Bapak Chinta is a surprise absentee from Friday’s Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York.
Kevin Ryan’s unbeaten Norfolk Stakes winner was towards the top of the betting for the prestigious Group One contest but will not line up on the Knavesmire after suffering a late setback.
“He was just doing a very light exercise this morning and, as he was cantering, he’s struck into himself and given himself a nasty cut on the inside of his hock,” Ryan said.
“It’s nothing serious and the horse is sound, but it wouldn’t be fair on the horse, the owner or the punters to run him.
“In all probability in three or four days he’ll be perfect, but you can’t go into a race of this calibre with any doubts at all.
“It’s very frustrating as all his serious work was done and it was only a very light exercise. Phillip (Makin) came in to ride him and we actually didn’t notice anything had happened during the work, it was only when we were washing him off.
“The owner has been an absolute gentleman about it and said if we had any doubts we shouldn’t run.
“I’m not sure where we’ll go now. We’ll have to regroup as this has been the plan since Royal Ascot.”
PA AAP TURF