Richard Kingscote has paid a heartfelt tribute to Desert Crown after last year’s Derby winner was put down on Monday.
Kingscote had not long since ended his lengthy association with Tom Dascombe to ride for Sir Michael Stoute whenever Ryan Moore was unavailable in August 2021 when he partnered Desert Crown to a debut victory at Nottingham three months later.
The Nathaniel colt was not seen again until the following May in the Dante Stakes at York, where he impressed and then headed to the Derby as the favourite.
He cruised around Epsom, running out one of the most impressive winners in recent years, but sadly only made it to the track once more and eventually his injuries caught up with him.
Kingscote took to social media to say: “I have been asked about my thoughts on Desert Crown a few times.
Thanks for the memories, Desert Crown ❤️
A horse who never had chance to fulfil his enormous potential.
“Firstly I’m most sorry for the staff at Sir Michael’s who adored him and who are all heartbroken.
“Secondly I’m sorry to racing fans in that we will never get to see how brilliant he could have been. And that I don’t have the vocabulary to explain how amazing he was.
“I will always be grateful to him for looking after me on those two big days last summer, he was a gentleman and an awesome racehorse.
“I feel blessed and somewhat embarrassed that it was me who got to feel his brilliance. RIP DC.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/266853520-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2023-10-24 08:51:282023-10-24 10:20:06Kingscote pays tribute to Derby hero Desert Crown
Desert Crown, an effortless winner of last year’s Derby at Epsom, has been put down due to the injury he picked up on the gallops in August.
Sir Michael Stoute’s sixth winner of the blue riband Classic only ran once more following his victory last June.
A setback prevented him from running again last season and while he did make it to the track for this year’s Brigadier Gerard Stakes, he lost his unbeaten record to Hukum.
He was forced to miss the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes due to a minor setback but he suffered a much more severe one when being prepared for the Juddmonte International at York.
Desert Crown fractured a fetlock and while it initially appeared as if he could be saved and be able to enjoy a stud career, he lost the battle on Monday at the Newmarket Equine Hospital.
Thanks for the memories, Desert Crown ❤️
A horse who never had chance to fulfil his enormous potential.
“There’s not a lot to say other than it is just very, very sad,” said Philip Robinson, assistant racing manager to owner Saeed Suhail.
“Everything was done to try and save him, we thought he was making progress but then he just started going backwards.
“With a severe injury like that there is a lot of pressure with the weight of the animal standing on it, but we really thought he was going to get there and it’s very sad he didn’t make it.
“You can try and help them with supports for the leg but at the end of the day they’ve got to be able to stand on their own.
“He had the best available treatment anywhere in the world, if he couldn’t be saved here then he couldn’t be saved anywhere.
“He was a fantastic horse and his Derby win was an incredible day that we’ll never forget.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/267278545-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2023-10-23 16:10:252023-10-23 16:25:05Derby winner Desert Crown put down due to gallops injury
Desert Crown will undergo surgery after sustaining a season-ending fetlock injury on Sunday.
Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, last year’s Derby winner was being put through his paces on the Al Bahathri gallop ahead of an intended run in York’s Juddmonte International Stakes on Wednesday when the injury occurred.
He was immediately transferred to the Newmarket Equine Hospital where the four-year-old will be operated on.
The son of Nathaniel’s Epsom triumph is the notable highlight in a career that has been plagued by setbacks and he has been seen just once since his finest hour, when losing his unbeaten record to Hukum in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes in May.
He subsequently missed the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot due to a setback, with a leg infection preventing a rematch with Hukum in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes last month.
This latest injury will rule the colt out for the rest of the season, with his racing career hanging in the balance.
“I’ve just been to see him and they will operate this morning,” said Bruce Raymond, racing manager for owner Saeed Suhail.
“It is a fetlock injury and he won’t be running again this year, that’s for sure.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/272310524-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2023-08-21 09:44:292023-08-21 09:44:29Desert Crown set for surgery on fetlock injury
Desert Crown will miss York’s Juddmonte International Stakes on Wednesday after suffering a fresh injury.
Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, last year’s Derby hero has been seen just once since his Epsom triumph, when meeting with his first career defeat at the hands of Hukum in Sandown’s Brigadier Gerard Stakes.
He subsequently missed the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot through a setback, while a leg infection ruled him out of a rematch with Hukum in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes last month.
A showdown on the Knavesmire with Aidan O’Brien’s Paddington and Royal Ascot scorer Mostahdaf was inked in for the son of Nathaniel, but his career is now on hold having reportedly pulled up lame during morning exercise on Sunday.
Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Saeed Suhail, told the Racing Post: “He’s got quite a bad injury and I’m just heading to the equine hospital now. He won’t be running at York.”
With news of Desert Crown’s absence, Coral have cut Paddington to 4-7 from 4-6 for the feature of the opening day of York’s Ebor Festival.
“Following the disappointing news that Desert Crown will not be in Wednesday’s Juddmonte International line-up, Paddington is now an even firmer favourite for the York showpiece, with Mostahdaf his closest market rival for what is sure to be a small but select field,” said Coral’s David Stevens.
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/272133499-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2023-08-20 12:35:582023-08-20 12:35:58Injury rules Desert Crown out of Juddmonte International
Odds-on favourite Paddington is all set to bid for a fifth successive Group One win this season in Wednesday’s Juddmonte International at York.
Aidan O’Brien’s new superstar will step back up in trip to an extended 10 furlongs having won the Eclipse at Sandown over a similar distance.
He proved his versatility last time out by dropping down to a mile for the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood where he made all the running.
From a humble beginning this season in a Naas handicap, he is now the best of his generation by some distance.
“He’s an amazing horse really and is progressing from run to run, that’s all he has done all year,” O’Brien told Sky Sports Racing.
Paddington makes all in the Qatar Sussex Stakes! 🐻
The top-class colt and Irish Guineas, St James's Palace and Eclipse hero brings up a brilliant Group 1 four-timer in one of the premier mile events in the European calendar for Ryan Moore and @Ballydoyle 👏 @Goodwood_Racespic.twitter.com/pKRjJjG9hl
“We thought he was a very good two-year-old, he went to Ascot first time out but he got stage fright and just never performed so we gave him a good break. He went to the Curragh after that and won very easily.
“Because of that we left him alone. He was trained for the Classics in the spring but we started as low as we could because we had a lot of horses to get out.
“Ryan (Moore) was very impressed with him, as you know Ryan doesn’t say much but he was very impressed with him in the Sussex. He would have preferred a lead but there was nobody else prepared to so that was why he went on.
“John (Magnier) always felt on pedigree he would get a mile and a half. He went to the Eclipse for his first run over a mile and a quarter so this is a little bit further on a flatter track. It will be interesting to see and we’ll take it race by race with him at the moment.”
Paddington, Mostahdaf and Desert Crown all feature among eight confirmations for what promises to be a blockbuster contest.
Mostahdaf bolted up at Royal Ascot (David Davies/PA)
Prince of Wales’s Stakes hero Mostahdaf heads the opposition for John and Thady Gosden.
The five-year-old was a four-length winner at Royal Ascot and he is set to be partnered for the first time by Frankie Dettori, as regular rider Jim Crowley serves a 20-day whip suspension.
Last year’s Derby hero Desert Crown was forced to sidestep the Prince of Wales’s due to a late setback, but he is in the mix following a satisfactory piece on work on Wednesday morning.
He could be joined by fellow Sir Michael Stoute-trained runner Bay Bridge, who finished fifth behind Mostahdaf at Ascot.
The Gosden have a second contender in Nashwa, winner of the Falmouth Stakes and third in the Nassau last time out, while the Mostahdaf colours of Shadwell are also represented by Alflaila, although it is unlikely both their horses will run.
O’Brien also has Point Lonsdale in contention while the prospective field is completed by The Foxes, who finished second in the Belmont Derby for Andrew Balding last time out.
