Highveld Horse Of The Season candidate Fire Attack has been scratched from the Hollywoodbets Durban July. (JC Photos).
There were two big scratchings from the Hollywoodbets Durban July at first declaration stage today (Monday), the Alec Laird-trained Gr 1 Premier’s Champions Challenge winner Fire Attack and the Dean Kannemeyer-trained Gr 2 Gold Bracelet winner and twice Gr 1 runner up Red Palace.
A runner in last year’s July, Barbaresco, and a runner in the 2023 July, Without Question, were also scratchings and so were last year’s July consolation race (Splashout 2200) winner Cape Eagle alongside Champagne Cocktail, Bristol Hercules, La Pulga, I Salute You, My Soulmate, The Ultimate King and Kamensky.
Fire Attack was scratched due to a bruised foot which led Alec Laird to not even enter him for the the July’s biggest three-year-old pointer race, the Gr 1 Daily News 2000. He said decisions about his future would only be made after his foot was right. However, he said at this rate he might not make it for any Champions Season races, including the Gr 1 Champions Cup.
Crack Potala Palace filly Red Palace was scratched due to a minor setback.
This setback will unfortunately see her not ready in time for either the July or the Gr 1 Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes on the same day.
