Injury to end millionaire's career

DEVASTATING news has rocked connections of star mare, Encipher.

Making her first-up victory in the Group Two Ladyship Cup in Melton last night even more amazing, Encipher broke her pastern during the run.

Trainer Emma Stewart rushed the five-year-old to the Ballarat veterinary clinic for emergency surgery.

"She has a broken pastern," Stewart said. "They are operating on her now.

"It's heartbreaking news and now we're just waiting to hear the outcome."

Winner of the inaugural Eureka at Club Menangle last season, Encipher's racing career is almost certainly to be finished, with owner Tyson Linke hoping the $1,635,479 earner can be saved for life as a broodmare.

Driven by Kate Gath, Encipher rated 1:53.6 over 1720 metres, taking her record to 18 wins and eight placings from 30 starts.

Gath stated she knew the daughter of Captaintreacherous was in serious trouble soon after passing the winning post.

"As soon as I pulled-up in the back straight, I knew she’d broken down,” Gath said. "It's devastating. She's such a great mare."

Encipher's triumphs include Group Ones - The Allwood Final, Victoria Oaks and two Australasian Breeders' Crown Finals.