St Leger dreams dashed for Lazy Griff team

Owners Middleham Park Racing have been left “gutted” after Lazy Griff was cruelly ruled out of the Betfred St Leger following a setback.

The Charlie Johnston-trained colt has been a standout performer for his connections this term and was due to head to Doncaster with leading claims after placed efforts in both the Derby at Epsom and the Irish equivalent.

He was as short as 4-1 second favourite behind Aidan O’Brien’s Scandinavia for the world’s oldest Classic next Saturday, with his team now having to turn their attentions to next season with the injury set to keep Lazy Griff out of action for the rest of the current campaign.

Mike Prince of owners Middleham Park Racing said: “He’s met with a setback. He was due to do his last piece of work before the Leger on Saturday but he’s now out for the rest of the season.

“He should be fine to come back next season but it is a bit gutting to get so close to heading to the Leger, where on paper he looked to have a really great chance.

“The syndicate are really gutted and they were all set to head to Doncaster next Saturday, but these things happen and are set to test us.

“It’s one of those things and hopefully we can get him back for next season. We’ll probably look to campaign him in those long-distance races and cup races, he is certainly of that level. Although everyone is a bit flat and disappointed at the moment.”