Melbourne Cup winner Without A Fight has suffered a tendon injury that has ruined autumn plans for Australia’s premier stayer.
A Freedman Racing statement said Without A Fight would need rehabilitation for a minor tendon strain but the stable is hopeful the import will return to the racetrack later next year.
“This development is disappointing for everyone involved in Freedman Racing and for his owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid al Maktoum,” co-trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman said in a statement.
“We will now turn our efforts to providing the best care available to ensure he makes a full recovery and returns to racing in 2024.”
Without A Fight became the 12th horse to complete Australia’s famed spring Cups double with a memorable victory over Soulcombe in the Melbourne Cup last month.
#Breaking: Without A Fight has won the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup.
— 10 News First Melbourne (@10NewsFirstMelb) November 7, 2023
Jockey Mark Zahra takes home his second consecutive Melbourne Cup, winning for trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman.
Watch the Melbourne Cup Carnival live from Flemington on 10 or 10play | @10SportAU @FlemingtonVRC… pic.twitter.com/CTkyC1oy4W
He defeated former barnmate, the English-trained stayer West Wind Blows, in the Caulfield Cup.
Left under the Freedmans’ care after coming out from the UK to contest the 2022 Melbourne Cup for Simon and Ed Crisford, Without A Fight’s spring heroics under jockey Mark Zahra capped a stunning rise in Australia.
During an abbreviated Brisbane winter carnival preparation, Without A Fight won twice to set the course for a history-making spring.
