Inglis has been forced back into the market for a runner to fill its Everest slot after Skybird was officially ruled out through injury.
The Lightning Stakes winner was under a cloud following her unplaced effort in the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley last week, where she pulled up lame. Trainer Mitch Freedman confirmed to Inglis on Wednesday that she would not recover in time.
“Trainer @Freedmanmitch today advised that Skybird will not be ready in time to contest The Everest this year as a result of the setback sustained in the Manikato Stakes,” Inglis announced on social media platform X.
“While it is disappointing not to have Skybird represent Inglis in the race, the decision has been made in the best interests of the mare.
“Inglis will now reassess plans for our slot.”
It marks the second time in recent years Inglis has been forced to find a replacement, having lost Snapdancer in 2022 due to a hoof problem. That year, they secured Private Eye, who finished runner-up behind Giga Kick.
With Inglis searching again, there are now four open Everest slots, with Godolphin, Mulberry Racing and Coolmore also yet to confirm their runners for the $20 million showpiece on October 18.
Punters keen to bet on The Everest can compare odds across Australia’s leading betting sites and most reliable online bookmakers.