The Sean Tarry-trained Gimmethegreenlight colt Lucky Lad, who was unbeaten in his first four starts as a two-year-old including a Gr 3, a Gr 2 and a Gr 1, has had a minor procedure performed on him.

Asked how long he would be out for, Sean replied, “He will probably start trotting again this week.”

He predicted his reappearance would be “towards the end of the year.”

The Varsfontein Stud-bred colt looked to be s superstar in the making when passing the field as if they were standing still in the Gr 1 Gold Medallion over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville to win by 5,30 lengths.

That followed an easy 2,75 length win in the Gr 2 WSB SA Nursery over 1160m.

His final start of the season in the Gr 1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Champion Stakes over 1600m was intended to give Tarry a clue about the route he would take this season as it was his first run beyond sprints. However, not did he only have a wide draw to overcome but he was sandwiched early and generally endured a torrid trip throughout before being eased up and finishing last. That saw him missing out on the Equus Champion Two-year-old award, which went to the impressive Champion Stakes winner Sandringham Summit.

Lucky Lad, who runs in the familiar brown and white Beck family silks, was nevertheless thought to be one of the leading lights ahead of this season.

His interrupted program is therefore disappointing news, but hopefully he will come back firing on all cylinders.

• David Thistleton