Owner blames 'failure of leadership' as Soulcombe is sold to race in Australia

Soulcombe, most recently seen running away with the Melrose Handicap at York last month, has been sold to continue his career in Australia after his owners received “an offer we couldn’t refuse”.

The three-year-old, who had been trained by William Haggas, will join the Sydney stable of Chris Waller, with his co-owner Chris Budgett decrying the leadership of British racing for leaving owners in the difficult position of having to sell their best horses abroad.

The regally bred Soulcombe, by Frankel out of Group 1 winner Ribbons, made rapid progress this year after being gelded in the spring, winning contests at Haydock and Ascot before his tour de force at York under Hollie Doyle.