'It's just one of those silly things' - cut rules Alcohol Free out of Haydock

Four-time Group 1 winner Alcohol Free remains on course for a farewell performance on Champions Day at Ascot despite the minor issue that has ruled the four-year-old out of next week's Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock.

The Jeff Smith-owned filly is set to end her remarkable career in either the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes over six furlongs or the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over a mile at Ascot on October 15.

"Ascot will be her last race, and what a wonderful place to have a finale," her owner said. "It will be either the Sprint or the mile, we haven't made our minds up yet. It partly depends on what turns up."

Alcohol Free won the Coronation Stakes and Sussex Stakes over a mile for trainer Andrew Balding last season, but showed her versatility by landing the 6f July Cup this summer and was due to bid for another top-level success at the shorter trip on Saturday week until she was ruled out after suffering a cut.

"It's just unfortunate she got a cut, but it's nothing to be concerned about," Smith said. "She's just going to miss Haydock, which is a shame. It's just one of those silly things."

It is a rare setback in the career of a filly who has run 15 times in little more than two years and has earned more than £1.5 million in prize-money.

Smith added: "When they can win on heavy and firm it endorses the fact they're very good, but it is also testament to their physique and soundness."

On her most recent appearance, Alcohol Free finished third behind Baaeed in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood in July.

Qipco British Champion Sprint Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes cards and betting

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