Horse racing update Wednesday 26th August
Some good news filtering through on Wednesday as it has been announced following government approval that Doncaster's St Leger meeting could host racegoers all being well. As I understand it 3,600 or so general admissions will be available on the Wednesday, with up to 6,200 available for the following three days. A statement on Doncaster's website read: "Racegoers will be able to purchase tickets in advance via www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk, from Friday, August 28, with a variety of different enclosures and hospitality options available." The trial of 5,000 people that was due to take place on the final day of Glorious Goodwood was of course cancelled at the eleventh hour but, hopefully and all things crossed, a crowd of sorts will be back trackside for the St Leger.
The other main news this week has been all about those horses that we aint going to be seeing.
Group Two Dante winner Thunderous will reportedly miss the rest of the season. The Mark Johnston-trained three-year-old was being aimed at the Group One Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp but has picked up an injury.
Also reported is the face Sussex Stakes winner Mohaather has been retired after what has been described as “significant bone bruising” in his near hind fetlock. Sheikh Hamdan’s racing manager Angus Gold said in a statement to the PA news agency: “Towards the end of last week it was noticed that Mohaather was not moving as well as he had been immediately after the Sussex Stakes. Precautionary X-rays were taken over the weekend which have revealed significant bone bruising in his near hind fetlock joint; unfortunately this will put paid to the rest of his campaign, and as a result Sheikh Hamdan has taken the decision to retire the colt to stud."