Hoof problems derail Duchess Maria's northern campaign

By Michael Guerin

The autumn campaign of last season’s champion juvenile trotter Duchess Maria is over before it began.

Trainer Nathan Williamson has confirmed to HRNZ the unbeaten three-year-old filly will head to the paddock for a spell rather than flying to Auckland for the Sires’ Stakes and Northern Trotting Derby.

“We have been having hoof issues with her and we won’t be able to get on top of them in time to get her to Auckland,” says Williamson.

“So she is going for a spell, probably at least eight weeks.”

Duchess Maria was the early fixed odds favourite for both her major assignments at Alexandra Park on May 1 and May 8 but has been replaced at the head of those markets by Our Col. He is unbeaten in three starts for trainer-driver Tony Herlihy.