Reports of dual Inter Dominion winner Beautide’s retirement are premature.
But trainer-driver James Rattray said yet another setback would see the veteran miss all the big races early next year.
“It’s frustrating. His tendons are fine. It’s some bruising, but he’s got to have a couple of months back out again,” Rattray said.
“He’ll miss them all, even the Miracle Mile, but I’m hoping to have him back mid-year.”
That will mean Beautide will have been sidelined for more than a year.
His last run was second at Menangle on April 9, this year.
Adam Hamilton