THE British challenge in the Arc is down to Enable and Stradivarius after Telecaster was ruled out.
Hughie Morrison’s star had been popular in the antepost markets after the rain fell, but his trainer reported him worst for wear on Tuesday morning.
Connections weren’t prepared to send the four-year-old to France not in full fitness and now have an eye on the Champion Stakes at Ascot.
Mark Weinfeld, of owners Castle Down Stud, said: “It’s a real shame, but this is what can happen with horses – he’s just wasn’t 100 per cent sound this morning.
“We’re absolutely gutted. It’s nothing too serious, but it’s just sod’s law.
“He’s in the Champion Stakes at Ascot – and as I haven’t heard what the vet has said, I’m not sure if he’ll make that or not. We just need to know what the problem is.
“It would be nice if he made Ascot, because that is likely to be soft ground too. It’s rather deflated the week, though.”
Looking further ahead, Weinfeld added: “I think he’ll probably stay in training next year.
“I was hoping we’d have had a good offer from a stud by now – but nothing has come yet, so we could continue next year and hope for a wet year.
“We’re all very disappointed. But the horse is in one piece, and we live to fight another day.”
