D-Day for George Washington

GEORGE Washington faces a crucial workout today to determine if his return to action will be at Leopardstown next weekend or Goodwood the following Sunday.

The talismanic colt, who annihilated the opposition in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, has been off the track since pulling a hip muscle when finishing second to Araafa in the Irish equivalent over two months ago.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien has been happy with his progress since a recent racecourse gallop at Naas and is now considering the Desmond Stakes on the 20th or the Celebration Mile on the 27th of this month.