Darwin Cup hopeful sensationally scratched

HAVING to win the Metric Mile at Fannie Bay on Saturday to qualify for Monday’s Darwin Cup, the Adelaide-trained Abu Dhabi was sensationally scratched on its way to the barrier

HAVING to win the Metric Mile at Fannie Bay on Saturday to qualify for the $200,000 Carlton Mid Darwin Cup (2000m) on Monday, the Adelaide-trained Abu Dhabi was sensationally scratched on its way to the barrier.

The Lloyd Kennewell three-year-old gelding, who had finished second behind the Gary Clarke-trained Finke in the Darwin Guineas (1600m) and NT Derby (2000m) during the 2016 Cup Carnival, is believed to have been suffering from an injury on Saturday.

The Adelaide-trained Abu Dhabi was sensationally scratched on Saturday. Picture Roger Wyman

That injury was an abscess to the near hind heel.

It has also been alleged that Abu Dhabi, a $3.40 chance, was treated for its injury earlier in the day — which is not permitted on race day.

Thoroughbred Racing Northern Territory stewards were made aware of the injury as Abu Dhabi was heading to the gates for the Metric Mile.

Abu Dhabi was subsequently ordered to return to the Fannie Bay enclosure by chief steward David Hensler and was scratched.

After taking initial evidence from stable representative Gary Kennewell and Darwin Turf Club veterinarian Jamin Fairbrother, stewards adjourned the inquiry into the circumstances leading to the withdrawal of Abu Dhabi until Tuesday, July 26.

Connections were advised that a veterinary certificate of soundness must be presented for the gelding prior to racing again.

Considered a strong chance of winning the Metric Mile, Abu Dhabi had also finished second in its debut appearance at Fannie Bay behind the Carl Spry-trained Heart Of Red in a Class 4 event over 1300m on June 18.