John Gosden reports Jack Hobbs 'in good form' for Champion Stakes at Ascot

By Racing TV

Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023

John Gosden aims to have Jack Hobbs ready for a third shot at the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on October 21.

The 2015 Irish Derby winner has not been seen in competitive action since he suffered a setback when down the field in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at Ascot in July.

Jack Hobbs has failed to fire in both his starts in Britain this season, but the son of Halling secured an impressive Group One victory in Dubai in March.

Gosden said: "Jack Hobbs is in good form and he will go for the Champion Stakes.

"He ran brilliantly in Dubai then the ground was too firm at Royal Ascot.

"He just had a little problem with his hock after the King George in that he had a tiny stress fracture near the top of a cannon bone.

"He has been off since the King George but hopefully we will get him back for the Champion Stakes."

Jack Hobbs has finished third in the last two renewals of the Champion Stakes, for which Sir Michael Stoute has given Irish Champion Stakes runner-up Poet's Word the green light.

Stoute said: "He had a tough race in Ireland and he won't run again before the Champion Stakes.

"He has progressed really well."