Australia now has one less hope at the Royal Ascot carnival after it was confirmed that Hinchinbrook will not start in the Group One Golden Jubilee Stakes on Sunday morning Australian time.

Peter Moody has confirmed that Hinchinbrook suffered a severe strain to a suspensory ligament, which has left his racing career in serious doubt.

“He sustained an injury this morning to his suspensory which will rule him out of racing for three to six months,” Moody said.

“The horse was going so well, we were very happy with him. I have to speak to his owners but quite possibly he might be retired from racing.”

Despite his lack of big race success, Hinchinbrook could turn out to be a much sort after stallion prospect. He is a son of Fastnet Rock and a three quarter brother to Snitzel, both of whom have forged successful careers at stud.

This year’s Ascot carnival has not been kind to the Australian horses. After tasting success in previous years with horses such as Choisir, Scenic Blast, Miss Andretti and Starspangledbanner, the Aussie horses have not fared all that well this year.

Both So You Think and Star Witness went into their respective races earlier in the carnival as warm favourites, and both ran second. Hinchinbrook’s scratching is also a blow for Moody’s stable jockey Luke Nolen, who made the trip to England especially to ride the three year old in the Golden Jubilee.

In the first bit of good news for the Aussies at Royal Ascot, Danny O’Brien has confirmed that Star Witness has pulled up well from his run in the King’s Stand, and will be a starter in the Golden Jubilee.

Hinchinbrook will be retired as a multiple Group One placegetter, but he was unable to crack it for a win in a blue riband event.

Before being scratched Hinchinbrook had been backed into $10.00 for the Golden Jubilee. Star Witness remains a $6.00 chance with local bookmakers.

Moody will be hoping for a change of luck next year when he is set to take the world’s best sprinter, Black Caviar to Royal Ascot.