Mornington trainer John McArdle is facing significant challenges with two of his promising fillies due to unexpected health setbacks and performance issues. A month after celebrating a Group 1 victory with his sprinter My Gladiola in the Moir Stakes, McArdle is now uncertain whether her half-sister Bella Lavita will ever make it to the racetrack.
Bella Lavita had demonstrated potential both during training sessions and jumpouts, indicating promising racing ability. However, her progress has been severely hampered by serious health problems related to colic. McArdle explained that the filly suffered a gut complication in which her intestines looped over each other, requiring surgical intervention. Although the initial surgery appeared successful, Bella Lavita experienced a recurrence of colic, necessitating a second operation.
During one of these procedures, veterinarians removed approximately three meters of intestine—an extent that may sound significant but is relatively manageable considering the total length of a horse's gut. Despite showing signs of recovery and nearing a return home, Bella Lavita’s condition deteriorated again when her gut "kinked" near the surgical site, prompting a third surgery.
Currently, McArdle reports that Bella Lavita is recuperating well but acknowledges that her future in racing remains uncertain given the severity and recurrence of her condition. He noted that she might be able to return home soon but emphasized the lengthy and difficult recovery process ahead. “Whether she will be a racehorse now, who knows? It’s a long recovery,” he said.
Meanwhile, My Gladiola is preparing for her upcoming race in the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint, scheduled for the Saturday following next weekend. The mare recently competed in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes at Caulfield, where she failed to place behind the winner, Jimmysstar. McArdle attributed her underperformance to being in season for the first time during a race, which he believes affected her competitiveness.
Reflecting on My Gladiola’s future racing plans, McArdle indicated that the Manikato Stakes run clarified some limitations in her career. He stated that while she will continue racing, she is unlikely to run over distances of 1200 meters again.
Both fillies’ situations underscore the unpredictable nature of horse racing, where health issues and physical conditions can drastically alter promising careers, regardless of early success or talent displayed. As Bella Lavita focuses on recovery and My Gladiola prepares for her next step, McArdle and her connections face an uncertain period ahead.