Trainer Clive Cox has confirmed that Harry Angel will not defend his July Cup title at Newmarket this weekend, according to a report on the Racing Post.
Cox revealed that the horse needs more time to recover from the deep cut sustained on his leg and that he did everything he could to get him ready in time.
The horse picked up the cut during the Diamond Jubilee Stakes and was the favourite at the Royal Ascot until he got caught on the stalls before they opened, resulting in the nasty injury.
Cox is obviously disappointed that his horse will miss the race and when speaking about the matter, he said:
I’m afraid he’s not going to make it in time for Saturday. After reporting he had done well with the cut to his leg, I feel he is still not 100 per cent and won’t be ready. I couldn’t be confident at this level. You have to be at the top of your game to win a July Cup.
I need more time to get him back to his very best. I feel that the Haydock Sprint Cup in September is a realistic plan for him.
Harry Angel was the highest rated sprinter in the world last year and has been labelled as a “once in a lifetime” horse by trainer Cox, who sees firsthand the incredible talents of his horse.
