Royal Ascot horse suffers freak injury after stingray attack in sea

Lady Of Camelot, who is entered in the King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, was one of two Australian challengers to be ruled off the trip on Tuesday

A leading Royal Ascot challenger has suffered a freak injury during training for her final prep race.

Lady Of Camelot, trained in Australia by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, has earned nearly £3million as a top sprinter which included a victory in the 2024 Golden Slipper.

Plans to run at Royal Ascot this year were announced several months ago and she was entered in both the King Charles III Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes for which she was an 8-1 and 10-1 chance respectively. Connections had picked the Doomben 10,000 in Brisbane, Queensland on Saturday as her final start before flying to the UK.

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But she had to be ruled out of Saturday’s race and Royal Ascot after what was meant to be a routine exercise on the beach.

Local stewards announced: “Co-trainer A. Bott has advised that LADY OF CAMELOT sustained wounds to the near foreleg, caused by a stingray during a beach swim this morning. The Mare was treated by the stable veterinarian. Further updates to be provided.”

A statement from owner Go Bloodstock Australia confirmed her withdrawal in a statement on Instagram.

“The homebred filly was involved in a freak incident earlier today where she was stung by a stingray,” it said. “She has’ been transported to a specialist veterinary hospital where she remains under close observation.

“While the immediate focus is on her recovery and well-being, the decision has been made to end her Brisbane Winter Carnival and international campaigns effective immediately.”

A spokesperson for the team said: “This is a deeply disappointing turn of events for the entire team. Lady Of Camelot is a horse of immense talent and heart. Our primary concern is her health and ensuring she receives the best possible care during this period.”

Lady Of Camelot was one of two Australian-trained sprinters with Royal Ascot entries to be ruled out on Tuesday.

Chris Waller, victorious with Nature Strip, announced Generosity would not make the trip.

Waller is still set to be represented by the outstanding Joliestar while Bjorn Baker will make his royal meeting debut with Overpass. Asfoora, trained by Henry Dwyer, winner of the King Charles two years ago, is also entered.