STRADIVARIUS has been forced OUT of his emotional York farewell after picking up an injury – leaving punters devastated.
York racecourse had asked fans going to the track on Friday to dress in the horse’s famous black and yellow silks.
Stradivarius will miss his York farewell after picking up a bruised foot
But the star of the show will miss the Lonsdale Cup – for which he was big favourite – after he was found to have a bruised foot.
This is the first time ever the eight-year-old has missed a race through injury.
Frankie Dettori, who has ridden Strad on all six of his wins at York, had been replaced in the saddle by Andrea Atzeni.
Trainer John Gosden said: “We did a routine check at 5am and found he had heat in his foot. We didn’t mess about and spoke to the owner and took him out sharpish before the box left at 5.30.
“It’s unfortunate but he’s never missed a dance in his life.”
One gutted fan said: “Such a shame. He would’ve ran a cracker too.”
Stradivarius’ omission raises huge questions about whether old foe Trueshan will now run.
The going at York is officially good, good to firm in places and the track had no rain overnight.
Alan King has previously pulled his star stayer on comparable ground because he loves it when it is soft.
Should King pull Trueshan then the Group 2 worth £140,000 to the winner will be down to just six runners.
And in that event Ascot Stakes winner Coltrane would be vaulted into heavy favouritism from a previous price of 6-2.
He was slashed down to 7-2 after Stradviarius was scratched, with Trueshan the 10-11 fav at the time of writing.
Quickthorn 8-1, Tashkan 17-2, Reshoun 25-1, Mostly Cloudy 28-1 and Nate The Great 33-1 complete the weakened line-up.
More to follow.
