The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has been confirmed as the next competitive target for Nathaniel, hugely impressive winner of the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
The John Gosden-trained three-year-old looked the real deal when triumphing in the King Edward VII Stakes at the Royal meeting, but faced a far sterner test pitched against older horses for the first time on Saturday.
A sedate early pace did little to help any of the main protagonists, while a fatal injury suffered by Rewilding overshadowed the Ascot highlight.
But it was still hard not to be taken by the way Nathaniel got the better of Workforce, last year’s Derby and Arc hero, by 2-3/4 lengths.
James Wigan, racing manager for Nathaniel’s owner, Lady Rothschild, said: “Obviously the whole race was marred by what happened to Rewilding, but Nathaniel was fantastic and we’re really proud of him.
“It was asking a lot of a three-year-old, but the family do seem to improve and he was showing signs that he is doing so.
“I think he can improve further – one would hope so. He’ll be back on level weights with the older horses in the Arc, of course.
“The horse is fine and I think the plan now would be to keep him for the Arc.
“He might have a gallop on a racecourse somewhere, but I think his next run will be at Longchamp.”
PA AAP TURF
