The Dual Met winner RAINBOW BRIDGE will not defend his title in the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met on Saturday, 29 January at Kenilworth racecourse.
"He has had a niggle on the near fore and it has deteriorated over time with age and wear and tear. He ran a courageous third in the L'Ormarins Queen's Plate on Saturday and I noted some discomfort," says trainer Eric Sands.
"But between his owners Mike and Norma Rattray and Breeder Mary Slack, and myself as the trainer, I believe the right decision has been made. He owes nobody anything and it's not worth risking anything for a top horse who has given his all," added the veteran trainer.
RAINBOW BRIDGE, a 7-year-old gelded son of IDEAL WORLD, will be retired to the Wilgerbosdrift paddocks.
RAINBOW BRIDGE won 11 races from 22 starts for stakes of over R8 million.