The odds on favourite to take out Race 9 on 2016 Caulfield Cup day has been scratched after an incident in the barriers after Race 5.
Hellbent who was the $1.90 odds on favourite to win the Caulfield Sprint has been officially scratched due to a swollen off hind cannon.
Hellbent’s trainer Darren Weir didn’t hold back with his complaints about the preferential treatment the international horses receive saying that treatment was the reason his horse had to be scratched.
Weir’s staff were told to move Hellbent so that the international runners could have a bigger gap in their stalls which is what set him off and caused him to get his leg caught over the stall and subsequently scratched.
Weir explained Hellbent needs a space either side in stalls. Had it, but then was told by Racing Vic officials needed to be moved. @Racing
— Brent Zerafa (@brentzerafa) October 15, 2016
Darren Weir says special treatment for international horses at horse stalls led to Hellbent kicking out and being scratched. @Racing
— Brent Zerafa (@brentzerafa) October 15, 2016
Weir tells stewards his staff were told to move Hellbent to ensure bigger gap to international runners, and that is what set him off @Racing
— Brent Zerafa (@brentzerafa) October 15, 2016
Late Scratching: 15-10-2016 Caulfield R9 – No.5 Hellbent -vet 2.10pm, swollen off hind cannon
— RVStewards (@RVStewards) October 15, 2016