Golden Slipper winner’s racing future in doubt
Craig Kerry
2024 Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot’s racing future is in doubt after she was injured in a freak stingray attack off the coast of Brisbane.
The four-year-old filly, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, was stung in the leg on Tuesday morning as she prepared for this Saturday’s group 1 Doomben 10,000.
The stable reported the injury to Racing Queensland officials before the decision was made to remove him from racing and withdraw from a possible trip to England’s famous Royal Ascot carnival next month.
Owner Sir Owen Glenn’s Go Bloodstock Australia made the announcement on Instagram, saying Lady Of Camelot will withdraw from all upcoming races.
“He was transferred to a specialist veterinary hospital where he will be kept under close observation,” the statement said.
“While the immediate focus is on his recovery and welfare, the decision has been made to end the Brisbane Winter Carnival and international campaigns with immediate effect.
“This is an extremely disappointing incident for the whole 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 at this time.”
“A decision on his future will be made in due course. He remains a highly valued prospect given his elite background and group 1 success.”
A stingray attack on a racehorse is rare but not unique, as trainers often incorporate beach work into their training and recovery programs.
Too Good to Refuse was stung at the same beach, Nudgee, in 2016 but managed to race in the Hobartville Stakes that week, finishing second last before missing the remainder of the Sydney autumn carnival.
In March last year Plenty Of Ammo was stung on the leg while swimming at Lady Bay in Warrnambool and the injury delayed his return to racing.
Written Tycoon’s home daughter Lady Of Camelot earned $5.95 million from 14 starts, including two wins as well as five group 1 placings. After a one-year spell he finished fifth in the group 2 Victory Stakes at Eagle Farm on 2 May and needed to impress in the Doomben 10,000 to secure a trip to Royal Ascot.
Lady Of Camelot’s scratch earned a place in the race for the Peter Snowden-trained Beadman, who won the Gold Coast Guineas last Saturday. Another Randwick trainer Tom Charlton needs another scratch to get his exciting three-year-old Napoleon into the Doomben 10,000.
Also on Tuesday, it was confirmed that the Chris Waller-trained Generosity will not race at Royal Ascot.
The group 2 Challenge Stakes winner made the sixth final start of the group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphettville.
Riccardo Surace jnr, owner of Sydney-based B2B Thoroughbreds, confirmed the five-year-old filly will not race at Royal Ascot.
Joliestar, the group 1 winning mare trained by Waller, and Overpass, prepared by Bjorn Baker, are preparing to embark on this journey.
