Big Jim Injured, Possibly Retired

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Published: August 25, 2011 11:59 am EDT

Trot Insider has learned that three-year-old pacer Big Jim is finished for the year and could be retired

from harness racing.

Owner Jim Carr reports that a recent bone scan detected injuries to both of Big Jim's rear ankles. The recommendation is for him to be shut down for 2011, and Carr won't fully know the extent of the injuries until early next week.

"The vets are amazed he even raced given the circumstances," Carr told Trot Insider. "They said the horse must have one hell of a heart."

Carr couldn't fully speculate on Big Jim's future since he doesn't know yet if the colt can completely recover. He understands the horse can be treated but he's unsure as to the possibility of future damage if he races at 4. If unable to race, Carr will stand Big Jim at stud.

Plans were even afoot to race Big Jim in the Inter Dominion as Harness Racing Australia CEO Andrew Kelly had informally invited 2010's Two-Year-Old Colt of the Year to race down under. Those plans have obviously been kiboshed in light of recent events.

Big Jim's career resume stands at 10 wins, 3 seconds and 4 thirds in 20 lifetime starts with over $1.5 million banked a mark of 1:49.1 taken at 2, making him the fastest freshman in harness racing history.

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