German bid scrapped for Hawkbill due to unsuitable ground

Charlie Appleby has ruled Hawkbill out of a trip to Germany this weekend but will still consider the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot next month if the ground is suitable.

The Preis von Europa over a mile and a half at Cologne on Sunday had been under consideration for the Coral-Eclipse hero, but that has been shelved because of drying conditions.

The Godolphin handler also has another German option at the back of his mind in early November, but is already looking forward to bringng Hawkbill back as a four-year-old.

"He won't be going to Germany as the ground is drying out this weekend. He is in the Champion Stakes and we will have a look at that and see what conditions are like there," he said.

"If I don't go there with him there is a Group One in Germany on November 1. Whatever he does this year is a building process for next year. He has been a great flag-bearer this year.

"When he strengthens up hopefully he can dance a few dances and pick up one or two races when the ground is right for him."