Desert Crown ruled out of Royal Ascot following 'minor setback'

Desert Crown, who was a short-price favourite for this month's Prince of Wales's Stakes, was on Sunday ruled out of Royal Ascot after suffering a minor setback.

The four-year-old was unbeaten in three starts last season for Sir Michael Stoute and justified favouritism when landing the Derby by two and a half lengths from Hoo Ya Mal under Richard Kingscote.

He was ruled out for the remainder of the year due to a minor injury before making his seasonal reappearance in last month's Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown, where he finished second behind Hukum.

Following an impressive piece of work on Wednesday, Desert Crown was shortened to clear 2-1 favourite for the Prince of Wales's Stakes, in which he was set to be partnered by Frankie Dettori. 

Confirming the news, assistant trainer James Savage said: "Desert Crown trained well on Saturday but met with a minor setback. Royal Ascot is just going to come too soon to get it right."

Desert Crown finished second to Hukum on his return in the Brigadier Gerard StakesCredit: Alan Crowhurst

The son of Nathaniel is owned by Saeed Suhail, whose racing manager Bruce Raymond said: "I know they weren't happy with him after he worked nicely on Saturday morning. He came back a bit sore."

Coral made the well-backed Desert Crown the 7-4 favourite for the Prince of Wales's Stakes on June 21 but he has been replaced at the head of the market by 2-1 joint-favourites Adayar and Luxembourg. 

"Desert Crown shortened from 6-1 to 7-4 after his sparkling piece of work and Frankie Dettori was booked to ride him at Ascot, so his setback is a blow to ante-post punters and Frankie ahead of his final royal meeting," said Coral's David Stevens.

Prince of Wales’s Stakes (4.20, June 21)

Coral: 2 Adayar, Luxembourg, 4 Bay Bridge, 5 My Prospero, 12 Emily Upjohn, Simca Mille, 16 Dubai Honour, Point Lonsdale, 20 Above The Curve, Nashwa, 25 bar

Read this next:

'There will be a lot of people out of pocket - it's really harsh and it's been a rubbish day' 

'My King's Stand bet is the one that has me most excited' - Paul Kealy and Keith Melrose answer your Royal Ascot questions 

Subscribe today and get set for a sizzling summer of Flat racing with 50% off your first three months 

Stay ahead of the field with 50 per cent off the ultimate racing subscription. Enjoy the Racing Post digital newspaper and award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing. Plus, make informed betting decisions with our expert tips and form study tools. Head to the subscription page and select 'Get Ultimate Monthly', then enter the code WELCOME2023 to get 50 per cent off your first three months*.

*Available to new subscribers purchasing Members' Club Ultimate Monthly using code WELCOME2023.

First three payments will be charged at £19.98, subscription renews at full monthly price thereafter.

Offer expires 31/12/2023. Customers wishing to cancel will need to contact us at least seven days before their subscription is due to renew