Lady Of Camelot (right) will miss Royal Ascot (Image: Getty Images)
A prominent Royal Ascot contender has sustained an unexpected injury while preparing for her final tune-up race.
Lady Of Camelot, trained in Australia by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, has amassed nearly £3 million ($4.1 million) in prize money as an elite sprinter, including winning the 2024 Golden Slipper.
Plans for her Royal Ascot appearance this year were revealed several months ago, with entries in both the King Charles III Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, where she was listed at 8-1 and 10-1 odds respectively. Meanwhile,Pat McAfee was forced to halt his show as he waited for an insider to break newson thePittsburgh Steelers.
Lady Of Camelot's connections had selected the Doomben 10,000 in Brisbane, Queensland on Saturday as her final outing before traveling to the UK. However, she was scratched from Saturday's race and Royal Ascot following what should have been a standard beach workout.
Local stewards announced: "Co-trainer A. Bott has advised that LADY OF CAMELOT sustained wounds to the near foreleg, caused by a stingray during a beach swim this morning. The Mare was treated by the stable veterinarian. Further updates to be provided."
A statement from owner Go Bloodstock Australia confirmed her withdrawal via Instagram.
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"The homebred filly was involved in a freak incident earlier today where she was stung by a stingray," it said. "She has been transported to a specialist veterinary hospital where she remains under close observation.
"While the immediate focus is on her recovery and well-being, the decision has been made to end her Brisbane Winter Carnival and international campaigns effective immediately."
A team spokesperson stated: "This is a deeply disappointing turn of events for the entire team. Lady Of Camelot is a horse of immense talent and heart. Our primary concern is her health and ensuring she receives the best possible care during this period."
Lady Of Camelot was among two Australian-trained sprinters with Royal Ascot entries to be withdrawn on Tuesday.
Chris Waller, who previously triumphed with Nature Strip, confirmed that Generosity would not be making the journey.
Waller is nonetheless expected to be represented by the exceptional Joliestar, while Bjorn Baker will mark his royal meeting debut with Overpass. Asfoora, trained by Henry Dwyer, the winner of the King Charles two years ago, is also in contention.