Newmarket yards blighted by respiratory issues

A number of stables in Newmarket are battling respiratory problems similar to those that ruled Postponed out of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot last month.

Thankfully, Roger Varian's stable star would now appear to be clear of the virus and worked nicely on Saturday morning, but many other strings are in the midst of the issue, including Richard Spencer, who was nearly forced to shut down his yard because of it.

Even champion trainer John Gosden is among those affected, with the Clarehaven handler having had to withdraw two of his three runners at Newmarket on Friday night due to bad scopes.