Gregory won the Queen’s Vase at Ascot for Frankie Dettori (John Walton/PA)
St Leger hopes will be on the line in the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes, with the Gosden-trained Gregory the key name following his Queen’s Vase verdict at Royal Ascot.
“We’re all looking forward to seeing him back,” said Richard Brown, racing adviser for owners Wathnan Racing.
“He did it the hard way at Ascot – he was very game. The big aim for him has always been the St Leger, so the Voltigeur is an obvious stepping stone, but it’s a very prestigious race in its own right and it’s exciting to have a colt going there who we think will have a good chance.”
Godolphin rely on the Charlie Appleby-trained Castle Way after his narrow Bahrain Trophy success over Tower Of London.
That colt again features for O’Brien, who has five potential runners out of a list of 10, with Adelaide River and Continuous also confirmed.
Derby fourth Sprewell could represent Jessica Harrington, with Gordon Stakes third and fourth, Canberra Legend and Artistic Star, possibly crossing swords again.
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/273214586-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2023-08-17 13:32:132023-08-17 13:32:13‘Amazing’ Paddington all set for International mission
Paddington, Mostahdaf and Desert Crown all feature among eight confirmations for what promises to be a blockbuster Juddmonte International Stakes at York on Wednesday.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Paddington has won each of his six starts this term, with his last four victories at Group One level in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes, Eclipse and Sussex Stakes.
He is set to return to the Eclipse trip of 10 furlongs on the Knavesmire, where Prince of Wales’s Stakes hero Mostahdaf heads the opposition for John and Thady Gosden.
The five-year-old was a four-length winner at Royal Ascot and he is set to be partnered for the first time by Frankie Dettori, as regular rider Jim Crowley serves a 20-day whip suspension.
Last year’s Derby hero Desert Crown was forced to sidestep the Prince of Wales’s due to a late setback, but he is in the mix following a satisfactory piece on work on Wednesday morning.
He could be joined by fellow Sir Michael Stoute-trained runner Bay Bridge, who finished fifth behind Mostahdaf at Ascot.
The Gosden team also has a second contender in Nashwa, winner of the Falmouth Stakes and third in the Nassau last time out, while Mostahdaf’s owner Shadwell also has another possible in Alflaila, although they have indicated it is unlikely both their horses will run.
O’Brien also has Point Lonsdale in contention while the prospective field is completed by The Foxes, who finished second in the Belmont Derby for Andrew Balding last time out.
St Leger hopes will be on the line in the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes, with the Gosden-trained Gregory the key name following his Queen’s Vase verdict at Royal Ascot.
Godolphin rely on the Charlie Appleby-trained Castle Way after his narrow Bahrain Trophy success over Tower Of London.
That colt again features for O’Brien, who has five potential runners out of a list of 10, with Adelaide River and Continuous also confirmed.
Derby fourth Sprewell could represent Jessica Harrington, with Gordon Stakes third and fourth, Canberra Legend and Artistic Star, possibly crossing swords again.
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/273223700-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2023-08-17 11:52:302023-08-17 12:10:08York set to start with a bang as big three stand ground
Last year’s Derby winner Desert Crown remains on course for a sizzling clash with Paddington and Mostahdaf in next week’s Juddmonte International having come through his latest gallop in good style.
The four-year-old was put through his paces by Ryan Moore, who will be on Aidan O’Brien’s Paddington on the Knavesmire, in a spin on Wednesday morning.
Desert Crown has only been seen once since his Epsom victory, when he lost his unbeaten record in finishing second to Hukum in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes in May.
He was then a late absentee from the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes, with familiar adversary Hukum taking home the Ascot showpiece.
“Desert Crown worked this morning, he worked nicely and everybody was happy with him,” said Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Saeed Suhail.
“He’s not a great worker, as has been stated before, but everyone was very happy with him this morning and everything went as well as expected.”
William Buick had been announced as his jockey in the King George before he was ruled out, but he is expected to be aboard next week.
