Injury has cost sparingly raced Kopi Luwak his place in the $1.3 million Kosciuszko.
Kopi Luwak was a slot runner for The Kosciuszko, a support race for country horses to the $13 million Everest at Randwick on Saturday week.
A promising but problem-plagued sprinter for Goulburn trainer Danny Williams, Kopi Luwak was found to have a tendon injury after completing a session of pace work on Thursday morning.
Williams said it was heartbreaking news for his stable.
“The horse always comes first and is comfortable,” Williams said via social media.
“He will remain at our stable for treatment until the leg is stabilised.”
Kopi Luwak’s withdrawal is the second time in less than 12 months the six-year-old has been scratched from a major race.
After winning a Country Championship qualifying heat on his home track in February, Kopi Luwak missed the $500,000 final because of feet issues.
Williams rated Kopi Luwak one of the better horses he has trained but the gelding’s career has been restricted to four starts for two wins and two placings.
Racing NSW stewards said the slot holder who picked Kopi Luwak had until 9am on Wednesday to select a replacement.
Williams will now rely on Don’t Give A Damn to represent his stable in the Kosciuszko with the six-time winner rated a $7 chance in the 12-horse field.
