Order Of St George Evens after Vazirabad ruled out of Gold Cup

By Racing TV

Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023

By Racinguk.com staff

Order Of St George is now no better than Even money for the Gold Cup next Thursday after second favourite Vazirabad was ruled out of the Royal Ascot showpiece.

Vazirabad has failed to recover from a setback he suffered during his last race at Chantilly.

He warmed up for an intended Ascot appearance by landing Prix Vicomtesse Vigier last month, but was injured during the Group Two and has failed in his race against time to be fit for Ascot.

"During his last race he was hit by another horse behind and hurt his leg," trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre said.

"His career is not finished, but Ascot and the Gold Cup will come too soon.

"We will see how he recovers, but the plan could now be the Goodwood Cup."

After having signed off last season with a Group One victory in the Prix Royal-Oak at Saint-Cloud, the Aga Khan-owned six-year-old claimed another big-race success in the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan in March.

Vazirabad was as short as 6-1 second favourite for the Gold Cup, behind last year's winner Order Of St George, who is now as short as 4-5.

Watch Order Of St George win last season's Gold Cup