The racing career of Group 1 galloper Top Ranked appears over after the striking grey was pulled-up with a leg issue when galloping at Moonee Valley.
Top Ranked headed to Moonee Valley on Tuesday as part of his preparation for the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) on October 22.
About 150m from completing his workout, Top Ranked went amiss with his rider quickly dismounting.
Australian Bloodstock’s Jamie Lovett said he was unsure of the exact nature of the injury but had fielded two phone calls from trainer Annabel Neasham, the second more positive than the first.
“Talking briefly with Annabel, most importantly the horse will be OK,” Lovett told RSN927.
“Initially the concerns were there, but they got him back to his box and the reports so far have been good.
“That’s a blessing and while it’s disappointing for Annabel and connections, the most important thing is he is OK, and the rider is OK.”
Four-time Cox Plate winning rider Hugh Bowman had been announced late last week as the rider for Top Ranked in the Cox Plate.
An Irish-bred import, Top Ranked had only raced in Australia on four occasions, winning the Group 3 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) before sharing the honours in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on October 1.
Neasham still holds a strong hand in the Cox Plate being represented by Zaaki and Mo’Unga.
