Dual Group One winner Lizzie L’Amour has been scratched from the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.
The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained six-year-old pulled up a little sore on Thursday and her trainers opted not to take any chances with their grand mare.
“She galloped well on Thursday morning and just walked out of her box a little bit tenderly on Thursday afternoon,” Forsman said.
“We gave her a bit of a trot-up and we just weren’t quite happy. It’s more wear and tear than anything, from a lot of racing.
“Given the track is going to be pretty firm tomorrow we certainly didn’t think she owes us or her connections anything.
“It’s probably the right thing to put her out and I’d say she could potentially be retired, but we haven’t made that decision yet.”
The Zabeel mare has accrued a great record, winning seven of her 25 starts, including two at Group One level, and placing in a further eight.
Forsman said it was a shame that Lizzie L'Amour won’t get a chance to defend her title on Saturday after winning the 2018 running of the Herbie Dyke Stakes by 5-1/2 lengths.
“It’s a shame she couldn’t get her chance to win another one, but she has already won two Group Ones and placed in multiple Group races and she certainly doesn’t need to add anything to her CV,” he said.
“Being by Zabeel she has done all she needed to do.”
Forsman said a decision on Lizzie L’Amour’s future will likely be made next week.
