In a significant blow to Chris Waller's autumn campaign, the esteemed Group 1-winning mare, Fangirl, has been sidelined due to a leg injury.
Fangirl, hailed as one of Australia's premier equine talents currently in training, was slated to grace the turf in the upcoming Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) on March 23, followed by a highly anticipated appearance in the pinnacle event, the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on April 13, marking the climax of The Championships.
With Fangirl positioned as the frontrunner in the betting markets for both prestigious Group 1 contests, her absence reverberates throughout the racing community.
Chris Waller took to X/Twitter to convey the unfortunate news.
“Fortunately, it is only a cut, not a fracture or tendon or anything like that.
“The Ingham family has been informed and have been fantastic and understanding.
“This certainly makes my job, and my staff's jobs, a lot easier knowing we have owners who understand horses and livestock and the problems that can occur.”