“William didn’t ride him. Ryan Moore rode him this morning. He’s ridden him a lot of times at home and Sir Michael just sometimes likes a different opinion,” Raymond went on.
“It’s really shaping up into a great race. One thing I can definitely tell you is this horse needed it badly at Sandown, it wasn’t said at the time but Michael was quite surprised how much he was blowing afterwards.
“He had worked on the grass but nowhere near as much as we would have liked as it kept on pouring down.
“Having spoken to Richard Hills (assistant racing manager for Shadwell, owners of Hukum), their horse had been working really, really well for a long time, so we met a very fit horse that day and he’s gone on to prove again he is a very good horse as he’s one of the favourites for the Arc.
“We’re looking forward to next week. Where else could you take a horse like that? He’s got to go somewhere and when you are in his class, there are only certain races you can run in.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/266853499-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2023-08-16 14:09:332023-08-16 14:09:33Desert Crown on target for International duty
Desert Crown will miss Saturday’s King George VI And Queen Elizabeth II Qipco Stakes at Ascot due to a leg infection.
The 2022 Derby winner, who was off with an ankle injury for a year following his Epsom triumph, was beaten on his return by Hukum in the Brigadier Gerard at Sandown in May.
Sir Michael Stoute’s charge had been working well in the build-up to a clash with that rival at Ascot and was also set to take on this year’s Derby one-two Auguste Rodin and King Of Steel, along with the high-class filly Emily Upjohn in a mouthwatering renewal of the mile-and-a-half contest.
However, the four-year-old will now be rerouted to next month’s Juddmonte International Stakes at York.
Bruce Raymond, racing manager to the colt’s owner Saeed Suhail, said: “Desert Crown doesn’t run, he has got a leg infection.
“The plan is to go to York, but that is as much as I know.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/272310524-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2023-07-27 08:44:352023-07-27 08:44:35Leg infection scuppers Desert Crown’s King George challenge
Desert Crown is poised to return from his latest injury setback in Saturday’s King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes as last year’s Derby winner is one of 15 confirmed for the £1.25million Ascot contest.
Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, the son of Nathaniel stormed to Classic glory at Epsom in 2022 before spending almost a year on the sidelines and made his return in the Brigadier Gerard in May where he finished second to Owen Burrows’ reopposing Hukum.
A further setback ruled him out of an intended Royal Ascot engagement but having worked on the Limekilns gallop at Newmarket on Sunday morning, he is now on course for a belated appearance at the Berkshire track in search of one of the season’s most prestigious prizes.
Hands up if you saw this coming?!
Hukum collars last years Derby winner Desert Crown in dramatic style in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes @Sandownpark 😯
— Champions Series (@ChampionsSeries) May 25, 2023
“He’s going OK. He worked yesterday morning and he worked nicely,” said Bruce Raymond, racing manager for owner Saeed Suhail.
“He doesn’t do a lot now, but everyone was very pleased. It was good to see him on the grass.”
There could be a rematch of this year’s Derby as Roger Varian’s Royal Ascot scorer King Of Steel will attempt to gain his revenge over his Epsom conqueror Auguste Rodin.
Auguste Rodin and King Of Steel could lock horns once again at Ascot (David Davies for the Jockey Club/PA)
The dual-Classic winner is one of six in the mix for Aidan O’Brien, who could also be represented by Luxembourg, Point Lonsdale, Adelaide River, Broome and Bolshoi Ballet.
Defending champion Pyledriver will bid to enhance his fine Ascot record having landed the Hardwicke Stakes following almost a year off the track during the Royal meeting, while John and Thady Gosden’s Eclipse runner-up and Coronation Cup champion Emily Upjohn adds further spice to a race which looks like being a high-class renewal of the 12-furlong showpiece.
Others bringing strong form to the table include Ralph Beckett’s Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud winner Westover and Stephane Wattel’s French raider Simca Mille, while William Haggas’ recent York scorer Hamish and James Ferguson’s Deauville Legend complete the line-up.
