Ouija Sidelined By Stress Fracture

Ouija Board will be sidelined until September at the earliest after sustaining a small stress fracture to her near-fore cannonbone at York last week.

The four-year-old filly lost a shoe when finishing a disappointing seventh behind Azamour in the Prince Of Wales´s Stakes at the Royal meeting and it was reported that she also had a quarter-crack problem.

However, Ouija Board appeared slightly lame after being reshod and subsequent X-rays and a bone scan have revealed a stress fracture.

Owner Lord Derby told the Racing Post: 'Luckily, (trainer) Ed Dunlop has some superb facilities at Gainsborough Stables, including a spa and swimming pool.

'These facilities, along with his wonderful staff, will help speed her recovery.

'We very much hope she will return to the racecourse later in the year but our first concern must be for our lovely filly.

'It is unlikely she will return to a racecourse before September and we will not hesitate to retire her if there is any doubt about her welfare.'

Ouija Board won both the English and Irish Oaks last season before going on to claim the Breeders´ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Lone Star Park.

? PA Sport