Ramatuelle has been withdrawn from Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Mile after an unsatisfactory veterinary check.
Trained by Christopher Head in France, the three-year-old filly has been lightly campaigned this season, finishing third in both the mile Group 1 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Group 1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. She returned after a spell with an electric victory in the seven-furlong Group 1 Prix de la Foret on 'Arc' day at Longchamp and had been pleasing connections in trackwork at Del Mar.
In a statement on X, connections said: "We are deeply disappointed that Ramatuelle has been withdrawn from the Breeders' Cup, especially with the anticipation surrounding her as a leading contender in this prestigious event.
"She has been moving beautifully all week at Del Mar and is in peak physical condition, making today's outcome understandably frustrating for our team.
"We have immense respect for the Breeders' Cup's rigorous protocols and the dedicated veterinary team, whose responsibility to protect equine athletes is essential to our sport.
"Although Ramatuelle's PET Scan report stated 'no definitive major concern for breakdown was identified', it showed signs of bone remodelling. While this is common in three-year-olds, it prompted the decision to proceed with an abundance of caution and withdraw her from the race.
"As a Group 1-winning daughter of Justify, Ramatuelle remains nominated for the Fasig-Tipton November Sale, and we will take a day to carefully consider her next steps."
