Shortly after the Rosehill acceptances this morning a scare charged through the camp of Kiwi trainer Jamie Richards.
His New Zealand champion MELODY BELLE (Commands-Meleka Belle) came out in a rash.
Now, this doesn’t stop them performing but stewards can scratch a horse based on the ugly appearance a rash provides.
Melody Belle, the winner of $3, 394,000 in prizemoney thus far, is set to resume in the Gr 2 Missile Stakes over 1200m. Providing the vets later in the week allow her to.
The race is worth $200,000.
Trainer Richards, annoyed by yet another bad barrier, just had to accept the fact coming from the 11 gate means she will have to drop out to find cover early.
That he can overcome with riding tactics.
He can’t however, overcome the stewards if the vets say the appearance of the mystery rash which is all over her chest, is still there tomorrow morning.
Richards has advised stewards of the rash and that he is treating it. He made assurances that the rash has in way effected her training of late and he is very happy with her.
Stewards are expected to make a ruling on her eligibility to race, Thursday morning.