‘Shattered': Dutch Riot Ruled Out Of Temlee

A "shattered" Colin Bermingham has confirmed Dutch Riot is set for another stint on the sidelines after sustaining an injury at The Meadows on Monday.

In what was to be the Paws Of Thunder winner's final piece of work ahead of Saturday night's Group 1 Temlee, Dutch Riot faltered in the early stages of a post-to-post trial from a small tear in a back muscle.

"It's shattering – it really is," Bermingham said.

"He was feeling terrific going into the trial and everything was right with him but it's just one of those things that can happen. If there's a positive it's that it's only a small tear and it's down low.

"We'll just begin now on his recovery and working him back to where he was. He'll be back from it, that's the main thing.

“It's the highs and lows of racing. One minute you're accepting the invite to contest the race and just a few hours later you're withdrawing him.”

Returning from a previous stint on the sidelines with five straight victories, including a track record Warrnambool run and Group 1 Paws Of Thunder triumph, Dutch Riot was to go into the lucrative Australian Cup carnival as one of the leading lights.

We might have a new superstar on our hands (or paws!), with the Victorian Dutch Riot winning the G1 @ladbrokescomau Paws of Thunder tonight at @WentyParkGreys in… well, riotous style!#thedogs #wentypark #greyhoundracing #group1 #pawsofthunder @watchdogracing pic.twitter.com/MfWBIVz438

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) January 20, 2024

And while his Australian Cup dream is in tatters, Bermingham has also conceded a return to Sydney for the Group 1 Golden Easter Egg in late March, early April is all but off the table also.

"We're not ruling anything in or out but it's probably a bit too tight," he added.

"Our focus will be completely on getting the dog right and back to the races and the rest will look after itself. There's no shortage of races to target but if you're not 100% there's no point being there anyway."

Dutch Riot's withdrawal from Saturday night's Group 1 Temlee sees star matron Idolize gain a start in the $100,000-to-the-winner showpiece.

In taking her place, the ‘super mum' will be the only female in the star-studded field.