Relentless Voyager’s bid for spring glory has ended abruptly, with the import ruled out after scans revealed ligament damage.
The Australian Bloodstock stayer had firmed into $18 for both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup after storming home from last to win the Travis Harrison Cup at Moonee Valley on Saturday, lumping 61.5kg under Mark Zahra.
Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull was buoyant post-race, saying the Glorious Stakes placegetter was “just starting to show his true colours” and that “he is right up there with our better stayers,” with plans to target a Melbourne Cup berth via The Archer at Flemington next month.
However, Racing Victoria vets reported he pulled up lame shortly after the win, and further assessment confirmed a check ligament injury.
It’s a bitter blow for the well-travelled gelding, whose three-start autumn campaign has now been cut short before spring’s biggest prizes.
