Reason found for Ritual flop

Ritual was found to be under the weather following a disappointing performance at Ascot on Saturday.

The four-year-old sprinter had been seeking to take his winning run to five, but trailed in last of the 19 runners behind Noble Citizen in the totepool handicap.

However, a dirty scope revealed the reason for the poor run by the Jeremy Noseda-trained gelding, owned by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.

“Having had the horse scoped after his run at Ascot on Saturday, Jeremy said that the horse was carrying an infection and will have a short course of treatment to remedy this,” reported Highclere’s website.

“It is a relief to have a reason for his poor run, as he is a horse who remains an exciting prospect for the rest of the season.”