Excitement at Son Of Zac’s Australian campaign has turned to despair.

The South Island stayer was trained by Kevin and Pam Hughes, who raced the Zacinto gelding with Helen Ferguson and a deal had been completed for them to retain a quarter share and the horse transferred to Darren Weir’s stable.

“He left on Thursday, but when he got to Ballarat he was scouring and he went straight to the vet clinic,” Kevin Hughes said.

“They believe it was salmonella poisoning and unfortunately he couldn’t be saved. He was a lovely horse and it is gutting for all concerned.”

Son Of Zac won five of his 21 starts, including the Great Autumn Handicap (2500m) at his most recent appearance, and finished third in the Listed Riverton Cup (2147m).