Brisbane racegoers will not get another chance to see Hay List in flesh during the winter carnival after trainer John McNair announced he will be taking the horse back to NSW.

Hay List was an odds on favourite for the Doomben 10,000, however he was scratched the day before the race because of a hoof abscess.

Then in a twist of bad luck, the treatment the horse was receiving for the abscess ended up bringing on a bout of colic in the horse.

“He was given heavy duty antibiotics to treat the leg infection and it seems one of those may have caused the colic.

“We’re coming home as soon as he is back to normal,” said McNair.

McNair said that it was lucky that they picked up on the colic quickly as it is a condition that can prove fatal in some horses.

He also confirmed that his dual Group One winner would have a long spell to give him the best chance of overcoming nagging foot injuries. Due to his impressive size, Hay List has had problems with his feet since he was a juvenile.

“He will be out for eight to ten weeks which rules out a defence of the Manikato. And if the black curse (Black Caviar) goes there we’re up against it again as Moonee Valley would suit her,” said McNair.

McNair also hinted that he would rather keep the horse in Sydney than go to Melbourne for a gruelling Spring campaign.

“The Patinack Farm later in the Spring is a consideration but I’d rather stay in Sydney. Hopefully Racing NSW wins the court case and we get extra money and can stay home,” McNair said.

“We could have a 1400m race with Hay List and More Joyous, that would bring people to the races,” continued McNair.

Hay List has tasted Group 1 success in the All Aged and Manikato Stakes, and has been placed second behind Black Caviar in another three Group 1 events.