Gordon Lord Byron will make his return to action in Saturday’s Renaissance Stakes at the Curragh after connections decided against a trip to York.
The sprinter, who numbers the George Ryder Stakes in Australia among his Group One wins, has been off the track since suffering a back injury when eighth in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, but is ready for a return to competitive action.
Trainer Tom Hogan is keen to give his charge a spin before he defends his crown in the Sprint Cup at Haydock on September 6 and feels it will be more beneficial for him to stay at home than run in Friday’s City of York Stakes.
“He needs to have a prep run before he goes back to Haydock and it was a straight choice between York and the Curragh,” Hogan said.
“We just felt to go over to York with him, come back and then go back to Haydock in a fortnight’s time might be a little bit over-strenuous, so we’ll go the Curragh with him on Saturday and see what happens.
“He seems well, but he’ll definitely improve for the run.”
Gordon Lord Byron is one of 37 remaining entries for the Haydock Group One after the latest acceptance stage.
They include Sole Power and Slade Power for Eddie Lynam, Aljamaaheer, Maarek, Hot Streak, Pearl Secret and Richard Fahey’s Wokingham winner Baccarat.
