Source: ABC News

Champion galloper Weekend Hussler has been forced out of the Spring Carnival with a leg injury.

The five-year-old has not raced since February.

Weekend Hussler has won seven Group One races and was named Australian Horse of the Year in 2008.

His trainer Ross McDonald says it could be some time before he returns.

"He's got to be able to withstand training and get to the races," he said.

"He's got to race at the top of tree.

"He can't start off at the bottom, he's a top horse in Australia, he's got to up there 100 per cent at that level."