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Setback forces Zavateri to miss English and Irish Guineas
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Fri 24 Apr 2026
Eve Johnson Houghton has been dealt a major blow in being forced to rule Zavateri out of the 2000 Guineas and also the Irish equivalent.
A Group One-winning juvenile last season, the Dewhurst fourth had his first outing of 2026 at Newbury last weekend in the Greenham Stakes.
Ridden by Charlie Bishop, he finished second to Karl Burke’s Alparslan having been slightly hampered by Albert Einstein a furlong out.
It looked a perfectly satisfactory comeback by the son of Without Parole, but he unfortunately will not get the chance in the early Classics to prove his worth.
In a post on X Johnson Houghton said: “Zavateri has had a minor setback since Newbury on Saturday and will now not be running in either Guineas.”
Speaking about the setback, the Woodway Stables handler told the Press Association: “The horse is going to be absolutely fine, he’s just not ready for the Guineas. It’s a shame, but there we go.
“I’ve put it out there and I don’t really want to talk about it. We’re upset. The horse will be fine, there is no big issue, it’s just that he won’t be ready for the Guineas.
“The whole yard is flat now, but worse things happen and the horse will be fine, and he will be back to fight another day.”
When asked whether he will return this season, Johnson Houghton replied: “Absolutely!
“We are going to take it day by day. There is no time frame, but mid-season onwards he will be back.”
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