Haatef out for rest of season
The four-year-old, trained by Kevin Prendergast, was to have run in the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot on Saturday week.
“He fractured his hind cannonbone two days ago and has had surgery,” said the Co Kildare-based handler.
“He’s recuperating at stud and will be all right in about four or five months.”
Meanwhile, Al Eile is being prepared for another crack at the John Smith’s Northumberland Plate at Newcastle on June 28.
The eight-year-old was a creditable fourth to Juniper Girl on desperate ground 12 months ago and was also fourth in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket in October.
Last seen when winning the Aintree Hurdle for a third time in April, he has had a well-earned break.
“He had five weeks off and now he’s now on target for Newcastle. We’ve couple of weeks left and hopefully we’ll have him spot on,” said Dungarvan trainer John Queally.
“He ran a hell of a race considering the ground last year. It was one of the best races he’s run in defeat.
“It’s always been our aim to go back and have another shot at it.
“He’s actually 3lb higher that he was last year. The handicapper put him up a few pounds for his run in the Cesarewitch.
“We’d just like nice ground, he’d be a doubtful runner if was firm.”
Neil Callan took the ride on Al Eile last June and he is likely to be on standby this time.
“Fran Berry is his usual rider but if he’s not available we’d be asking Neil Callan to step in,” Queally added.
