Inglis is on the lookout for a new horse to fill its Everest slot after original selection Skybird was withdrawn due to injury.
The Lightning Stakes winner had been in doubt since pulling up lame from her unplaced effort in the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley last week and trainer Mitch Freedman told Inglis on Wednesday that she wouldn’t recover in time to take her place.
“Trainer @Freedmanmitch today advised that Skybird will not be ready in time to contest The Everest this year as a result of the setback sustained in the Manikato Stakes,” Inglis reported on social media platform x.com.
“While it is disappointing not to have Skybird represent Inglis in the race, the decision has been made in the best interests of the mare.
“Inglis will now reassess plans for our slot.”
It isn’t the first time Inglis has had to search for an Everest replacement.
In 2022 they lost their initial selection Snapdancer due to a hoof issue, picking up Private Eye, who went on to finish second to Giga Kick.
With Inglis back on the hunt for an Everest contender, four slots now need to be filled with Godolphin, Mulberry Racing and Coolmore yet to announce their representatives in the $20 million, October 18 feature.
