Fahey delighted with Forest Ranger success as Eminent flops

Richard Fahey described the Huxley Stakes as a "delightful watch" after Forest Ranger's commanding success but the viewing pleasure would not have been shared by Martyn Meade as stable star and 8-13 favourite Eminent trailed home last of the five finishers.

The £126,000 contest, upgraded to Group 2 status this year and the highest-graded race ever run at Chester, appeared to be the ideal starting point for last year's Derby fourth and Irish Champion third Eminent but he quickly wilted out of contention after setting the pace as Forest Ranger bounded clear to follow up last month's victory in the Earl of Sefton at Newmarket.

Huxley Stakes result

Fahey is eyeing an ambitious tilt at the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown in July with the strapping Forest Ranger, who took his record to two from two since being gelded over the winter.

"He's a big unit – he was probably a bit weak last year – but he's become a man and is progressing," said the trainer, who also enjoyed seeing stable legend Gabrial staying on for third behind War Decree.

"All roads lead to the Coral-Eclipse now. It has been in my mind since Newmarket and that's where we're going. We'll skip Ascot. I've got more confidence in him as he does pick up for you and he's got the trip well, galloping right to the line."

Ladbrokes introduced Forest Ranger into their Coral-Eclipse market at 25-1 and, while grand plans were being arranged for the 6-1 winner, it was back to the drawing board for Eminent.

"He was perfect in every way, he was perfect with his blood and perfect at home," said Meade. "At four furlongs he had nothing more. We'll have to get him back and get him scoped to see if he's picked up something in the last 24 hours. That's not him at all."

A post-race veterinary examination revealed that Eminent was suffering from a fibrillating heart.

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