Auckland Cup favourite Passchendaele has been scratched, with retirement a likely option.
On a day of high drama in Auckland Cup betting, she was one of three scratchings for the race.
The others were Six O’Clock News and Back in Black.
However, most of the focus was on Passchendaele.
The Montjeu mare had performed admirably at her last start at weight for age behind Red Ruler and Booming and was considered a Melbourne Cup hope if she measured up to expectations in the Auckland Cup.
However, a fetlock injury after trackwork this morning means that she will be unfit to race on Wednesday.
Passchendaele was also scratched from last year’s Auckland Cup when favourite.
Last year, she suffered a hairline fracture to her cannon bone in a hind leg.
Trainer John Sargent told of his devastation upon realising she wouldn’t be able to race in the Group 1 3200m event.
 “I can’t believe it,†Sargent told NZ Racing.
“Everything had been falling into place, her lead-up racing told us she was back to her best, and now this.”
 “I feel so sorry for everyone, her owners, the veterinary staff who had done such a wonderful job with her original injury and of course my own staff.”
Sargent was philosophical about the future of the mare.
“There’s nothing you can do apart from just cop it and console ourselves with the thought that at least she can be a broodmare.â€
The three scratchings have allowed all three emergencies - He’s Under The Gun, Payback and Mr Zatopek – to gain a run.
The new NZ TABÂ market without Passchendaele has the Frank Ritchie-trained Roi d’Jeu favourite at $4.50.
Ritchie’s son Shaune has the second favourite Showcause, who is currently at $4.80.
The Group 1 Auckland Cup (3200m) will be run at 3:52pm (ADST) on Wednesday.
Written by Andrew Hawkins
