Major spring blow: Cox Plate champion State Of Rest won't defend crown

Cox Plate champion State Of Rest will not return to Australia to defend his title. An MRI scan conducted by Racing Victoria has found an issue and he will be retired to stud immediately.

State Of Rest won last year's Cox Plate after a protest from Craig Williams. O'Brien is disappointed that State Of rest's career has come to a sudden end. State of Rest had 13 starts for five wins, four Group 1s and four placings. He was a $13 chance with TAB for the Cox plate. Anamoe is the $3.50 favourite. Zaaki is on the second line of betting at $6.