Conditions Result In Change In Target For Roaring Lion

Roaring Lion will drop down to a mile in the II Stakes at Ascot on Saturday and not contest the Champion Stakes.

The Sheikh Fahad al Thani’s Qatar Racing Ltd-owned colt has claimed three successive Group One wins over a mile-and-a-quarter but the ground is heavy on the round course, where the Champions Stakes take place.

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Connections have opted for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on the straight mile, currently soft, heavy in places.

David Redvers, Sheikh Fahad’s racing manager, said: “It’s been confirmed this morning that he’ll go for the QEII as unfortunately there’s no sign of the ground drying up to not have heavy in the description on the round course.

“Obviously it’s disappointing he can’t compete in the Champion Stakes but all along we’ve know that while we don’t have too much of a fear about him acting on soft ground, he’s got too good an action to have him flying through mud.”