July Cup dream over for Dream Of Dreams after ankle injury

Two-time Group 1-winning sprinter Dream Of Dreams is likely to miss the rest of the 2021 campaign after aggravating an old ankle injury during routine exercise in Newmarket on Saturday morning.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained speedster, who was a 6-1 chance for next Saturday’s Darley July Cup, had recently achieved a notable first when landing the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot – having been a head shy of capturing the six-furlong feature in the previous two years.

Owned by Saeed Suhail, Dream Of Dreams was unbeaten in two starts this year and he enjoyed some light exercise in advance of a possible July Cup bid on the Long Hill Polytrack on Saturday, after which the injury came to light.

July Cup entries and betting

Bruce Raymond, racing manager to the seven-year-old's owner, said: "Unfortunately Dream Of Dreams aggravated a previous ankle injury, which will keep him out of the July Cup.

"He did a routine piece of work and pulled up a little bit sore, and as a precaution Sir Michael is having him checked out.

"There are only a few races a horse like him can go for and thankfully he's won one of them at Royal Ascot. Beyond that there’s the Sprint Cup at Haydock or the Champions Sprint at Ascot, but if he misses those then hopefully he'll be back next year."

Despite his age, Dream Of Dreams has been in his pomp in recent years and registered his first Group 1 win in the Sprint Cup at Haydock in September.

He has won nine of his 31 races and took his prize-money close to the £1 million mark with his success at Royal Ascot.

Read more:

Dream Of Dreams edges out Glen Shiel to finally get his Diamond Jubilee

Dream Of Dreams lands first Group 1 as Doyle is denied famous success

Dream Of Dreams the one to 'fear' in Champions Sprint after Golden Horde setback

Foot abscess forces Royal Ascot favourite Bay Bridge out of King Edward VII

'The meeting was sure to be off. We were only coming here to have lunch'

Download the free Racing Post app for cards, form, tips, in-app betting and to watch live races. Download for free at racingpost.com/mobile or search Racing Post app