Tragedy and illness plagues Queensland Oaks

May 27, 2009

THE attrition rate for Saturday's Group One $400,000 Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm continues to climb with Jessicabeel withdrawn due to illness and boom Kiwi filly Revoke put down after a tragic trackwork accident yesterday.

Trainer Mike Moroney was devastated after Revoke fractured a hind leg when working on the course proper at Eagle Farm.

Her injuries were so severe veterinarians had no option but to order the filly be humanely destroyed. "She was a very promising filly who had shown us a lot of staying potential in New Zealand." Moroney said.

Jessicabeel's trainer John O'Shea revealed the filly was found to have an elevated temperature yesterday, leaving him with no option but to send her to the spelling paddock.

"She won't be able to run on Saturday," he said. "It's bad luck because we felt the filly was going to run a very well in the Oaks."

O'Shea said his Brisbane winter carnival team would be reduced to just Espurante, who runs in the Dane Ripper Stakes on Saturday.

The loss of Jessicabeel and Revoke from the Oaks comes after early favourite Miss Darcey was withdrawn on Sunday.

Moroney still has Prix Du Sang in the Queensland Oaks and is hopeful that filly can end a sad week with a Group One triumph.

Prix Du Sang's stablemate Mr Baritone will run in the QTC Cup on Saturday as preparation for his attempt to win consecutive Stradbroke Handicaps on June 6. Star filly Ortensia is using the QTC Cup to try to qualify for Stradbroke.