Hungerford depleted by defections

Border Patrol was the biggest name to have been declared a non-runner for this afternoon’s CGA Hungerford Stakes.

The progressive colt was withdrawn due to unfavourable ground conditions after a dry night at Newbury.

Roger Charlton had earlier this week issued a proviso stating his representative would only run if there was significant rain.

Border Patrol was general second favourite for the Group Two contest after winning his last three races.

Charlton’s three-year-old has been joined on the sidelines by Welsh Emperor.

Tom Tate’s mud-loving 10-year-old was another casualty of the ground, officially described as good to firm.

Tate’s popular campaigner won the Hungerford in 2006 before finishing a short-head second to Red Evie 12 months later.

Al Qasi was also scratched by Peter Chapple-Hyam on account of the fast going.