Head-Maarek virus was the reason for split say Al Shaqab

The general manager of Al Shaqab Racing has insisted the virus that has afflicted Criquette Head-Maarek's yard this season, and not the trainer's gender, was at the root of the removal of horses from her yard.

Khalifa Al Attiya, who supervises Sheikh Joaan Al Thani's racing operation, said there was never an intention to completely sever ties with the trainer, who had delivered Al Shaqab two Arc victories with the brilliant Treve in 2013 and 2014.

But he said when the trainer was contacted over plans to move one horse, she advised that all three Al Shaqab horses should be taken from the yard, a yard whose 2016 campaign has been blighted by sickness. They are now in south-west France, two with Francois Rohaut.