Sunday’s Group 2 Prix Foy third Almaqam will remain on course for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe despite suffering a defeat behind Japanese runner Byzantine Dream.
Speaking after the race, trainer Ed Walker said: "That's a very good performance, I'm very pleased with Almaqam. I think we made exactly the right choice in coming here. He definitely stays the trip. We learned a lot today. Almaqam wasn't beaten by much. I think he will be better on softer ground.
"He's had a light campaign this year, and today's race opens up more options for him going forward. Disappointed to be beaten, but very pleased nonetheless.
"This is probably the best year to run in the Arc. William [Buick, his jockey] told me: 'If you're going to take your chance, do it this year!' As an option, we had the Champion Stakes, which will be a red-hot race. But I think he really enjoys the mile-and-a-half. So why not try? If the boss [Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum] agrees to take the chance, then I think we should go for it."
Almaqam has some useful form from this year's campaign, having triumphed over subsequent Group 1 winner Ombudsman in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown in May.
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The Charlie Johnston-trained Lazy Griff has suffered a setback and will not race in Saturday's St Leger at Doncaster, having been ruled out for the season. The German-bred colt was cleverly campaigned during his two-year-old career, collecting a Group 3 success in the Prix de Conde where he defeated subsequent Prix de Diane winner Gezora. At three, he placed in both the Derby and the Irish equivalent behind Lambourn.
Eight remain in the St Leger at the five-day confirmation stage, headed by dual Derby hero Lambourn and emerging staying star Scandinavia, both trained by Aidan O'Brien.
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Jockeys Jim Crowley and Trevor Whelan suffered lower leg injuries following a collision during the Listed Garrowby Stakes at York on Sunday.
Crowley, who was riding Almeraq, fell ttwo furlongs from home bringing down Whelan, aboard Tiger Bay. Screens were put up on the course before both were sent by ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary.
In a post on X in the early hours of Monday morning, Whelan said: "Thanks for all the get well messages much appreciated. I've broken my leg in three places and due for an operation."
It's unclear what injuries Crowley has suffered, or to what extent, but both jockeys are conscious and talking.
The two horses, Almeraq and Tiger Bay, were unharmed in the incident, which caused a 20-minute delay to racing on the Knavesmire.
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Trainer George Scott has announced star juvenile Staya has been retired to stud.
He issued the information on social media platform Instagram, saying "After a nearly perfect weekend, back to reality like in most sports. Staya picked up a small injury in her last race and will not run again. She'll now go to stud and hopefully be part of the foundation of Victorious Forever. It's such a hard one to take. We haven't had her very long but she's definitely one of my all-time favourites. So talented."
Winner of the Listed Dragon Stakes at Sandown, Staya placed in two subsequent starts in Group company, including a second in the Group 2 Lowther Stakes.
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Calandagan had his Autumn plans confirmed by trainer Francis-Henri Graffard on Monday. The son of Gleneagles will be hoping for a hat-trick of Group One's after winning the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and King George & Queen Elizabeth Stakes this summer, and will be aimed for the Champion Stakes at Ascot on British Champions Day on Saturday 18 October. Graffrad spoke to the Nick Luck Daily Podcast about his stable star saying: "He's in very good shape. The plan is to go straight to the Champion Stakes and then the Japan Cup. I was looking to give him a run before the Champion Stakes but I can't find a suitable race, so we'll train him for the race directly."