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/272133499-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2023-07-24 11:59:582023-07-24 11:59:58Desert Crown on course for King George assignment
Desert Crown remains in contention for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes after producing a “pleasing” piece of work under Ryan Moore at Newmarket on Wednesday morning.
The Saeed Suhail-owned 2022 Derby winner was beaten narrowly by Hukum in the Brigadier Gerard at Sandown on his return to action in May following a year on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
Another minor setback prevented him from running in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot and while subsequent scans proved negative, trainer Sir Michael Stoute suggested last week that he may not have enough time to line up in the all-aged showpiece at Ascot on Saturday week.
However, confidence in the camp is growing that the son of Nathaniel will take on this season’s English and Irish Derby winner Auguste Rodin, Epsom runner-up King Of Steel, last year’s King George winner Pyledriver and his Sandown conqueror Hukum in the Qipco-sponsored 12-furlong highlight after all.
The owner’s racing manager, Bruce Raymond, said: “He worked this morning and Ryan rode him.
“Michael was very pleased with him and I think there is a good chance he will go to Ascot.
“He worked nicely. It was a pleasing gallop. I can’t say he is certain for the race, but everyone was very happy with him. There’s a good chance he will go to Ascot.”
Desert Crown is currently a 10-1 chance with Coral for the King George, with Auguste Rodin their 9-4 favourite.
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/267279133-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2023-07-19 10:41:062023-07-19 10:41:06King George possible Desert Crown pleases in Wednesday workout
Emily Upjohn has been given the go-ahead to run in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on July 29.
Trainers John and Thady Gosden were reluctant to commit the four-year-old filly to the midsummer highlight in the immediate aftermath of her meritorious run in the Eclipse last weekend.
She was beaten just half a length at Sandown by Aidan O’Brien’s three-year-old colt Paddington, who was in receipt of 7lb.
Emily Upjohn (right) went down fighting in the Eclipse (Bradley Collyer/PA)
The Gosdens are keen to step her back up in trip and have seen nothing this week that should prevent her from heading to Ascot, which was the scene of her only disappointing run to date in the race last year.
Gosden senior said: “After a race like that you take stock, but I couldn’t be more thrilled. She’s in great form with herself, I had to canter her again quickly.
“I’m very pleased with her and there’s no reason at the minute why she wouldn’t go to the King George.”
But one horse who might miss the King George is last year’s Derby winner Desert Crown, who was absent from Royal Ascot after a setback.
His trainer Sir Michael Stoute said: “We don’t know if we will get him ready in time (for the King George). He is back in fast work, so we will decide closer to the time. It’s a little bit tight time-wise.”
Mostahdaf was a stunning winner at Royal Ascot (David Davies/PA)
Gosden also had news of Mostahdaf, such an impressive winner of the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.
“He goes to the International, he should enjoy York as he likes to play around before the races like Stradivarius used to!” he told Racing TV.
“We’ve had to space his races, he ran in the Neom Cup in Saudi which he won in February, he came back and then went to the Sheema Classic in March, in which he took on the world champion in Equinox and tried to race with him, which is a mistake.
“He came back to a mile and a quarter and showed us what he could do in the Prince of Wales’s in which he was very impressive. He came out of it super, he’s very full of himself every morning.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/272952017-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2023-07-13 16:42:232023-07-13 16:42:23Emily Upjohn on course for King George – but Desert Crown doubt
Sir Michael Stoute has confirmed he will wait for easier ground before unleashing Bay Bridge.
The master trainer has also not ruled out a possible tilt at the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes for Derby winner Desert Crown.
Bay Bridge was fourth to Vadeni when favourite for last season’s Coral-Eclipse and while he held an entry for Saturday’s renewal, connections decided to forgo the opportunity.
The son of New Bay earned top-class honours when taking the scalps of both 2021 Derby victor Adayar and the previously unbeaten multiple Group One winner Baaeed in the Champion Stakes at Ascot in October.
