Big-race blow: Ebor favourite Hamish out for the season after sustaining injury
Hamish, long-time ante-post favourite for the Sky Bet Ebor at York on Saturday week, has been ruled out of the race and will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining an injury.
The progressive four-year-old had been guaranteed a place in the field after landing the Melrose Handicap at last year’s Ebor meeting, but suffered a setback following Royal Ascot’s Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes in June.
Trainer William Haggas said: “It’s very disappointing. He was injured after Ascot and is out for the season. It’s a shame. The Ebor had been the race to aim at, but it just wasn’t to be. Hopefully he’ll be okay and we can try again next year.”
After landing the Melrose by three-quarters of a length from First In Line, the son of Motivator returned to the Knavesmire in October and ran out an impressive winner of a handicap off a mark of 98.
The gelding made an eyecatching seasonal reappearance behind Fanny Logan in the Hardwicke, staying on smartly to finish fourth after he was hampered on the home turn.
His absence from the Ebor leaves Royal Ascot winner Fujaira Prince, who is trained by Roger Varian, as the new 7-1 favourite with the sponsor.
Members can read the latest exclusive tipping content such as Pricewise and Paul Kealy from 6pm daily on racingpost.com
Published on 12 August 2020inNews
Last updated 08:57, 13 August 2020
- 'It's a dream come true' - 18-year-old to follow in Khadijah Mellah's footsteps with ride in the Magnolia Cup
- Merci Olivier! No final winner for Olivier Peslier but the world of racing unites in saluting the end of a great career
- The latest edition of the Racing Post is available to read online now - here's how you can access it
- How Smart View recorded a 76 per cent profit at the Cheltenham Festival
- Smart View is available on the Racing Post app - how to read the revolutionary new racecard
- 'It's a dream come true' - 18-year-old to follow in Khadijah Mellah's footsteps with ride in the Magnolia Cup
- Merci Olivier! No final winner for Olivier Peslier but the world of racing unites in saluting the end of a great career
- The latest edition of the Racing Post is available to read online now - here's how you can access it
- How Smart View recorded a 76 per cent profit at the Cheltenham Festival
- Smart View is available on the Racing Post app - how to read the revolutionary new racecard