Dancer sold to race in Australia

Hugs Dancer has left James Given’s yard for a new career in Australia.

A half-share in the six-year-old has been sold and he will now join the Tony McEvoy yard.

Given said Hugs Dancer, who finished ninth in the Melbourne Cup on his last start, has gone into quarantine and will shortly be returning to Australia, where he will again be aimed at the prestigious staying event.

“It’s very sad that he’s got to go, and everyone in the yard is pretty upset about it,” said the Gainsborough trainer.

“He’s been part of the furniture for the last four years and every season when he comes back in you know you’re going to get two or three big wins with him.”

The high point of Hugs Dancer’s career came when he won the 2002 Ebor Handicap at York, and he also took the Chester Cup and the Goodwood Stakes as well as finishing third to Persian Punch in the Doncaster Cup.

Given added: “He’s taken us to some big races and big days, but the highlight has to be the Ebor. It’s such a tough race and to win from such an awful draw was an amazing performance. It has to have been his finest hour.”