However, he has run three times this term at the top level and fallen short, although he was a half-length runner-up to Luxembourg in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh, before finishing seven lengths behind runaway winner Mostahdaf in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Stoute will pick his moment for the James Wigan and Ballylinch Stud-owned Bay Bridge, once there is sufficient cut underfoot.
He said: “There are no plans for Bay Bridge, we want some nice juice in the ground for him.”
Meanwhile, Desert Crown is cantering again ahead of a possible run in the King George.
Last year’s impressive winner of Epsom’s blue riband suffered a minor ankle injury thereafter and missed the remainder of the season.
On his belated return, following a 355-day lay-off, he was touched off by Hukum in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown in May.
He looked impressive in his work a few days before his intended run in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, but following a routine piece of work, he was scratched from the race after he was found to be lame.
“The hitch he had was very minor and when they investigated there was nothing,” said Bruce Raymond, racing manager to Saeed Suhail, who owns the colt.
“He missed a few days, unfortunately at the wrong time. He was just a bit lame, they go lame, don’t they?
“I just know that he is cantering and in full exercise. I would be hopeful, but can’t tell you when he’ll run, as I don’t know. I would be hopeful it would be the King George, but that decision will be up to Sir Michael.
“I very much like what I’ve been seeing from him when cantering. He looked a bigger, stronger horse at Sandown. I don’t think there is anything to worry about at all.”
Desert Crown is cantering ahead of a possible King George run (David Davies/PA)
Stoute remains non-committal about Desert Crown’s next target, although he holds engagements in the Ascot middle-distance showpiece – for which he is a best-priced 10-1 chance – York’s Juddmonte International and the Irish Champion Stakes.
Stoute added: “No, we haven’t got any plans for him yet. He is back cantering. He is on the move again.
“We are not going to make any plans yet. We’re not going to do anything yet, we’ll wait until we get him in strong work, but I don’t know yet when that will be.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/267129559-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2023-07-04 17:19:072023-07-04 20:50:07Stoute biding his time with Bay Bridge
Desert Crown is back in light exercise following the setback which ruled him out of Royal Ascot.
Last year’s Derby winner has only been seen once in public since his famous Epsom win, when surprisingly beaten by Hukum at Sandown in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes.
He wowed gallop watchers when tuning up for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes and Frankie Dettori had been booked for the big day, but just over a week beforehand connections were dealt a blow.
Following a routine gallop he was giving off cause for concern and while no major damage has been discovered, Sir Michael Stoute’s colt was unable to go to Ascot.
Hands up if you saw this coming?!
Hukum collars last years Derby winner Desert Crown in dramatic style in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes @Sandownpark 😯
— Champions Series (@ChampionsSeries) May 25, 2023
Philip Robinson, owner Saeed Suhail’s assistant racing manager, said: “He’s started cantering, having been walking all last week, and is all is good.
“Nothing showed up on any scans or X-rays or anything, so it must have just been a bruise or something like that which just set him back 10 days.
“I’m not sure where he’ll run, I wouldn’t have thought Sir Michael will rush him back, he’ll just take his time and when he’s back in full work then he’ll make a plan.
“It was just one of those really unfortunate things that happens with horses, but they are athletes and these things happen.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/267278545-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2023-06-28 14:45:492023-06-28 14:45:49‘All good’ with Desert Crown, as Derby winner resumes cantering duties
Desert Crown will miss the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, Sir Michael Stoute has confirmed.
Last year’s Derby winner was on course for a clash with Adayar, Luxembourg and stablemate Bay Bridge in the 10-furlong Group One contest on June 21, having produced a scintillating piece of work under Ryan Moore on Wednesday.
However, after a routine canter under Ted Durcan on Saturday morning, he was found to be lame.
A market drifter on the exchanges on Sunday morning, asked if all was well with the colt, Stoute told the PA news agency: “No. He’s not running, no. He’s a non-runner.”
