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Elitlopp-o-rama: Peter Checks in Again from Sweden

May 22nd 2008

 5 comments

Hello and here is the latest blog entry from Peter Kleinhans, who on behalf of his fine trotter Enough Talk is offering us here at First Over exclusive reports from Sweden on the eve of the Elitlopp. Here is Peter's report:

"Today was an easy day for Enough Talk; he hung out in his outdoor paddock for most of the morning, walked and grazed some in the evening and relaxed.  The only thing I'm not happy about with him is his hind heels.  He's got a bit of irritation there, which is not a problem right now but I'm trying to make sure it doesn't get worse, since I can't really treat it the way I normally would.

"Horses sometimes have a tendency to develop cracks in their heels which often ooze or bleed slightly; sometimes this is a result of salts from the track, sometimes it is a result of minor, localized bacterial infections.  They are not harmful to the horse in general, but they can become painful if not treated.  My favorite treatment is an antibiotic salve called SSD; this combines silver nitrate, a great, soothing dryer-outer and calmer-downer, with an antibiotic.
 
"Unfortunately, I am not allowed to use anything with any kind of antibiotic in it within 96 hours of the race, and I am now inside this window.  I am working with my veterinarian, Brian MacNamara, and with local officials here to find a treatment that is both effective and that will not test positive or break any of the Elitlopp rules.  I have to make 100% sure that even a seemingly-innocuous remedy is within the specific boundaries of pre-race treatment for this race.  This is the kind of tightrope-walking that training often entails, and I want to make sure I handle it properly for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  As soon as the race is over, he'll be getting his SSD back and the problem will be resolved, but in the meantime the challenge is to keep his heels from flaring up and bothering him on Sunday.

Talk will be jogging tomorrow (Friday), and I'l give you more of an update tomorrow night, along with some thoughts from driver Luc Ouelette, who will be arriving in the morning."

Comments

HP said...

I was in Stockholm, like I have been over 20 times since 1982. I live close to Helsinki, so it is easy job, just 1 hour flight.

Unfortunately I did not have the possibility to talk with Mr.Kleinhans - it would be a pleasure to talk to him and find out something about his views about training, care taking etc. But, this kind of event as Elitloppet is, is not right place to that, because you have to concentrate all your time to the horse.
I think Enough Talk did a good job in both heats. In the final both Oiseau De Feux and Going Kronos changed lanes, unfortunately the leader, Oiseau De Feux did it later than Going Kronos, otherwise I think Enough Talk were second.

I want to thank Peter Kleinhans to take that risk and fly his diamond to Europe. It is always a pleasure to see American top horses here in Europe.
I was little bit disappointed to the audience, it was not the same Elitloppet this year, people were acting more lame. Normally they have been more loud, and really respecting good horses, nevertheless from which country they came from, but this year people did not so much as usual. I was thinking maybe there were now more next generation people than ever, we older people are giving place to younger ones who are not in this event with full heart.

If somebody knows the email address of Peter Klienhans, I would be very grateful to get it

I hope the journey back home will go well, and Enough Talk can continue racing on his own level.

posted at 10:51 AM on May 26th 2008

jerry woolsey said...

Just got the news that " Talk" finished third.
Way to go, big fella. They knew you were there and you did your best.
Now come on home.

You're coming home our hero!

posted at 2:23 PM on May 25th 2008

doug gillies said...

to me it seems amazing that overseas you cant even use some heel treatments, but in america some trainers will race on almost anything that will give them an edge ,even if they get a positive they take thier small punishment only to come back with more horses and are stronger than ever. In europe the horses are treated like sport legends here they are just commodities, thats why their sport is on the way up and ours is on the way down. good luck peter!

posted at 10:30 AM on May 23rd 2008

alan said...

Peter - Thanks for the reports and best of luck. What are the regulations regarding the use of SSD here?

posted at 11:46 PM on May 22nd 2008

jerry woolsey said...

Here in the land of Harness racing-DU QUOIN,IL, we are rooting for you guys.The big mile track and the 1700 acres are green and waiting for the best trotters in th world to come to us in August.

It was my honor to work for Bi Shivley and one of his best treatments for cracked heals was to use regular baby powder. It dried the area up and was always effestive. I am not sure if this will help but I sure hope so.
i got to see "Talks" dad-Enjoy Lavec win the World Trotting Derby. I thought he was great.

Again Good luck and God speed

posted at 10:10 PM on May 22nd 2008

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