Flying Five off the table for Battaash

Charlie Hills says Battaash won’t be competing in the Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh after a disappointing showing at York.

Battaash had been the odds-on favourite for the Coolmore Nunthorpe at York in August but finished in fourth.

Trainer Hills has now all-but ruled out a trip to Ireland on September 16 and he says Battaash’s next assignment is likely to be a defence of the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp in October.

“He came out of the race [Nunthorpe] perfect. Nothing came to light, which is obviously very good news,” said Hills, as reported by Sky Sports.

“I think we’ll avoid Ireland and get him ready for the Prix de l’Abbaye.

“We’ve obviously been talking about it and it could be that those massive performances that he puts in take more out of him than you might think.

“He’s in good order and we’ll just go straight for the Abbaye now, I think.”