Desert Crown cruised to success in the premier Classic, but picked up an ankle injury and was not seen again until reappearing in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown last month.
Though he looked better than ever beforehand, he was defeated in the dying strides by last season’s Coronation Cup winner Hukum, who was similarly coming back after a year on the sidelines.
Frankie Dettori was booked to ride the son of Nathaniel at Royal Ascot, replacing Richard Kingscote, but Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Saeed Suhail, added: “I knew they weren’t happy with him yesterday morning.
“He worked well on Wednesday. He doesn’t usually work like a rocket. His general work practice is to go steady early and to quicken.
“I didn’t see him yesterday. He worked nicely and I believe it was on his own. His final gallop was going to be next Tuesday or Wednesday with Dettori on him.
“I thought he won’t be doing too much. That was at 10 o’clock in the morning. At 12 o’clock, I heard he was a bit lame.
“They were having a good look at him. Injuries so close this time to the race mean you don’t take chances.”
Desert Crown’s absence leaves the Charlie Appleby-trained Adayar and Aidan O’Brien’s Luxembourg in a battle for Prince of Wales’s favouritism.
The latter landed the Tattersalls Gold Cup from Bay Bridge last month, and his Ballydoyle handler reported him on course for Ascot.
“The plan is to go for the Prince of Wales’s. Everything so far is going well,” said O’Brien, speaking after saddling the exciting Pearls And Rubies to victory at Navan.
“What was good the last day was it showed that he didn’t mind being ridden in front if he had to be. (We have) options.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/272310524-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2023-06-11 13:16:242023-06-11 13:40:06Setback rules Desert Crown out of Prince of Wales’s Stakes
Frankie Dettori will replace Richard Kingscote on Desert Crown in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Kingscote won the Derby on the Sir Michael Stoute-trained four-year-old last season, but the colt was beaten on his first run since Epsom in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown by Hukum.
With Dettori available, owner Saaed Suhail has decided to snap up his services in what will be the Italian’s last ever Royal meeting ahead of his retirement later this year.
Frankie Dettori will ride Desert Crown at Royal Ascot (Mike Egerton/PA)
Suhail’s racing manager Bruce Raymond told Nick Luck’s Daily Podcast: “He (Suhail) just feels that for Desert Crown to win this race is all important and while Frankie is around he wants to give the horse every chance.
“He believes Frankie is unbeatable around Ascot, and that is why (he is riding). It’s no disgrace for Richard at all, I myself was jocked off Carroll House when he won the Arc.”
Kingscote could well be in opposition, with Desert Crown’s top-class stablemate Bay Bridge among his potential rivals.
Raymond added: “It happens, it’s not the end of the world, and obviously Richard will be hoping he can beat him on the other horse (Bay Bridge).
“I’m sure Richard will be riding (when Dettori is not available). Obviously Ryan Moore is Sir Michael Stoute’s number one jockey if he can get him, but he’s going to be unavailable in most of the big races.
“I think it’s better to have a jockey that you know riding the horse than anybody else, so I’m sure he (Kingscote) will be back on the horse should Frankie not be able to ride for any reason.
“I think he’s a very good horse and I think he’ll go forward into a lot of good races, with Richard on, hopefully.”
Richard Kingscote was obviously disappointed with the news (David Davies/PA)
Speaking after riding Book Of Tales to victory at Bath, Kingscote told Sky Sports Racing: “Of course (disappointed), but hopefully Bay Bridge runs in the race as well.
“I’m in a great position, I’ve won a Derby and as I’ve said previously I’ve no expectation of these rides, no one is under any obligations so I’m grateful to what I get and we move forward.
“Bay Bridge ran a very good race in Ireland, he’s a lovely horse and he’s got some big races in him. He’s versatile ground-wise and is getting better with all his racing.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/270839921-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2023-06-09 09:38:402023-06-09 16:35:06Dettori called up for Desert Crown ride at Royal Ascot
geegeez.co.uk uses cookies to improve your experience. We assume that's OK, but you may opt-out from the settings. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.