Classic winner Desert Crown (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) has been ruled out of next week's G1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth QIPCO S. at Ascot, trainer Sir Michael Stoute revealed.
Undefeated, and the winner of the G1 Cazoo Derby, the bay was set to lock horns with Epsom third Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the 12-furlong Group 1 on Saturday week. He was reported to be suffering a “foot niggle” on Wednesday.
Stoute told PA Sport, “The colt won't be going to Ascot for the King George.”
Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Saeed Suhail, confirmed the news and said, “Desert Crown has had a foot injury and has had a scan, although I don't know the final results of the scan. Michael just said to me he won't be able to run in the King George.
“There is nothing untoward, but whatever it is, they have caught it before it is too late. They have nipped something in the bud. His preparation would come too close to the race to press on with it.
“If it were a lesser horse, we might take a chance, but you dare not take a chance with a horse like this. You can't go to a race like this 95% fit.”
He added, “Only time will tell, but hopefully he'll be able to get him back-although Michael didn't say anything to me–I'm thinking about York [the G1 Juddmonte International S. on Aug. 17] and then the Arc [in October].”
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