‘A disgrace’ – Freddy Head hits out as officials force Polydream out of Mile

Freddy Head called the decision to withdraw his Breeders' Cup Mile favourite Polydream a "disgrace" after vets deemed his horse lame on Friday.

The three-year-old – due to be Head's only runner at Churchill Downs this weekend – had been general 3-1 market leader for the Mile but was scratched after Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and Breeders' Cup vets considered her to be lame in a foreleg.

Breeders' Cup Mile card and betting

Head, however, insisted that it was simply Polydream's trotting style and that the filly was fit to contest a race he won twice as a rider on Miesque and three times as a trainer with Goldikova.

Head, quoted by Daily Racing Form, said: "It’s a disgrace. You think I’m taking a horse to America that’s not ready to run? She trots in an awkward way because she has offset knees.

"On the track she is a pretty mover. I’ve tried to take them on the track to see her gallop – they [the KHRC] wouldn’t come. The state vet said no and no-one can override their decision."

With Hunt also a non-runner, both reserves – Divisidero and the Aidan O'Brien-trained Clemmie – made it into the 16-runner field.

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