The colt, owned by the Queen, had been placed as the clear favourite for the race after an impressive win at the Dante Stakes last month, but his odds lengthened considerably to 13-8 with some bookmakers when news of the injury filtered through.
The Queen’s racing manager John Warren played down the incident, claiming that the injury wouldn’t affect his ability to run in the classic.
Zat Knight is expected to be on the sidelines for four to six weeks due to a knee ligament injury.
The defender picked up the ailment during Sunday’s win at football club Everton when making a last-ditch tackle on Victor Anichebe.
He was carried off on a stretcher and although boss Owen Coyle has admitted it could have been worse, he also feels that the loss is a huge blow for the Trotters.
Coyle said: “Zat suffered ligament damage. It’s not as severe as we first thought but certainly bad enough to keep him out for a period of time. There’s severe swelling in the area so I think we’ll know better in seven to 10 days when that goes down.
“But I think it’s fair to say he’ll be four to six weeks, which is a terrible loss, first and foremost for Zat, because he’s played every game for me since I came to the football club over a year ago.
“He’s been outstanding as a player and as a man and the sooner we get him back the better. It is a blow, there’s no doubt about it, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
One man’s loss is another man’s gain though, as new signing David Wheater is waiting in the wings. He will be hoping to form a similarly impressive partnership with Gary Cahill in the heart of defence.
Coyle admits that Knight’s injury has opened the door for the former Middlesbrough centre-back as he can now enjoy an extended run in the side.
Posted by Leigh on October 7, 2010 · Leave a Comment
Jockey Philip Carberry will be sidelined from the race track for at least six weeks following a kick to the kidneys after a fall from his mount, the Francois Cottin trained Saphir du Bosc at Auteuil on Tuesday.
Posted by Leigh on August 29, 2010 · Leave a Comment
The discovery after a scan that Lie Forrit has incurred a slight tendon injury will mean that the six year old will have to forgo the beginning of the jumps season.