‘They’re pets’: Emotional trainer speaks of fallout after horse’s death in Caulfield Cup

‘They’re pets’: Emotional trainer speaks of fallout after horse’s death in Caulfield Cup

“I’ve spoken to Jye,” Waller said. “He’s improving with each day, and it’s great to see him out of hospital. He’s come out of it pretty well.” McNeil was booked to ride Waller’s Valiant King in Wednesday’s Geelong Cup, but the trainer has opted to scratch the horse and run him at Flemington in the MV Gold Cup on Saturday.

Despite the severity of the fall, both McNeil and Zahra were not deemed to have concussion – a scenario that would have seen them stood down for 12 days under Racing Victoria protocols. Waller was in Melbourne on Tuesday to watch his Cox Plate runners, Aeliana and Birdman, have an early morning hit out at Flemington. The Cox Plate barrier draw will be held Tuesday night.