Melbourne Cup Hopes Dashed for Crystal Black
Crystal Black, a leading contender for the prestigious Melbourne Cup, will not be making the journey to Australia this year after suffering a setback. The six-year-old, trained by Ger and Colin Keane, has been a force to be reckoned with this season, winning each of his four starts, including a triumphant victory in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.
Following his impressive Group 3 win in the Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown last month, Crystal Black was poised to make his mark on the Australian racing scene. His impressive form had even led to the Wear A Pink Ribbon syndicate planning their trip to Flemington for the Melbourne Cup.
Viral Infection Forces Crystal Black to Sit Out
However, the Keane team has confirmed that a recent viral infection has derailed Crystal Black's plans. The infection caused a drop in his blood results, leaving him short of his usual form and unable to compete at the level required for the Melbourne Cup.
Trainer Colin Keane, who has steered Crystal Black to victory this season, explained the decision:
“It’s nothing serious, but you have to go by him and he wouldn’t be ready for it (Melbourne Cup).”
Keane emphasized that pushing Crystal Black to run in the Melbourne Cup would be unfair to the horse.
“He got a viral infection and his bloods were very low and he wasn’t himself. You’d have to be pushing him to run in it, so it wouldn’t be the right thing to do and it wouldn’t be fair on the horse.”
A Winter Break and Plans for the Future
Crystal Black will now be given a well-deserved rest over the winter. The decision was made to prioritize the horse's health and well-being, allowing him to recover fully and prepare for a fresh start next year.
“It’s only a minor setback, so we’ll put him away for the winter and see where we go next year.”
While Crystal Black's absence from the Melbourne Cup this year is a disappointment for his fans, the focus is now on ensuring he gets the best possible care during his winter break. His team is confident that he will return stronger and ready to compete at the highest level in the future.
Crystal Black's Melbourne Cup Dream Postponed, Not Cancelled
The news of Crystal Black's withdrawal from the Melbourne Cup may come as a blow to his supporters, but it is a wise decision by his team.
Crystal Black's setback is a reminder that horse racing is a sport where unforeseen circumstances can impact the best-laid plans. While his Melbourne Cup dream has been postponed, it is not cancelled. With a good winter break, Crystal Black can return next season, ready to conquer the world of horse racing once more.
