Derby hero Desert Crown ruled out of King George after training setback

Desert Crown will not run in next weekend’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes after connections ruled the Derby winner out of the Ascot midsummer highlight.

Trained by Sir Michael Stoute for owner Saeed Suhail, Desert Crown had been set to make his first start since winning at Epsom in the Group 1 on July 23 with a rematch against Derby third and subsequent Irish Derby victor Westover on the cards.

However, his participation was put in doubt on Wednesday when it was revealed he had suffered a setback, and 24 hours later connections confirmed he would miss the King George in a big blow to the race.

In his absence, Westover has been installed as the general even-money favourite. Last year’s second Mishriff is next best at 3-1, followed by German-trained Arc winner Torquator Tasso at 7-1.

Desert Crown: ruled out of next week's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes

Bruce Raymond, racing manager to Suhail, said on Wednesday the setback related to Desert Crown’s foot and that “it’s not a joint and it’s not a tendon”.

Speaking on Thursday evening, Raymond confirmed Ascot is off the agenda. He said: “He’s definitely out of the King George. I don’t know the results of any of the scans today so it’s only speculation, but Michael did say to me ‘I won’t be able to work him so he’s going to miss a bit of work and it’s better to take him out.’

“The owner was happier to take him out rather than risk him and go there on firm ground when he’s not 100 per cent. If it was a lesser horse you’d probably say ‘well, we’ll take a chance’ but you can’t with a horse like this.

“I don't think there is any damage but you could start some damage, that’s as far as I know.”

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (Ascot, July 23)

Paddy Power: Evens Westover, 5-2 Mishriff, 7 Torquator Tasso, 8 Broome, 12 Pyledriver, 14 Alenquer, 16 Emily Upjohn, 20 bar

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