Golden
Slipper winner Estijaab will miss the spring carnival after being sent back to
the spelling paddock.
News Limited's Ray Thomas reported on Monday that the filly had suffered an injury
and would be out of action until next Autumn.
"Estijaab has got a
problem and is out until the autumn,'' co-trainer John Hawkes said.
"We are taking no risks with her, she's too valuable a filly, so she will go
back out for a spell.''
"I'm confident she
will be fine and we will get her back in the autumn."
Estijaab had recently been given an easy time
when finishing fifth in a barrier trial at Rosehill on August 7.
It adds to an average start to the spring for Team Hawkes who also have their
other star, Chautauqua under a huge cloud of racing again after repeatedly refusing
to jump from the gates.