In a major blow to the Stradbroke Handicap field, Gary Portelli’s star mare Kimochi has been withdrawn on the eve of the $3 million Group 1 at Eagle Farm.
Kimochi sustained a tendon injury after a light workout on Friday morning, prompting her scratching after Racing Queensland’s mandatory pre-race vet checks. The injury is expected to end her racing career, with retirement now on the cards.
A winner of last year’s Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and multiple Group 1 placegetter, the Brave Smash mare was a $2.2 million purchase by Yulong at the Chairman’s Sale and will now transition to broodmare duties.
Her most recent run saw her finish a competitive fourth in the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup, and she was considered one of the main challengers to War Machine, the $3.10 Stradbroke favourite.
Her withdrawal follows that of fellow mare Firestorm, who instead heads to the Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes.
Kimochi’s exit allows Transatlantic to secure a Stradbroke start. The Tony Gollan-trained gelding, fresh off a Listed win in the Spear Chief Handicap, will carry 51kg and be partnered by apprentice Angela Jones.