MIKE de Kock’s ace runner Kildonan has been withdrawn from Saturday’s BSA Cape Guineas at Kenilworth. Kildonan pulled a muscle near hind during his final workout at Milnerton yesterday. 

De Kock commented: “This is another blow for us with Kildonan, but I guess these things are sent to test us. Things always seem to go wrong with really good horses like him. We’ll give him a break now and plan his future campaign at a later stage.’’ 

De Kock’s Emperor Napoleon remains in the race and the trainer said: “He is a talented horse in his own right and can’t be ignored. Divine Jury is the one to beat, but I believe Emperor Napoleon has a chance of getting close.’’

Emperor Napoleon being saddled at his home base.