Roger Varian retains faith in Pierre Lapin despite Royal Ascot flop

Roger Varian is at a loss to explain Pierre Lapin's disappointing run in the Commonwealth Cup, but the trainer is not giving up on his big sprinting hope.

The Sheikh Obaid-owned colt went into Royal Ascot with an unbeaten record and a tall reputation but trailed home last of the 16 runners, nearly 19 lengths behind winner Golden Horde.

After the race, jockey Andrea Atzeni reported Pierre Lapin was never travelling and nothing has come to light since the three-year-old returned to Varian's Carlburg Stables in Newmarket.

Pierre Lapin trailed in last behind Golden Horde (right) in the Commonwealth CupCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"I wish something had shown up, but it hasn't," said the trainer. "He's had all the tests we can give him and we haven't found a genuine reason for the lacklustre performance.

"We're having to get him back into work this week and if something was going to come to light, it hasn't done yet."

Pierre Lapin, which means Peter Rabbit in French (he's out of dam Beatrix Potter), is as big as 20-1 with Paddy Power and Betfair Sportsbook for next month's Darley July Cup – a race his half-brother Harry Angel won in 2017 – but Varian is not committing to any targets.

"We won't lose faith in the horse, it wasn't what we were hoping for or expecting," said the trainer. "I'm sure he'll bounce back at some point but quite where or when I'm not sure."

Pierre Lapin: was sent off at 7-2 for the Commonwealth Cup following an unbeaten juvenile campaign including the Group 2 Mill Reef StakesCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Pierre Lapin's flop was a rare low point during a sensational Royal Ascot for Varian, who enjoyed a brilliant third day treble and four victories in total for the week.

He is also yet to plot his next move for his quartet of winners, Fujaira Prince (Copper Horse Handicap), Mountain Angel (Wolferton Stakes), Molatham (Jersey Stakes) and Khaloosy (Britannia Stakes).

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