King George a possibility for ‘none the worse’ Ektihaam

Roger Varian is considering a return to Ascot for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes with Ektihaam after reporting the colt “none the worse” following a nasty slip at the track on Saturday.

Following a most impressive display over the course and distance in the Buckhounds Stakes, Ektihaam was the 9-4 favourite for the Group Two Hardwicke Stakes and was bowling along at the head of affairs until slipping up almost a mile from home.

Jockey Paul Hanagan was flung into the rails, but escaped serious injury, while the winner, Thomas Chippendale, suffered a fatal heart attack after passing the post.