Emotional Darren Weir reveals enormity of Admire Deus life-threatening injury

Ben Dorries - Tuesday October 17

Darren Weir has opened up on the "gut-wrenching" emotional toll of the life-threatening injury sustained by the 2017 Caulfield and Melbourne Cup favoured Admire Deus, of which the trainer has rarely seen the likes of before.

Advertisement
Admire Deus was looking the part not long after arriving in Australia but is now facing a fight for life

In the moments before Tuesday night's Caulfield Cup barrier draw, the master Victorian trainer told how crucial the next 72 hours were in the Japanese galloper's fight for life.

And Weir told of the personal toll on himself and his staff who were there when the one-time Caulfield Cup favourite broke down during a Warrnambool gallop on Tuesday morning.

Weir and the vets who are trying to save the horse at Ballarat have rarely seen a leg injury like it.

"It was pretty gut-wrenching and me and my staff were pretty emotional," Weir said.

"The staff become pretty attached to these horses. One of them has lived with the horse for almost 24 hours a day in the last few weeks.

"It was very upsetting for all involved.

"He ruptured all the ligaments off the back of his joint in the leg, the ones that hold the joint up.

"It is a very unusual injury, when I got to the vet he said he hadn't seen one of these in a few years.

"The next 72 hours are very important for the horse."

Weir also revealed the circumstances which led to jockey Michael Dee being replaced by Craig Williams on Caulfield Cup contender Amelie's Star.

Williams had been due to ride Admire Deus until the import broke down.

"The circumstances were Mickey Dee was booked (for Amelie's Star) at 8pm last night and at 8am this morning the owner heard the (Admire Deus) news," Weir said.

"They don't have any problems with Mickey Dee, but Craig Williams had become available, it was before riders were declared."

Advertisment
More Reading...
Vale, Joe Yorke
The racing industry has lost one of its more colourful characters with the passing of Joe Yorke on Sunday.
New kids on the block add fresh blood to Vibrant Victorian breeding scene
With 11 new stallions standing in Victoria this coming breeding season, including the winners of three Group 1 races on their ‘home’ soil, the short and long-term future looks increasingly bright for the state’s vibrant industry. 
Alice Jeffries - Rising Star in Breeding Industry
Alice Jeffries didn’t always see a future for herself in the breeding industry, but a very special filly played a key role in getting her to where she is today, working as Cambridge Stud’s Assistant Yearling Manager, and receiving Entain’s Newcomer Excellence Award on Sunday.
Tenth 2YO Winner Spirit of Boom
Lindsay Park Racing produced the tenth 2YO winner of the season for Spirit of Boom at Pakenham on Monday when the well backed favourite Idleonby saluted at her second start.
Levakia Adds to Good Week for Curraghmore
Emerging filly Levakia has given Curraghmore further cause for celebration.
G1 3YOs - Where the Real Action Is
2YO racing might garner a lot of attention, but the reality is G1 races run for this age group are shining a light on a comparatively small slice of that foal crop, whereas 3YO racing is where the real action lies as the good horses from the season before have to step up or slide out of contention.
Istataba adds international flavour to National Online Breeding Stock Sale
Buyers can currently bid on 11 stakes-performed mares in the National Online Breeding Stock Sale on Gavelhouse Plus, including one that brings South American bloodlines and Singaporean racetrack performance.
Kiwi Innovator Recognized
Emma Thompson was stepping into the unknown when taking on the role as Programme Lead for the NZB Kiwi, and after executing an outstanding inaugural running in March, she was recognised at Entain’s Industry Excellence Awards.
Sires With Winners - Monday June 30
Here is the full list of 20 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
NZ Racing Woman of the Year
Caitlin O’Sullivan Doyle has been immersed in racing from a young age and she was recognised for her individual contribution to the industry at Entain’s Industry Excellence Awards on Sunday.