to be obviously much happier after the 30 minute procedure.
Mott had arranged for a farrier to be flown in from Hot Springs in Arkansas but when the flight was delayed by bad weather he decided to undertake the operation himself.
Should Cigar miss the Santa Anita Handicap he would forfeit the $2 million MGM Grand Classic Crown bonus, which goes to the horse who wins this race as well as the Hollywood Gold Cup and the Pacific Classic.
Cigar went through last season undefeated in 10 starts, culminating with a win in the Breeders' Cup Classic, and made an impressive return to action 13 days ago when defying top weight in the Grade One Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park.
