Despite being passed fit by the vet, Skybird was ultimately withdrawn by Racing Victoria Stewards after sitting down in the gates prior to the Group 3 Cockram Stakes (1200m).
Steward in charge of Saturday’s meeting Corie Waller explained Skybird was fractious in the barriers after being loaded and became momentarily cast.
“The vet had a quick look and passed her fit, but based on the evidence looking at the film, which the vet wasn’t 100 per cent privy to, it was obvious that she shouldn’t take her place in the field based on the position she got herself in,” Waller said.
“What happens around at the gates is very quick and they (vets) don’t see 100 per cent of what has happened. They might be in a different position and might not have seen the incident.
“We have the inside steward, James Hitchcock looking at the film and he can relay through exactly what’s happened and watch it over a number of times to make a better assessment as to whether the horse should take its place in the field.”
