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All-Star Mile winner Mugatoo will be spelled after finishing down the track in last Saturday s $700,000 Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m).
Hugh Bowman eased Mugatoo ($6.50) out of the contest when he finished last, 49.5 lengths behind fellow British import and seven-length winner Zaaki ($2.25 favourite).
Mugatoo was found to be lame in his off foreleg by Racing Queensland vets and will require veterinary clearance prior to racing again.
Australian Bloodstock co-director Jamie Lovett confirmed that Mugatoo s first start in Queensland will be his final outing for this season. We ve just got to do a few more tests, Lovett said. A couple of little issues have come to light so we re just going to see how that all finishes up.
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Several of Australia s best weight-for-age horses are grounded weeks before the first running of the Q22 at Eagle Farm.
As Zaaki soared in his seven-length Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) victory on Saturday, the careers of his opposition were brought into sharp focus with at least two, possibly three, never to race again.
Melody Belle and Humidor were retired by connections pre-race, finishing fifth and seventh at their final start respectively.
The racing future of the sixth-placed Avilius is in doubt after Godolphin s two-time Group 1 winner bled in both nostrils, incurring the mandatory three-month ban from stewards.
Sir Dragonet and Mugatoo were the last two horses across the line in the Doomben Cup with Racing Queensland vets identifying aliments which may have explained their disappointing performance.