Carte Diamond likely to miss Cup

Top English stayer Carte Diamond (USA) is almost certain to miss the Emirates Melbourne Cup after being involved in a freak accident while working at Flemington this morning.

The 5YO lost his jockey, South African Weichong Marwing, when a stirrup leather became detached from the saddle while he was working on the outside of the course proper at about the 600m mark.

Carte Diamond (USA) crashed through the running rail coming out of the 1200m shoot. A deep wound to his off hindquarters required stitching, as did cuts up under his stifle. Mahwing escaped serious injury but was being treated for bruising to his back.

Racing Victoria Limited veterinarian Paul O'Callaghan said Carte Diamond (USA) suffered some underlying damage which would heal up in the long run.

“Unfortunately in the short term his chances of competing in the Melbourne Cup are next to nothing,” O’Callaghan said.

Carte Diamond (USA)’s trainer Brian Ellison was devastated, having earlier declared the chestnut entire one of only three chances – the others being Makybe Diva (GB) and Vinnie Roe (IRE) – in the Melbourne Cup.

In the markets Carte Diamond (USA) was a $17 chance for the Melbourne Cup, in which he was to have been ridden by Australian jockey Brett Prebble. Racing Victoria Limited Director of Racing Operations Stephen Allanson said Ellison was undecided about short term plans for Carte Diamond (USA).

“All connections are obviously distraught and need time to assess the impact of the injury,” Allanson said.

There is some suggestion Carte Diamond (USA) might be recovered in time to run in the Shannons Sandown Classic on 12 November, although the most likely scenario is that he will be flown home to England.

Carte Diamond (USA) was unlucky to be beaten a length by England’s best handicap stayer, Sergeant Cecil, in the Ebor Handicap at York in August, and last start ran home strongly in the Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup after suffering severe interference during the race.