Fawkner Park, once considered a favourite for the Caulfield Cup, has been officially withdrawn from the Group 1 race set for next week. The decision was confirmed by Nathan Bennett, managing owner of Bennett Racing, with further veterinary checks scheduled for Friday to determine the horse’s spring plans.
Trainer Annabel Neasham provided an update on Fawkner Park’s condition, revealing that the horse had slightly pulled a muscle in his pectoral region during trackwork at Caulfield on Tuesday. “He had a slightly pulled muscle in his pec, which he can do as he’s always a horse that you have to keep on top of,” Neasham explained.
Fawkner Park’s odds for the Caulfield Cup had drifted after missing the key lead-up race, the Turnbull Stakes, earlier in the season. Despite the setback, Bennett Racing remains hopeful for a return later in the spring pending the results of the veterinary checks.