Well Written’s spring campaign is over - New Zealand’s darling of the turf has spiked a temperature in Sydney, which has ruled her out of next week’s A$10 million Gr.1 Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick.
“Well Written has contracted a viral infection over the weekend, resulting in an elevated temperature,” trainer Stephen Marsh said in a statement.
“Working closely with the local veterinary team and in consultation with her regular veterinary team at Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre, Well Written has received treatment and is already showing good signs of improvement.
“While the infection is considered relatively minor, a decision has been made to withdraw Well Written from next Saturday's Group One Golden Eagle.
“The welfare of our horses will always be our highest priority. Given the timing of the infection and the limited time available for recovery, we cannot be confident that Well Written would be able to compete at 100 percent fitness.
“With that in mind, we believe withdrawing her is the right decision for her long-term health and wellbeing.
“Well Written will now return to New Zealand, where she will enjoy a spell before returning to the stable in preparation for a summer and autumn campaign.
“While it is disappointing to miss the Golden Eagle, Well Written's health and future racing career remain the priority. We can't wait to see her back at the races in the summer.”
Unbeaten in her six starts as a three-year-old, including the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and $4 million The NZB Kiwi (1500m), Well Written was crowned last season’s New Zealand Horse of the Year.
She resumed in similar fashion as a four-year-old, winning first-up last month in the Gr.1 Proisir Plate (1400m) at Ellerslie. She then crossed the Tasman where she finished sixth in the Gr.1 Epsom (1600m) at Randwick but was found to have suffered a case of the thumps after the race. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
