Motivator set for Azamour showdown

Derby hero Motivator will have his next start in the Baileys Irish Champion Stakes, setting up a fascinating clash with brilliant King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes winner Azamour.

Harry Herbert, racing manager to Motivator’s owners the Royal Ascot Racing Club, confirmed that the Epsom Classic winner will head to Leopardstown on September 10 ahead of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Following his five-length success in the blue riband, the Michael Bell-trained colt lost his unbeaten record when going down to Oratorio in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, and connections are hopeful of a return to form.

“The plan is to go for the Champion Stakes as long as the ground isn’t too firm,” Herbert said yesterday.

“It is the race that we had always been thinking about but we wanted to see how the horse would do for his holiday.

“So far he has done particularly well, he has really filled out in the right places and is progressing in quite an impressive manner for such a short period of time of rest. I have never seen a horse look better as a physically specimen. He is nicely covered, his skin looks amazing and he looks magnificent standing up in his box.

“He is developing before our eyes and by giving him this break we are hopeful of a successful autumn campaign and getting him back to winning ways.

“Azamour will have everybody quaking in their boots but that is what it is all about – there are no hiding places from these horses.

“Ireland and then on to the Arc is the preferred option but if Ireland didn’t take place for us, for whatever reason, we would probably go to the Arc trial at Newbury before the Arc.”