Ascot Gold Cup winner Big Orange has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, trainer Michael Bell announced Wednesday.
The fan-favourite stayer has sustained damage to his leg to such an extent he will be kept in reserve until next year.
Last year was an incredibly successful campaign for the now 7-year-old, as a win at Sandown in May preceded a tremendous Ascot Gold Cup victory.
This time around however, the Gredley-owned horse won’t be defending that crown.
Bell said:
It’s a body-blow for all concerned.
The horse is 100 per cent sound and giving off all the right signs. But he had a little bit of heat in his leg tonight and though he jogged up sound on a hard surface, there is a small hole in his off-fore suspensory.
The trainer was confident of a quick recovery, however:
It’s a blow as he’s our flag-bearer, but the horse is happy and healthy and the vet is cautiously optimistic that it should heal in time.
