A campaign aimed at the Kelt Capital Stakes has ended for top South Island mare Diaga.
Canterbury trainer Les Didham said Diaga would be spelled after disappointing in last Saturday's group three Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton Park in Christchurch.
It was the six-year-old's first race since returning from a successful Brisbane winter campaign and Didham had hoped she would be aimed for the group one $250,000 weight-for-age Kelt Capital Stakes (2040m) at Hastings on September 30.
Diaga dropped out to 14th of the 18 runners in the Winter Cup and Didham was not happy with her in the following days.
Cambridge trainer Royce Dowling, who assesses and treats horses with hand manipulation, attended Diaga on Monday.
"He said she was jarred up - every muscle is sore," Didham said, adding that Diaga was heavily-built and that probably contributed to the jarring up.
The Riccarton trainer said he would give Diaga a few weeks' break and try to have her back in action for the New Zealand Cup meeting.
- NZPA
Racing: Jarred-up Diaga having a break
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