Retirement looms for Aqlaam

Aqlaam looks to have run his last race after the colt trailed home a disappointing last of four in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Saturday.

The William Haggas-trained four-year-old registered a first Group One success in the Prix du Moulin on his penultimate start but having cut out the early running at Ascot, he faded tamely in the straight.

Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, still needs to consult with connections before making a final decision on the colt’s future but admits retirement looks likely at this stage.

“I haven’t had chance to speak the trainer so I can’t tell you how the horse is this morning, but I think there is every likelihood that the horse will be retired,” said Gold.

“He’s obviously had plenty of problems and he has gradually been getting worse, which was why it was such a great day when he won the Group One in France.

“Every day has been a bonus with this fellow and we will just have to see how he is now.

“If he comes out of it bouncing then obviously we’ll keep going but I would think this horse is too valuable and too good to take a chance with.

“If there is any talk of him not being right we will not do the wrong thing by him.”