The mystery surrounding the spring absence of 2018 Golden Slipper winner Estijaab has been solved with the Hawkes stable reporting the star filly was "gone in the throat" and had been operated on last week.
"We hadn't said anything, but she did go in the throat," co-trainer Wayne Hawkes admitted in an interview on Racing.com.
"She was perfect in the Golden Slipper and (we) brought her back in, then we just routinely scoped her and there it was.
"This could happen to any horse at any time.
"She had an operation last Thursday and everything is cool bananas, she's great, she's well, she'll miss the spring but you know, don't care, as long as we get her back in one piece."
Esitjaab (image Steve Hart) had trialled recently at Rosehill finishing fifth behind Performer when beaten two lengths and while the stable put on a brave face following the heat there were many trial watchers who felt she had been disappointing.
We now know why.
Estijaab was bought as a yearling by Emirates Park for $1.7 million at Inglis Easter and has won over $2.3 million on the track, so whatever happens in her future the daughter of Snitzel been an outstanding investment.
