HONG KONG'S champion galloper Makarpura Star is out of Saturday's L. K. S. MacKinnon Stakes in Australia after a morning scope yesterday discovered the horse was suffering from a viral complaint.
'He's only slightly viral, but it is too big a risk to run him when he is not right against Australia's best gallopers, so he is out,' said trainer John Moore.
Saturday's race was to be the Horse of the Year's second start in Melbourne following a first-up third in the Coongy Handicap last month.
However, he was set to meet some of the best gallopers in Australia in the race following the decision of connections of Danewin and Cox Plate winner Octagonal to run.
'It was becoming a highly competitive event, but it is disappointing to have to withdraw him from the race as he has been flying in his work and looks better than I have ever seen him,' said Moore.
Makarpura Star will be put on a plane on Monday and will return to the territory immediately to begin a three-week quarantine period.