Nullarbor favourite is out of the $1.25 million race

Superstar Western Australian pacer and Group 1 Nullarbor favourite Magnificent Storm (American Ideal) is out of the $1.25 million race.

The Ray Williams-trained harness racing gelding, who boasts 36 wins from 58 starts and over $1.1 million in prize money, has been fighting a nasty and lingering knee infection.

“He’s still in the (veterinary) hospital now,” managing owner Rob Tomlinson said. “He’s been on the operating table twice for two procedures to flush the knee and, hopefully, things are back under control. It’s looking more positive.”

“But with his setback and treatment, he’s out of the Nullarbor and Fremantle Cup.”

“Hopefully, we can get him home soon. We’ll give him a long spell and bring him back again.”

The untimely setback is the latest in blows to Magnificent Storm’s connections despite his stellar career so far.

“We’ve had our share of frustrations and disappointments, but this one is devastating,” Tomlinson said.

“Ray (Williams) is absolutely beside himself. We all truly believed he’d come back better than ever. His work was amazing; he looked great, and this happened.”

“Now he’s out again and misses two huge races in what should be the prime of his career.”

“We’re all gutted. He’s the horse of a lifetime to us; people like us won’t get the chance to get another horse as good as him.”

“This one is really hard to swallow, especially with the Nullarbor so close.”

The Nullarbor will be run at Gloucester Park on April 19.

Before his scratching, Magnificent Storm was a $4 favourite.

Entain, through its Ladbrokes brand, had locked in Magnificent Storm to run in their Nullarbor slot, so it will now have to explore other options.

So, the only two confirmed Nullarbor runners with slots are Spirit Of St Louis (Summit Bloodstock and Aaron Bain Racing slot) and Lavra Joe (RAM Racing Syndicate).

by Adam Hamilton, for Harness Racing Australia