A leading contender for Royal Ascot has been ruled out after suffering a freak injury during a routine beach swim. Lady Of Camelot, a top Australian sprinter trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, was stung by a stingray on her near foreleg, forcing her withdrawal from both the Doomben 10,000 in Brisbane and the Royal meeting.
Freak Accident During Beach Training
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning while the mare was undergoing a routine swim as part of her training regimen. Local stewards reported that co-trainer Adrian Bott advised that Lady Of Camelot sustained wounds to her near foreleg caused by a stingray. The horse was immediately treated by the stable veterinarian and later transported to a specialist veterinary hospital for close observation.
Impact on Royal Ascot Plans
Lady Of Camelot, winner of the 2024 Golden Slipper and earner of nearly £3 million, was entered in both the King Charles III Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Royal Ascot, with odds of 8-1 and 10-1 respectively. Her connections had planned for the Doomben 10,000 in Queensland to be her final prep race before flying to the UK. However, the injury has ended both her Brisbane Winter Carnival and international campaigns.
Owner Go Bloodstock Australia confirmed the withdrawal in a statement on Instagram, emphasizing that the immediate focus is on her recovery and well-being. A team spokesperson expressed deep disappointment, noting that Lady Of Camelot is a horse of immense talent and heart, and that her health is the primary concern.
Other Australian Withdrawals
Lady Of Camelot is not the only Australian-trained sprinter to miss Royal Ascot. On Tuesday, Chris Waller, who previously won with Nature Strip, announced that Generosity would also not make the trip. However, Waller is still expected to be represented by the outstanding Joliestar, while Bjorn Baker will make his royal meeting debut with Overpass. Asfoora, trained by Henry Dwyer and winner of the King Charles two years ago, remains entered.
