Promising sprinter Headwall has been sidelined for the remainder of the spring after suffering an injury that has dashed connections’ hopes of a shot at The Everest.
Trainer Matthew Smith confirmed on Monday that the talented four-year-old will require time off to recover, ruling him out of the $20 million sprint at Randwick as well as the broader Spring Carnival campaign.
“It’s disappointing for everyone involved,” Smith said. “He had come back in terrific order and we were looking forward to testing him at the top level. Unfortunately, these setbacks are part of racing and the horse’s welfare has to come first.”
Headwall had been among the horses under consideration for a slot in The Everest, with his sharp sprinting performances earlier in the year marking him as a rising force. His absence will open the door for another contender to secure a place in the world’s richest turf race.
Smith is optimistic that with the right rehabilitation, the gelding can return to racing later in the season.
“He’s still a young horse with plenty ahead of him,” he said. “We’ll give him the time he needs and look to have him back in the autumn.”
The Everest will be run at Randwick on October 18, with slot-holders now turning their attention to alternative sprinters to fill the remaining positions.
