Irwin Stables' Bigtime Ball, a winner of more than $582,000 lifetime, has been scratched sick from the $500,000 (U.S.) Breeders Crown Pace, to be raced Saturday, August 30 at Mohawk Racetrack.
The gelded son of Presidential Ball was due to start from Post 7. With just 10 entered in the event, there are no also-eligibles to move into the race, but the outer post positions can move down one slot.
"I guess he got the virus that has been going around here," said trainer Gord Irwin.
"We had half an inkling after he raced last - he was great [Bigtime Ball was second in 1:49.2 last week in an Open event] and the day after he had no temperature and was eating good, but then in the last couple of days his eye was not good and he hasn't been eating. Sure enough he has a temperature now of 103 and his pulse rate is up.
"There's a virus going around or maybe he picked it up in the retention barn, I just don't know," Irwin continued. "I just won't do it to any horse, you just can't race them when they're off. That's racing. We've had a lot of highs and this is one of the lows, for sure. But, hopefully there are other years!"
(Breeders Crown)