A freak accident in the paddock last month has ruled the Lindsay Park-trained Vega Magic out of next year’s autumn carnival but the stable are still confident the Group 1 winning sprinter will be back for a second shot at the 2018 The Everest in the spring.

This year’s runner-up Vega Magic will be back for the 2018 The Everest despite missing the autumn due to injury. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

Perth expat Vega Magic injured himself in November and won’t be seen racing during next year’s Melbourne Festival of Racing.

Hall of Famer and co-trainer David Hayes is disappointed that the Lope De Vega gelding won’t get a chance to contest events like the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) or Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in February, a double won this year by Black Heart Bart, but is adamant the rising six-year-old still had more elite level wins ahead of him.

“There was an electrical storm that hit the property and of the 120 horses that were spelling, he was the one that hit the fence,” Hayes told Racing Victoria on Friday.

“He needed stitches as Goulburn Valley [Equine Hospital] and it’s not life threatening but it will set him back returning until a little bit later.”

A dual Group 1 champion having won the The Goodwood (1200m) in Adelaide back in May and the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in September, Vega Magic was last seen running a disappointing mid-field seventh to Redzel down the Flemington straight in the Group 1 Darley Classic (1200m) on November 11.

In his only Sydney run to date, Vega Magic showed his ability the right-handed way when second past the post behind subsequent Darley Classic champ Redzel in the inaugural edition of the $10 million Restricted The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick in mid-October.

Set to be worth even more prize money for the second running in 2018, the weight-for-age The Everest is again the main spring target for Vega Magic next time in according to Hayes.

“He’s really being set for The Everest again next year so it’s just a matter of getting him back in a bit of trim [fitness] and maybe having a race in the late autumn,” the master trainer added.

Futures The Everest odds at Ladbrokes.com.au have Peter & Paul Snowden’s reigning champion Redzel tipped as the one to beat again at $8, the galloper unlikely to have any issues securing a spot in the 12-horse field.

Vega Magic occupies the second line of all-in The Everest betting for next Sydney Spring Racing Carnival paying $11 to go one better than his second for slot-holder Max Whitby this year.

To check out all the futures Group 1 racing odds and offers for the coming months head to Ladbrokes.com.au today.