Goodwood assignment pencilled in for Scenic

Scenic will head to the Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood after pushing Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe contender Estrange all the way at Haydock.

Ed Walker’s five-year-old was beaten only a neck by David O’Meara’s stable star when having her first outing for new owners Wathnan Racing in the Group Two Lancashire Oaks, with her handler hailing her consistency.

The duo could clash again in the Yorkshire equivalent on the Knavesmire next month, but first Scenic will head to the Sussex Downs on August 2, as she embarks on what could be the final stages of her career.

“I was thrilled with her and very proud of her, it was a huge run in new ownership,” said Walker.

“She heads to the Lillie Langtry now. I was devastated she was beaten, but Richard Brown (Wathnan’s racing adviser) was delighted as it means she won’t have a penalty at Goodwood.

“She’s a real star and a yard favourite. She’s helped fly the flag for us for a few years and has been seriously consistent since winning the Galtres Stakes at York, it was almost like that was a turning point in her career. I don’t know why, but since then has barely put a foot wrong and if anything is improving.

“I’m excited about her and the three races for her really are the Lillie Langtry, Yorkshire Oaks and Prix de Royallieu. I imagine they will be the last three runs of her career, she’s a star.”