Melbourne Cup fancy Loft withdrawn from race due to injury

Tom Naghten

Melbourne Cup fancy Loft withdrawn from race due to injury image

Loft, one of the highly fancied European raiders sent over for the Melbourne Cup, won't be running on Tuesday following a tendon issue.

Part-owner Ozzie Kheir confirmed the news to Racenet on Friday morning.

The Marcel Weiss-trained gelding was second favourite in the betting at around $6.50 when news came through of his withdrawal.

Star jockey James McDonald had been booked to ride the five-year-old which had won twice over two miles in its past three runs.

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Friday's news means the Kiwi hoop will be without a ride in the race which he won for the first time last year aboard Verry Elleegant.

Loft's withdrawal follows that of Caulfield Cup winner Durston on Thursday due to an injury in the left hind leg.

With Loft out, Deauville Legend has firmed and now sits at $3.80 with the TAB.

Another overseas visitor in Without A Fight is now second favourite at $8 ahead of Tuesday's race at Flemington.

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.