Distinction to miss Goodwood Cup

Distinction has been ruled out of the ABN AMRO Goodwood Cup on August 3.

The Michael Stoute-trained seven-year-old, who landed the two-mile contest by half a length last year, has sustained a leg injury that could even keep him on the sidelines for the rest of the year.

Harry Herbert, of owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, told The Racing Post: “I don’t know the extent of the injury but there is no doubt he won’t be able to run in the Goodwood Cup, which was his next target and one we were all so much looking forward to watching him take part in.

“The leg has been scanned and when the result of that comes back we’ll be able to assess how long he’ll be out for.”

Distinction was third in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot on his latest start having finished runner-up in the two-and-half-mile championship last June when it was run at York.