Mongan devastated but determined after Harbour Law injury

Last year's St Leger winner Harbour Law has had his season cut short through injury, leaving trainer Laura Mongan disappointed but determined her star will return to action next year.

The four-year-old had served notice he was back to form when running a fine third in the Gold Cup behind Big Orange at Royal Ascot, but the excitement for trainer Mongan and connections turned to agony when the four-year-old was found to have suffered a tendon injury.

Mongan said on Monday: "After being on such a high last Thursday it was devastating on Friday to find the injury. But we have to be positive. It's not career-ending and we can get him back if we do everything right and look after him."

Harbour Law was one of the feelgood stories of last season when he gave Mongan and jockey George Baker victory in the St Leger at Doncaster.

It was a first Classic for trainer and jockey, while Mongan was also the first female trainer to win the race.

All smiles: Laura Mongan and George Baker celebrate their memorable St Leger success at DoncasterCredit: Edward Whitaker

A disappointing seasonal reappearance when last of seven in the Sagaro Stakes had been banished from memory following the son of Lawman's excellent third at Royal Ascot, and Mongan is confident Harbour Law will be able to return as good as ever.

"A tendon is a tendon, but it's not too bad and I'm determined we can bring him back," Mongan added. "We're lucky to have a very patient owner [Jackie Cornwell] and he's only four.

"It's not nice seeing him in his box but we'll bring him back for next autumn as he needs a little bit of cut in the ground and we'll give him all the time he needs. He will be back."