'The dream is over for this year' - infection rules ante-post favourite Crystal Black out of Melbourne Cup

Leading Melbourne Cup fancy Crystal Black has been ruled out of the Flemington showpiece with an infection and the six-year-old, who has won his last five starts, will not run again this season.

Crystal Black shot to the summit of Paddy Power's Melbourne Cup market following his stylish success in the Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown last month and, in the aftermath of that success, the Wear A Pink Ribbon syndicate were already planning their trip to Australia.

But trainer Gerry Keane said on Tuesday morning: "The dream is over for this year, unfortunately. He just picked up an infection at the wrong time and there was no point in keeping him going for it. He's finished now for the year and we'll give him a good, long break over the winter and bring him back next year.