Allegretto to miss defence

Injury forces five-year-old out of the Goodwood Cup

Last updated: 30th July 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Allegretto has pulled out of her defence of Thursday's Royal Bank of Scotland Goodwood Cup after suffering a foot injury.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained five-year-old won the title by half-a-length last year, however a setback means she has been declared a non-runner.

Chris Richardson, managing director for owners Cheveley Park Stud, said: "I haven't had the chance to speak to Sir Michael Stoute as yet, but it seems she has some pus in her foot, which is really unfortunate."

Allegretto's withdrawal means that Stoute is left with Distinction in the Group Two race.

However Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners Highclere, admits the nine-year-old faces an enormous task against Ballydoyle raiders Yeats and Honolulu.

"We know it's a big ask to beat Yeats and Honolulu, but we're slightly better off with Honolulu after finishing behind him at Ascot in June," said Herbert.

"Sir Michael Stoute has been very pleased with him since he won at Sandown and although it's a very tough race, he travelled well for a long way last year on a comeback from injury, when we thought he'd blow up much sooner than he did.

"We're hopeful he'll turn in another good run and we'll be cheering him on, no matter where he finishes."