Trainer Clive Cox says he's disappointed Golden Horde will not be ready to run in next weekend's British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot.
The three-year-old, who won twice in his debut season, has enjoyed a very respectable 2020 campaign, starting with a bang when he landed the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in June.
The sire of Lethal Force has followed up that effort with placed finishes in the July Cup at Newmarket and Haydock's Sprint Cup, and he was all set to wrap up his year at Champions Day.
Golden Horde had been one of the market leaders for the Champions Sprint but Cox says a setback last week has meant he'll have to sidestep the engagement.
“He's not going to be confirmed tomorrow for the race, I'm sorry to say,” Cox told Racing Post. “He was found to be sore after his work on Wednesday and we're just not happy with him.
“We'll monitor the situation, but we're not going to be able to sign off the season as intended by running at Ascot.
“He's been tremendously consistent and winning the Commonwealth Cup first time up this season was amazing.”
Cox added that he's not sure what the future now holds for Golden Horde, who could now be retired to stud with a decision due in the coming days.
