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Geelong Cup rocked by ‘sad news’ to race favourite

Geelong Cup rocked by ‘sad news’ to race favourite

There has been a sad postscript to the Geelong Cup with favourite Unusual Legacy unlikely to ever race again after suffering an injury during Wednesday’s 2400m handicap.

Fans and punters were shocked and disappointed when the Chris Waller-trained gelding suddenly pulled up and pulled out within the first 200 metres.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Onesmoothoperator wins dramatic Geelong Cup.

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“Now Unusual Legacy has gone to the outside of the field. It’s going to be pulled up …,” said the race caller.

“There is just something not not quite right … So it’s an absolute sensation here at the Geelong Cup.

“Unusual Legacy has pulled up out of the race and has broken down.”

The moment  jockey Joao Moreira pulls up Unusual Legacy.The moment  jockey Joao Moreira pulls up Unusual Legacy.
The moment jockey Joao Moreira pulls up Unusual Legacy. Credit: Racing.com

After the race, racing.com commentators called it “sad news” and it was revealed the horse was “highly unlikely” to ever race again.

Waller said in a statement that the five-year-old was OK but had suffered a “significant” tendon injury which would need “plenty of rest and rehabilitation”.

“But the main thing is that he is going to be OK,” the statement read..

“We would like to thank jockey Joao Moreira for easing the horse down as quickly as he could when he thought the horse was not 100 per cent.

“It is highly unlikely that he (Unusual Legacy) will race again but, first and foremost, he is going to have a good life regardless.”

Waller also thanked the vet assistants at Geelong and his own staff and the vet hospital for their “good care” of the injured horse.

Meanwhile, superstar jockey Craig Williams and international import Onesmoothoperator powered on to comfortably win the race.

With a stunning burst down the straight, Onesmoothoperator hit the line ahead of Interpretation and Muramasa to show it’s a legitimate Melbourne Cup contender.

The Brian Ellison-trained six-year-old is currently rated 33rd in the order of entry for the Melbourne Cup, but should get a weight penalty to place it into the Cup field.

“I’ve been here a few times and had a few bits of bad luck but this horse has been brilliant,” Ellison said.

“He came over, he put weight on the trip over.

“Mark Brown rides him every day and he’s been doing good times and I just said to Craig, ‘it’s not your normal stayer, he’s got loads of speed’.

“He’s always had a good turn of foot, and a great ride.

“I kept saying to the owner you have to go to Australia. The owner loves racing, the family loves it, and they all love racing.

“And I said, ‘You have to go to Australia for this time of year; it’s fantastic. This horse has got a good chance if we get in the Cup; it’s a good chance.”

Craig Williams celebrates his Geelong Cup victory on import Onesmoothoperator. Craig Williams celebrates his Geelong Cup victory on import Onesmoothoperator.
Craig Williams celebrates his Geelong Cup victory on import Onesmoothoperator. Credit: Getty Images

Williams said: “With his form, it was really hard for us to get a guide with him, but he showed some really good attributes in some of his races, and even his last time when he was beaten to seven lengths, it was still a great performance.

“I was really delighted to be on his back today in today’s race. More delighted after what unfolded over the 2400-metres.

“I think he’s well-placed for this year’s race, and that’s all you’re ever asking for.”

Onesmoothoperator’s Melbourne Cup odds were slashed after the race, shortening from $51 to $9 with several bookmakers.

“You’re looking for the best horse in that year, and he ticks good boxes,” Williams said.

“The fact that he stays really well. He’s been on a synthetic track, a very firm track today. He’s won on soft, and he runs over long distance, and today he’s like riding on cotton wool, the way he was.

“It worked out really well, and it was good to get an understanding of him going forward, which is great.

“But most importantly, he got the win, and it’s a great lead-up race, especially for international horses going to the Cup.”