Watson 'very disappointed' as top two-year-old Bradsell misses rest of 2022

High-class juvenile Bradsell, who finished fourth of five in Saturday's Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh, will not run again this season after sustaining an injury in that race.

Trained by Archie Watson for Victorious Racing, Bradsell bolted up on his debut at York in May before winning the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.

He headed to Ireland as favourite for the Phoenix Stakes, but stumbled leaving the stalls under Hollie Doyle.

Bradsell (left) finished fourth in the Phoenix behind Little Big BearCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

He stumbled again shortly after and pressed the leaders, but hung right in the closing stages and was eight and a half lengths adrift of brilliant winner Little Big Bear at the line.

Watson, who holds the two-year-old in the highest regard, said on Monday: "Bradsell unfortunately sustained a season-ending injury in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday.

"I would like to thank the team at Sycamore Lodge Equine Hospital for their excellent veterinary care and attention.

"I am naturally very disappointed for Victorious Racing and all the team at Saxon Gate but we look forward to having him back on the racecourse in 2023."

Bradsell, a son of Tasleet, is quoted in the betting for next year's Qipco 2,000 Guineas and his price ranges from 14-1 to 50-1.

Connections, who might have considered the Darley Prix Morny and Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes prior to the setback, may also ponder a crack at the Commonwealth Cup at the royal meeting next summer.

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