Lady Of Camelot’s immediate racing future has been thrown into doubt after the Group 1-winning mare suffered a stingray attack, forcing connections to abandon both her Brisbane Winter Carnival campaign and a planned trip to Royal Ascot.

The four-year-old had been entered for Saturday’s $1.5 million Doomben 10,000 (1200m), a race that was expected to determine whether she would press on to Royal Ascot next month. Instead, her owners confirmed on Tuesday that the focus had shifted entirely to recovery.

In a statement released through Go Bloodstock’s social media channels, connections confirmed Lady Of Camelot had been transferred to a specialist veterinary hospital following the incident at a Brisbane beach.

“She has been transported to a specialist veterinary hospital where she remains under close observation,” the statement read.

That update carried further significance when connections confirmed both the winter and international campaigns had been immediately cancelled.

“While the immediate focus is on her recovery and well-being, the decision has been made to end her Brisbane Winter Carnival and international campaigns effective immediately,” the statement continued.

Connections stopped short of confirming retirement, although the wording suggested her long-term future remains under assessment.

“A decision regarding her future will be made in due course. Given her elite pedigree and Group 1 success, she remains a highly valuable prospect.”

Queensland stewards were advised of the incident by co-trainer Adrian Bott on Tuesday morning.

Lady Of Camelot’s absence removes one of the more intriguing sprint contenders from the Queensland carnival, particularly given the possibility of an international campaign had she returned to peak form in the Doomben 10,000.

Overpass Targets Royal Ascot

While Lady Of Camelot’s overseas plans have come to an abrupt halt, another Australian sprinter remains firmly on course for Royal Ascot, with trainer Bjorn Baker confident Overpass’ experience can prove decisive in the G1 King Charles III Stakes (1000m).

The seven-year-old is set to tackle the opening day feature at the famous meeting after another campaign against elite sprint opposition in Australia.

Baker believes that depth of experience could become a major advantage against an international field.

“At his best he’s very good and he’s been up against so many good sprinters,” Baker said.

In assessing the gelding’s credentials, Baker pointed to the calibre of opposition Overpass has consistently faced.

“You talk about Ka Ying Rising, Joliestar in the T.J. Smith recently, and he’s had a fair few battles with Nature Strip.

“Unfortunately, he didn’t quite get the better of him, but he’s been up against the best for what seems like years now.”

Baker indicated the Royal Ascot mission had long been considered, with timing becoming a major factor for the veteran sprinter.

“It’s sort of always been in the back of our minds and it’s sort of now or never.

“I think as a seven-year-old, his experience — he’s got a lot of frequent-flyer points around Australia — so hopefully he travels well there.”

Overpass is scheduled to trial at Randwick on Friday before departing Australia from Melbourne. He will be based at Charlie Hills’ Lambourn stable during the campaign.

Baker said the gelding had pleased the stable ahead of the trip.

“He’s in fine shape and I think he’s a genuine chance.”

Overpass has won 10 of his 36 starts and earned more than $12.5 million in prizemoney. Early markets have him rated the $5 second favourite for the King Charles III Stakes behind Chris Waller-trained Joliestar at $4.