Danedream rumour dismissed Rumours that Danedream could still run in Sunday's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp appear to have been unfounded. Last year's winner was matched at the maximum price of 1000 (for a sum of £80) on betting exchange Betfair amid rumours that the King George winner could be supplemented. The German track where she is based has been shut down for three months after a horse tested positive for an equine blood infection - meaning all horses based there cannot now leave the track. However, the rumours mentioned some sort of mix-up at Cologne, raising the possibility that Danedream could yet be supplemented back into the race on Thursday at a cost of 100,000 euro. However, Patrick Barbe, racing manager to her part-owner, Teruya Yoshida, told racinguk.com: "It is only a rumour. "There is a no-go zone a kilometre around the training base, I just can't see us being allowed to go." Connections of Danedream have spoken of their "great sadness" at having to withdraw the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner from her bid for repeat glory. A statement issued by trainer Peter Schiergen and part-owner Heiko Volz on Wednesday afternoon read: "It is with deep regret and great sadness that we were forced to take Danedream out of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Tuesday morning. "We learnt on Monday afternoon that the Cologne racecourse, where Danedream is stabled at Peter Schiergen's yard and where she had only just completed her final preparation in view of another start in the Arc, was quarantined with immediate effect. "We immediately contacted the relevant authorities and veterinaries to see if there was anything that could be done to allow her to take her chance in Paris on Sunday, but unfortunately we, as everyone else concerned at Cologne racecourse, have to abide by the rules and accept that she will not be travelling to Longchamp. "We, as well as everyone who has worked with or looked after Danedream, are absolutely devastated. Winning the Arc last year was a 'once in a lifetime' experience and simply unforgettable. "Coming from a country where the sport is already facing so many difficulties, but where Danedream had succeeded in giving it a wonderful injection of enthusiasm, we are incredibly saddened that there is no fairytale ending. "Questions will have to be asked in the future how this situation could arise in the first place at a track that is Germany's major training centre. So many people are concerned, so many dreams shattered. "However, we have received tremendous support from so many people and we would like to thank everyone for all the heartfelt messages that were sent. "Danedream will always be special and she will always be an Arc winner. For that, we will always be grateful."
