Haggas awaits x-rays after Mutakayyef returns lame

William Haggas and owner Hamdan Al Maktoum face an anxious wait for the results of x-rays after Saturday's Summer Mile winner Mutakayyef returned lame.

The six-year-old, who had also won the same Group 2 last year and last month chased home Ribchester in the Queen Anne Stakes, was led in by Dane O'Neill and required veterinary attention after coming from behind to beat Kaspersky decisively.

The seriousness of the injury has yet to be established, but Haggas, who had been eyeing a rematch with Ribchester in the Qatar Sussex Stakes, is understandably concerned.

He said: "Mutakayyef is struggling a bit. Dane felt he took a false step 75 yards from the line, and he was led in. They did a fantastic job at Ascot, and he had a cast on his right fore which has now been taken off.

"He's sore and uncomfortable and I'm not sure yet what the issue is, but we'll know more in the week. It's a shame. He's never had a problem there before."

William Haggas: disappointed with Tasleet's performance in the July CupCredit: Edward Whitaker

On Saturday Haggas had fancied runners in the big races on three different courses, as well as at Salisbury in the evening, and while a final haul of three winners from 12 runners was satisfying overall, the injury to Mutakayyef was not the only disappointment.

Diamond Jubilee runner-up Tasleet trailed home last in the July Cup and well-backed John Smith's Cup favourite Victory Bond was only seventh.

He said: "Tasleet was disappointing. I don't want to blame the track or anything, it just wasn't his day. But he's a very consistent horse and he'll be back.

"Victory Bond ran a very good race in the circumstances. He was too far back the way the race was run, but he's a useful horse and we'll see whether we go for a heritage handicap or stakes race."

The easiest winner on a strong card at Ascot was the Richard Hannon-trained Le Havre newcomer Tigre Du Terre in the second division of the 7f novice.

Tim Palin of owners Middleham Park Racing said: "The Washington Singer is the obvious target, or the Acomb as long as it's good ground. He's not in the Derby but is definitely going to be a miler this year and a mile and a quarter horse next year.

"We're convinced from what we're hearing of his home work he's a Group horse. We just need to work out what number, whether it's Group 3, 2 or 1. We think he's a 100-plus horse."

He added: "He showed a great attitude and stride. He passed the field on the bridle and then went away. It was a perfect debut and the time was faster than the first division, and in easier fashion. He looks an exciting prospect."