'James Doyle could feel he was in some discomfort' - stalls injury revealed as factor in Damysus Derby flop

John Gosden has revealed the possible reason behind the poor showing of Damysus in Saturday’s Betfred Derby after the Dante runner-up came home last of the 18 runners.

Sent off a 16-1 chance, Damysus compromised his chances even before the race had got under way as he got upset in the stalls and lashed out, sustaining cuts to his hock.

The son of Frankel, who had no previous stalls issues, had been in his number 15 stall for some time before sustaining his injuries with just three left to load for the Classic.

Damysus was briefly in the front rank but was forced to race wide from his draw. He was in contention coming down the hill under James Doyle but was a spent force in the straight and came home more than 50 lengths adrift of winner Lambourn.

Pride Of Arras (Rossa Ryan) wins the Dante with runner-up Damysus (left)Credit: Edward Whitaker

Joint-trainer John Gosden said of the run: “Damysus went into the stalls early enough, second or third I think, and was fine, but for some reason with three to load he got a bit upset and lashed out and kicked the stalls, sustaining some nasty cuts to his hock in the process.

“James Doyle said he could feel Damysus was in some discomfort during the race, which is why he let him come home in his own time turning for home when he could feel something was amiss.”

Wathnan Racing's colt has entries in the Coral-Eclipse, Irish Champion Stakes and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe but no firm plan has been outlined.

Gosden added: “Damysus has been treated for his injuries and we’ll take a little time before we decide on any future plans going forward.”

The Gosdens also fielded Nightwalker in the Derby. He fared better in finishing 12th, with connections feeling the Juddmonte grey would have been closer with less ease in the ground.

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