Washington back in business

George Washington will face five rivals as he returns to action in Sunday’s totesport Celebration Mile at Goodwood.

Aidan O’Brien’s charge was a thoroughly impressive winner of the Stan James 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in May but has been off the track since suffering a hip injury when second to Araafa in the Irish equivalent.

The Danehill colt is set to be joined by stablemate River Tiber in the group two event with the latter also having been off the track since the Curragh Classic in May.

Soviet Song and Rob Roy, second and third respectively in the Sussex Stakes, renew rivalries, while Godolphin relies on recent Newbury third Caradak.

The Barry Hills-trained Killybegs, who finished well down the field in a Salisbury Group Three last time, completes the line-up.