Racing: Niggles' force champ out of Stakes and end Dubai plans

Australia's champion racehorse Weekend Hussler is out of Saturday's group one Futurity Stakes at Caulfield and connections have abandoned an international campaign planned for the 4-year-old.

Margaret McDonald, wife of the horse's trainer, Ross, confirmed that Weekend Hussler had "a few niggles" that have caused the stable to halt his preparation.

"The best thing for him is to stop him now," McDonald said yesterday.

"There is nothing seriously wrong with him but he's not happy.

Our whole life has revolved around getting him to Dubai. That's off - but at least we've still got our horse."

- AAP