Laver ruled out with leg injury

One of the country's most popular racehorses Laver is out of the New Zealand Cup.

"He's damaged his off-hind leg - it's not a good one," says co-trainer Geoff Dunn.

The tough Art Major five-year-old was found to have a tear in his hind suspensory.

"It's the worst place, it's a real shame that's for sure."

A winner of nine races from 53 starts, Laver last raced in the New Brighton Cup a fortnight ago, finishing seventh.

Part of Laver's popularity was his toughness in races - regularly he'd be put into races, staying parked and ensuring races were run at a solid tempo.

"He's always made it a bit interesting didn't he?" said Dunn.

Before his withdrawal from the New Zealand Cup on Tuesday, November 8 Laver was 17th in the rankings, just two outside the cut-off.

The injury is considered a serious long-term one and Dunn has his fingers crossed.

"It's not 100 per cent that he'll back, it will be a long rehab."