Dubai News of Animal Kingdom's tragic training injury, which has ruled him out of the upcoming Dubai World Cup (G1), has come as a ‘crushing blow' to his connections.
The four-year-old colt, who is by the unorthodox pairing of a Brazilian stallion and German dam, was bidding to become the ninth North American horse to win the $10 million race. But a cruel injury to his left hind leg put an end to the hopes of his trainer Graham Motion and owners Team Valor International.
"This is a crushing blow for our company and our partners as well as our trainer, who has done such a great job getting the horse back to this point," said Irwin, Team Valor's CEO. "If he comes out of this OK, hopefully we can run in the World Cup in 2013."
A winner of the 137th Kentucky Derby last season, Animal Kingdom reportedly picked up the injury during a five-furlong work out at Palm Meadows Training Centre in Florida where he clocked 1:04.80secs.
The next morning, Motion said the colt was discovered lame in his left hind, which had been the subject of surgery last year to repair a hairline fracture.
Horse show: Arabian championships
The stage is set for the $4 million (Dh14.69 million) Dubai International Arabian Horse Championships (DIAHC) which starts today at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The three-day event is essentially a beauty competition for Purebred Arabian horses, from the very young to the elderly statesmen of the Arabian equine world. Horses will compete in 12 qualifying classes, with the top two in each class advancing to the finals.
— Staff Report
