Hukum landed Group One Coronation Cup at Epsom on Friday, beating defending champion Pyledriver; trainer Owen Burrows has confirmed to Sky Sports Racing Hukum has since suffered a 'serious but not career-ending' fracture to his right hind fetlock
Monday 6 June 2022 11:55, UK
Coronation Cup hero Hukum is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a "serious but not career-ending" fracture to his right hind fetlock.
The five-year-old picked up the injury during Friday's Group One success on the Downs and underwent surgery on Saturday morning after the trainer discovered his horse was lame.
Burrows has yet to rule out a return to the track for the Shadwell-owned son of Sea The Stars, but he may well have raced for the last time with the option available of bringing forward a retirement to stud.
Hukum's victory provided Burrows with his first Group One triumph and the trainer had mentioned a number of major follow-up targets, including the King George at Ascot and a potential shot at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Hukum, a full brother to Shadwell's unbeaten star Baaeed, has won nine of his 15 career starts including the Group Two Dubai City of Gold and four Group Three prizes between a mile-and-a-half and 14 furlongs.
Reflecting on Hukum's setback, Shadwell's racing manager Angus Gold said: "It's a shame as he'd just won his first Group One with a career-best.
"We haven't got as far as deciding if he will return to training as it's early days.
"From one point of view he just seemed to be hitting his best form so with that in mind you'd say yes, but at the same time he'll be a back-end five-year-old this year.
"We haven't had a chance to discuss that and won't make a rushed decision as he'll be in his box for a bit. We'll make a decision on that later in the year."
He added: "It's a real shame, sadly, especially for Owen as Friday was a huge result for him, but you've got to take the rough with the smooth."
