A top contender for the Royal Ascot has encountered an unexpected injury while preparing for her upcoming race. Lady Of Camelot, trained in Australia by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, has an impressive track record, having amassed nearly £3 million in winnings, including a notable victory in the 2024 Golden Slipper.
The decision to compete at Royal Ascot was made months ago, with Lady Of Camelot slated to participate in the King Charles III Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, where her odds were 8-1 and 10-1, respectively. However, a routine training session on the beach took an unfortunate turn, leading to her withdrawal from the Doomben 10,000 race in Brisbane and the subsequent Royal Ascot event.
Following the incident, it was revealed that Lady Of Camelot sustained injuries to her near foreleg after encountering a stingray during a swim. The mare received immediate treatment from the stable veterinarian, with updates on her condition to follow.
A statement from owner Go Bloodstock Australia confirmed the incident on Instagram, stating that the filly was stung by a stingray and is under observation at a specialized veterinary hospital. As a result, her participation in the Brisbane Winter Carnival and international campaigns has been canceled.
Expressing disappointment over the turn of events, a team spokesperson emphasized their focus on Lady Of Camelot’s health and well-being during her recovery. In a separate development, another Australian-trained sprinter, Generosity, was also ruled out from attending Royal Ascot alongside Lady Of Camelot.
Despite these setbacks, trainers like Chris Waller and Bjorn Baker are still gearing up for the prestigious event, with notable entries like Joliestar and Overpass set to represent their stables. The absence of Lady Of Camelot has left a void in the lineup, highlighting the unpredictable nature of horse racing.