In a devastating blow for connections, Lost And Running has been scratched from the $15 million The Everest after he failed a race morning veterinary inspection with emergency Kementari elevated into the field.
Trainer John O’Shea reported to stewards on Friday that Lost And Running had developed a skin irritation on his off-hind fetlock joint and after undergoing a fitness test on Saturday morning, the horse was found to be lame.
“A vet inspection of Lost And Running this morning has found Lost And Running to be lame in the off hind leg and unsuitable to start in The Everest,” Racing NSW stewards said in a statement.
Lost And Running was to have represented the TAB slot in The Everest and they have opted to replace him with Godolphin warhorse Kementari, who will jump from barrier seven.
The scratching of Lost And Running, who had been a $6.50 second favourite, prompted bookmakers to tighten Nature Strip into $1.65 with every other runner at double-figure odds.
Kementari was a $41 chance after earning a spot in the Everest field.
