Signoff takes spring break

THE fairytale prospect of Harry Coffey riding Signoff in this year’s Melbourne Cup is over after the stayer succumbed to a niggling injury.

At the start of Signoff’s spring campaign, managing owner Gerry Ryan committed to Coffey, who suffers from cystic fibrosis, riding the gelding in the Cup in November.

Trainer Darren Weir said yesterday Signoff’s run of injuries was frustrating.

Signoff has had six starts since finishing fourth in the 2014 Melbourne Cup behind Protectionist.

Last year he missed the spring and he has had just two starts this spring.

“I’ll give him a six-week break and then bring him back for the Sydney Cup (April 8),” Weir said.