Sale-topping Qatar Racing colt Darain leaves John Gosden for US ace Brad Cox

One-time Classic hope Darain, the most expensive yearling of 2018 when sold for 3.5 million guineas at Tattersalls, has left John Gosden for a career in the US.

Darain, a brother to Gosden's champion two-year-old and multiple Group 1 winner Too Darn Hot, has joined Brad Cox, who had four winners at this month's Breeders' Cup at Keeneland.

The Qatar Racing colt won the first two of his four starts for Gosden, 1m2f novice events at Newbury and Newmarket, before finishing fifth to subsequent St Leger third Pyledriver in the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes at York in August.

The son of Dubawi was dropped to 1m1f for his most recent start when he finished seventh behind Lady Wannabe in the Group 3 Darley Stakes at Newmarket last month.

David Redvers, racing manager to Qatar Racing, said: "Sheikh Fahad and John Gosden decided the US style of racing may suit Darain a bit better than over here and he's joined Brad Cox who is based at Keeneland.

"We've had horses with Brad for a number of years and enjoyed our biggest win together when Shedaresthedevil won the Kentucky Oaks in the summer. Brad had a remarkable Breeders' Cup, winning four races including the Distaff with Monomoy Girl. "

He added: "I'd think Darain would have the option of racing on turf or dirt as his sire has a decent record with runners on the latter. The US operation is something Sheikh Fahad is keen on and hopefully the horse can prosper over there."

The Lir Jet (left): had excuses at Breeders' CupCredit: Julian Finney

Redvers also had news of the operation's speedy juvenile The Lir Jet, who has recently flown in the opposite direction after finishing seventh at Keeneland in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf.

The Royal Ascot winner was doing all his best work late on at his first attempt at a mile behind Fire At Will that day but had excuses, notably his wide draw.

Redvers said: "The Lir Jet ran well at the Breeders' Cup considering he had an appalling draw in stall 14 of 14. He could never get properly involved but will have a break now and probably be campaigned over seven furlongs here next season."

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