John Gosden has issued a word of caution for Trawlerman‘s Gold Cup backers. The defending champion may not be fit to defend his title next month. Meanwhile, fields for the Irish 1000 & 2000 Guineas, as well as the Epsom Derby and Oaks, were trimmed on Tuesday.
Here is GG’s round-up of the racing news today on Wednesday.
Trawlerman fitness uncertain for Gold Cup bid
Brilliant 2025 Gold Cup hero Trawlerman is not certain to defend his title at Royal Ascot next month. Trainer John Gosden issued a cautionary note regarding his potential comeback. The eight-year-old won in splendid isolation 12 months ago. However, he will miss his intended return at Sandown on Thursday, as he did not appear among declarations for the Group 2 King Henry II Stakes. Gosden said “we’re feeling our way back with him at present. He’s not a definite runner in the Gold Cup.” (Racing Post)
Classic fields narrowed in Britain and Ireland
The fields for this weekend’s Irish 2000 and 1000 Guineas were narrowed on Tuesday. Gstaad headlines the line-up for the colts’ race on Saturday. He was one of 13 put forward for the 1m showpiece, alongside Newmarket third and fifth Distant Storm and Thesecretadversary. On the fillies’ side, both True Love and Precise remain in contention. Both are trained by Aidan O’Brien with the former beaten into seventh in the English 1000 Guineas as the latter galloped to glory. (Sporting Life)
The Epsom Oaks and Derby fields were also slimmed this week. The initial scratchings stage saw only 16 filles left for the Oaks while 22 are left in the Derby. O’Brien is responsible for exactly half of the fillies remaining for the Friday Classic. They include ante-post favourite Amelia Earhart. On the colts’ side, Ballydoyle own ten of the 22 possible participants. Benvenuto Cellini and Constitution River both remain, as does leading British contender Item. (Sporting Life)
Vigilance urged of trainers against equine flu
Following a statement on Monday, the British Horseracing Authority has directly urged trainers to be vigilant regarding equine flu. Extra biosecurity measures are now in place across the sport. They have included the abandonment of all hunter chases for the foreseeable future. James Given of the BHA has stated that “If we play our part, we’ve got a chance of getting through this without having to stop racing.” (Racing Post)
Diego Lima given 24-day ban
Diego Lima has been handed a 24-day ban following his controversial ride at York last week. Lima used his whip more than five times over the permitted limit aboard juvenile Ranting Duke. Footage in the stalls also appeared to show Lima hitting his mount over the head. Ranting Duke was disqualified from his £10,000 second-placed finish, with Lima handed a lengthy ban. Trainer Diego Dias did defend his jockey’s actions at the start, but the footage was widely condemned by those presenting on Racing TV. (The Sun)