Empires Choice, who was due to lead Bart Cumming’s endeavour at a 13th Melbourne Cup victory in November, has suffered a severe fracture to his hind leg.

Undergoing surgery last Wednesday, surgeons inserted a pin into the six-year-old’s leg; placing his imminent prospects for the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival and future racing career in grave doubt.

After triumphing in the 2007 Queensland Derby, injury-troubled Empires Choice has since featured in only three runs. He was due to recommence his racing in the group two Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday, where he would have taken on last year’s Melbourne Cup winner and stablemate Viewed.

With Empires Choice possibly out of contention, trainer Cummings will now focus his attentions on his other ten horses entered in the Melbourne Cup, including hopefuls Precedence, Dandaad, and new favourite Viewed.