William Buick ‘on the list’ for vacant Field Of Gold ride

William Buick is “on the list” of potential riders who could partner Field Of Gold in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood later this month.

Narrowly denied by Ruling Court in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket when partnered by Kieran Shoemark, the John and Thady Gosden-trained grey has made no mistake in two subsequent outings under Juddmonte’s new retained rider Colin Keane, dominating his rivals in the Irish Guineas and the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

However, with Keane ruled out of the entirety of the Goodwood Festival after picking up a 14-day suspension at Sandown last week for transgressing the whip rules, Field Of Gold will require another change of jockey on July 30.

Juddmonte’s European racing manager Barry Mahon insists no final decision will be made until closer to the time, but told the PA news agency on Saturday: “I’m sure he (Buick) is on the list, but we’ll have to wait and see whether Godolphin have a runner in the race and everything else nearer the time.

“All being well we’re heading to Goodwood – that is plan A. I saw the horse myself earlier this week, he looked in good shape and seems to be doing well.

“We’ll make a decision on who rides him closer to the time.”