2011 Caulfield Cup winner Southern Speed has been ruled out of the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on Tuesday due to a damaged suspensory ligament.
The Southern Image mare made up good ground late in last weekend’s Cox Plate (2040m) but has been inconsistent during the Spring Racing Carnival.
Co-trainer Leon Macdonald announced the disappointing news this morning.
“The horse unfortunately did a suspensory in trackwork this morning. It’s a real shame,” Macdonald said.
Southern Speed is out of the 2012 Melbourne Cup. Photo by Taron Clarke
The five-year-old mare was considered an outsider in the Melbourne Cup with many experts questioning whether she could run a strong 3200 metres.
Southern Speed will be sent to the spelling paddock with no decision made on her racing future.
The withdrawal leaves leading jockey Nash Rawiller without a ride in the 2012 Melbourne Cup.
Ciaron Maher-trained Moudre moves into the top twenty-four in the Melbourne Cup order of entry, but will be replaced by the winner of the Lexus Stakes (2500m) today.
Final acceptances for the Melbourne Cup will be taken at 4.30pm today with the barrier draw being conducted at 6.30pm.
