Artist emerges as Haydock doubt

War Artist is a doubtful runner in the Betfred Sprint Cup on Saturday week after suffering a slight setback.

The five-year-old has proved a consistent performer for James Eustace since switching from South Africa earlier in the year, finishing placed in both the Golden Jubilee and July Cup.

However, the Newmarket handler has warned the Orpen gelding may miss out on his intended Haydock run and could now be finished for the year.

“War Artist didn’t pull out right this morning and I’m not happy with him,” Eustace said.

“I would say he is a doubtful runner at Haydock but I will make a final decision on Monday when I would need to confirm the horse. It seems sensible to wait until then.

“I don’t think it is anything serious, his action just doesn’t seem quite right and it could just be he has had enough for this year as he has been on the go since March.”

War Artist was the 6-1 joint favourite with the sponsors for the Haydock race and Eustace had planned a late-season foreign campaign following the six-furlong heat.

“We will have to speak with the owners but it could be that we put the overseas trip on hold for next year,” he added.

“It would be nice to start the British season a little later and plan around an autumn campaign.”