CHAMPION gelding Tyson has been scratched from his preparatory sprint over 1400m at the Vaal on 10 March, but trainer Stuart Pettigrew told mikedekockracing.com that there was no reason for concern. 

Tyson has not raced since finishing fourth in January’s J&B Met, and Pettigrew said: “Tyson developed urticaria this week – this is an allergic reaction affecting his skin, and he was treated by a veterinarian. He is 100% fine, but we cannot race him because of the medication he was given.’’ 

Stuart Pettigrew with Tyson.

Pettigrew described this as a very minor setback in Tyson’s preparatory programme, and said last year’s Gommagomma Summer Cup winner would go into the Colorado King Stakes on 19 March without an official prep run. 

He commented: “I am not concerned. We’ll get him fit at home and he’ll be fine for the Colorado King Stakes. He is very well.’’ 

Tyson will also be aimed at the Horse Chestnut 1600 and the Skeaping Trophy over 2000m in April. 

Pettigrew added that he and Tyson’s connections were considering several options for Tyson to race overseas later this year.