Darren Weir has opened up on the "gut-wrenching" emotional toll of the life-threatening injury sustained by the 2017 Caulfield and Melbourne Cup favoured Admire Deus, of which the trainer has rarely seen the likes of before.
In the moments before Tuesday night's Caulfield Cup barrier draw, the master Victorian trainer told how crucial the next 72 hours were in the Japanese galloper's fight for life.
And Weir told of the personal toll on himself and his staff who were there when the one-time Caulfield Cup favourite broke down during a Warrnambool gallop on Tuesday morning.
Weir and the vets who are trying to save the horse at Ballarat have rarely seen a leg injury like it.
"It was pretty gut-wrenching and me and my staff were pretty emotional," Weir said.
"The staff become pretty attached to these horses. One of them has lived with the horse for almost 24 hours a day in the last few weeks.
"It was very upsetting for all involved.
"He ruptured all the ligaments off the back of his joint in the leg, the ones that hold the joint up.
"It is a very unusual injury, when I got to the vet he said he hadn't seen one of these in a few years.
"The next 72 hours are very important for the horse."
Weir also revealed the circumstances which led to jockey Michael Dee being replaced by Craig Williams on Caulfield Cup contender Amelie's Star.
Williams had been due to ride Admire Deus until the import broke down.
"The circumstances were Mickey Dee was booked (for Amelie's Star) at 8pm last night and at 8am this morning the owner heard the (Admire Deus) news," Weir said.
"They don't have any problems with Mickey Dee, but Craig Williams had become available, it was before riders were declared."
