EXCLUSIVE
The reigning Melbourne Cup winner and his stablemates are in lockdown after a number of horses recorded elevated temperatures.
Last year’s Cup winner Knight’s Choice was scratched from the Group 1 Underwood Stakes on Friday with a veterinarian certificate.
Betsy has been told of concerns surrounding a possible virus throughout a number of John Symons and Sheila Laxon’s horses currently based at Macedon Lodge.
Now resident Macedon Lodge trainer Liam Howley has also been told to not move his horses from the property.
The virus puts the spring campaign of the reigning Cup champion at risk.
Racing Victoria expects results from blood tests taken from the affected horses within days.
“The John Symons and Sheila Laxon stable advised the stewards on Friday that several horses in their care, including Knight’s Choice, had presented with elevated temperatures,” Racing Victoria told Betsy.
“Samples have been taken from the horses for testing and, as a precautionary measure, stewards have advised the stable, and fellow resident trainer Liam Howley, not to move horses from the property until those test results are known in the coming days.”
Laxon was contacted for comment.
