Reigning Everest champion Giga Kick has been sensationally ruled out of the $20million Everest (1200m) having picked up an injury.
The Clayton Douglas-trained superstar has been forced to withdraw from upcoming events due to a torn gluteal muscle sustained during the highly discussed Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on September 9.
The injury will see Giga Kick miss the remainder of the Spring Carnival.
It had been revealed on Wednesday that the four-year-old horse would not be competing in the Premiere Stakes (1100m) at Randwick, which was meant to be a crucial lead-up race for The Everest.
This setback has also left renowned jockey James McDonald without a mount for The Everest, as he had previously been associated with both Nature Strip and Giga Kick, both of which are no longer contenders for the prestigious race.
Notably, Giga Kick, who was considered a strong contender and held the +350 favourite position with online bookmakers, will no longer be participating.
This leaves the Joe Pride-trained Think About It as the new frontrunner in the betting odds at +400 for The Everest.
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