Cox only concerned for Harry Angel's welfare as favourite comes unstuck at gates

Diamond Jubilee favourite Harry Angel lost all chance at the start and returned with a puncture wound to a hind leg after getting caught on the stalls just before they opened.

It was a fifth defeat in five outings at Ascot for the 2017 July Cup winner and last year's top-rated sprinter in the world, but the four-year-old was blameless, and trainer Clive Cox's only concern is that he makes a full recovery.

By the time Harry Angel had got his foot on the floor and found his stride he was ten lengths off the furious pace set by Bound For Nowhere, and he trailed home more than 20 lengths behind Merchant Navy, beating only one of his 11 opponents.

Cox said: "It was nobody's fault – just one of those things. When the stalls opened he was on three legs like a dog with his leg up. We've a wonderful stalls team, and I would say the starter was unaware his leg was up. Adam [Kirby] couldn't see it either.

"It’s a big shame it’s happened and has obviously affected the whole day. I’m just sorry for everyone and the horse. It’s a shame but I hope he’ll be fine."

He added of Godolphin's colt: "The race is irrelevant to me now. I just hope he's in one piece.

"He’s got a puncture wound on a hind leg, but the vets have been very positive with the news they've given me."

Kirby confirmed Harry Angel had got upset in the stalls and that he was unaware his partner had got his leg caught as his view was obstructed.

"It's a matter of mixed opinions," he said. "When everyone watches it on TV they go, 'How did that happen?' But it's really not like that.

"They are split-second decisions in the stalls. He got upset and the rug was covering his leg so I couldn't see his leg was up.

"It's one of those things. It was a disaster, but as long as the horse is okay, that's all that matters."

BHA chief regulatory officer Brant Dunshea said: "It was unfortunate, but one of those things. Robbie [Supple, starter] did the right thing, he took his lead off the jockey and when Adam signalled he was ready to go he effected the start as quickly as he could, because the horse was obviously fractious and ready to race."

The official stewards' report read: "Following the race, Adam Kirby reported that Harry Angel, unplaced, got upset in the stalls and was slowly away; the veterinary officer reported a post-race examination of Harry Angel revealed the colt to be lame on his left-hind leg."

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