Breeders’ Cup off the agenda for Battaash

Trainer Charlie Hills has confirmed Battaash won’t be heading to the Breeders’ Cup in Kentucky next month.

The six-year-old has managed victories in the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot, the Nunthorpe Stakes at York and the King George Stakes at Glorious Goodwood in an unbeaten season this term.

The Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Keeneland on November 7 had been mooted as the next target for the star sprinter but Hills says Battaash won’t be travelling to the USA this year.

“We’ve spoken to [owner] Sheikh Hamdan and have got great respect for the Breeders’ Cup and what they’ve done, but he’s finishing the year on a high and we’ll keep him safe and sound for next season, which we’re already looking forward to,” said Hills, as reported by the Racing Post.

“We don’t know what the ground is going to be like in America. I know it’s quick at the moment, but it can change very quickly there. I’m sure he’d handle everything over there too, but you’re asking him to do something very different. It’s a shame, but there could always be another time.”

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