Imperial Hint back to his old self back home at Parx
After a month’s journey to Dubai in search of riches, Imperial Hint is back in his Parx stall, and if not wealthier, at least he has his health.
Imperial Hint became sick after shipping to Dubai and missed his intended race, the $2 million Golden Shaheen. The illness developed into pneumonia, and when the other North American horses headed home, Imperial Hint had to stay behind and recuperate. His trainer, Luis Carvajal Jr., remained in Dubai with him.
“Meydan is a beautiful facility,” Carvajal said. “Everything is top notch and he would have been taken good care of, but I couldn’t get myself to leave him.”
Carvajal finally returned to the States April 11. Imperial Hint flew from Dubai to Amsterdam on April 13, and then on to New York. He was released from quarantine April 17.
While Carvajal was glad to return to his family and see his other horses and clients, Imperial Hint was equally happy to be back, according to Carvajal.
“As soon as he went in his stall, he rolled and then got up and started bucking,” he said. “He knew he was back home.”
Imperial Hint has won four of his last five starts, including the Grade 3 General George at Laurel Park. Carvajal said he is pleased with Imperial Hint’s condition and expects him to be ready to race by mid- to late June.
“I was going to give him two weeks off when we got back but I couldn’t,” Carvajal said. “After I walked him for two days, I had to do something with him. So we’ve been jogging. He will be back in regular training soon. I always take my time with my horses. I will give him the whole month of May to train.”
Carvajal is philosophical about his Dubai trip.
“He went to Dubai for a month of rest,” Carvajal said of Imperial Hint. “We lost a little time, lost a little money. But everything happens for a reason. The horse is good, and that’s the main thing. Positive things might still come out of this trip. I met some very nice people when I was over there.”