Australia: A Royal Ascot campaign this summer has been confirmed for G1-winning sprinter Home Affairs after trainer Chris Waller announced he was giving the colt a break to prepare for the overseas trip.
Coolmore’s three-year-old star defeated his stablemate, the Everest winner Nature Strip, to land the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes in February under current world #1 jockey James McDonald.
The son of I Am Invincible was expected to have his next start in the TJ Smith Stakes on April 2 but Waller revealed he had suffered some physical issues since his most recent run, in which he finished ninth in the G1 Newmarket Handicap and needed time to recover from his exertions.
Waller said in a statement posted on Twitter: “Home Affairs has pulled up bright and well following the Newmarket Handicap, however does have some tightness across his back and hind quarters.
“We have therefore made the decision that rather than run in the TJ Smith, he will have a quiet time in the next two weeks while we concentrate on a northern hemisphere campaign including Royal Ascot. We will keep you informed once plans are finalised.”
Home Affairs will be Waller’s first runner in Britain since 2015 when Brazen Beau was beaten a half-length by the Wesley Ward-trained Undrafted in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes and finished seventh in the July Cup.
Nature Strip – #5 according to latest TRC Global Rankings – remains a possible contender for Royal Ascot, while Artorius, trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, is already confirmed.
Jamie Kah, the world’s leading female rider, is keen to ride at Royal Ascot [June 14-18] and hopes to get the call-up for Nature Strip.
"I've actually booked my holidays around that time of year, so I'll be up there anyway and hopefully I can get on him or on some good chances up there," Kah said, speaking to Racing and Sports.
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