Big-race blow: Ebor favourite Hamish out for the season after sustaining injury

Hamish, long-time ante-post favourite for the Sky Bet Ebor at York on Saturday week, has been ruled out of the race and will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining an injury.

The progressive four-year-old had been guaranteed a place in the field after landing the Melrose Handicap at last year’s Ebor meeting, but suffered a setback following Royal Ascot’s Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes in June.

Trainer William Haggas said: “It’s very disappointing. He was injured after Ascot and is out for the season. It’s a shame. The Ebor had been the race to aim at, but it just wasn’t to be. Hopefully he’ll be okay and we can try again next year.”

Hamish: rocketed up the handicap last seasonCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

After landing the Melrose by three-quarters of a length from First In Line, the son of Motivator returned to the Knavesmire in October and ran out an impressive winner of a handicap off a mark of 98.

The gelding made an eyecatching seasonal reappearance behind Fanny Logan in the Hardwicke, staying on smartly to finish fourth after he was hampered on the home turn.

His absence from the Ebor leaves Royal Ascot winner Fujaira Prince, who is trained by Roger Varian, as the new 7-1 favourite with the sponsor.

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