Star sprinter Hay List is still struggling to overcome the severe leg infection which saw him scratched from the Doomben 10,000, and ultimately ended his Brisbane winter campaign.

Trainer John McNair made the decision to send the gelding back to his property at Somersby on the New South Wales central coast after the horse failed to respond to treatment.

“He wasn’t really improving in Brisbane so we decided it was better to get home where he is more comfortable.” McNair said.

“He actually went backwards last Saturday and Sunday and I was pretty worried for a couple of days.”

This latest setback continues a devastating run of bad luck for Hay List, who was struck down with colic last month because of antibiotics given to him to treat the same foot infection that is still causing him problems.

The colic has been dealt with but his foot infection is proving harder to shake.

“The odd thing is his temperature is very good, the horse is drinking and eating normally and his blood picture is fine but his leg is still swollen and not improving to any degree.” McNair said.

McNair also added that it was unlikely that Hay List would be seen until the late spring.

John McNair may have had his Stradbroke dreams crushed by a leg infection to Hay List, but he still has a chance to win a feature race this weekend when Royal Discretion lines up in the June Stakes.

Hay List ran in the June Stakes last year and finished second behind Love Conquers All.

“The June Stakes is the race Hay List had his first run for me last year and ran second. Since that race we have won $1.5 million with Hay List despite all his bad luck – imagine what will happen when we get some luck.” McNair said.

Hay List has had problems with his feet since he was juvenile. Connections of the horse decided to move him away from Perth as a youngster in an effort to avoid rock hard tracks.

South of the Ocean, who is a half-brother to Hay List will make his racing debut at Gosford tomorrow.