Hugh Morrison

Shorn of its main protagonists Stradivarius (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Trueshan (Fr) (Planteur {Ire}) in the build-up, the complexion of Friday's G2 Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup may have changed since declaration time, but nonetheless played host to a performance of note as Lady Blyth's 5-year-old gelding Quickthorn (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}--Daffydowndilly {GB}, by Oasis Dream {GB}) stepped into the void, leading his rivals a merry dance throughout, and registered a pillar-to-post victory in the Knavesmire's extended two-mile test. The March-foaled bay, who lined up off victories in the G3...

Group 1 winner Pastoral Pursuits (GB) (Bahamian Bounty {GB}-Star {GB}, by Most Welcome {GB}) passed away after covering a mare at Norton Grove Stud on Tuesday. The 2005 G1 July Cup winner was 20. "It is with great sadness we have to say we lost Pastoral Pursuits yesterday," Christina Pople, daughter of Richard and Maggie Lingwood of Norton Grove Stud, announced via Twitter. "Sadly, he died after covering a mare due to a rupture in a major vessel in his chest, a symptom of his age. We are all deeply...