Avalon withdrawn from Leger

Aidan O’Brien’s Avalon is a non-runner for the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster this afternoon.

The mount of Jamie Spencer finished an improving third in the Great Voltigeur Stakes last time out but has been withdrawn due to concerns about the ground on Town Moor.

“We spoke to [Doncaster clerk of the course] Jon Pullin this morning just before the horses were about to get on the plane and they’ve had 15 to 16mm of rain so he doesn’t run,” O’Brien told Channel 4 Sport.

“He’s a horse that really wants fast ground so he doesn’t travel.”

Following Avalon’s withdrawal the field for the St Leger has been reduced to six runners, with O’Brien saddling hot favourite Scorpion.

The going at Doncaster is currently soft, good to soft in places ahead of the final Classic of the Flat season.