Turf Talk: Trainer Charlie Appleby pays tribute to retiring Derby hero, Masar

The New Approach colt became the first horse to carry the royal blue silks of Godolphin to victory in the the premier Classic at Epsom last season, but a leg injury kept him off the track for the remainder of the campaign.

Masar made his long-awaited return in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot last month – and performed with credit to finish fifth after stumbling soon after the stalls opened.

However, he disappointed when a hot favourite for last week’s Princess of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket – trailing home last of six runners – and connections have now decided to call time on his racing career.

Appleby said: “After deep discussions with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, the decision has been made to retire Masar.

“He’s a horse who has given us many great days, including a day at Epsom last June that none of us will ever forget.

“From a personal point of view, he was my first Classic winner – and while it will be sad to see him leave the yard, we have to do what is the right thing for the horse, and I’m pleased he’s retiring form racing fit and well.”

n Caspian Prince is set to cross the Irish Sea to run for the third successive year in the Friarstown Stud Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh.

The veteran sprinter lifted Sunday’s Group Two prize in 2017 and was second to Havana Grey 12 months ago.

The 10-year-old is being kept busy by trainer Mick Appleby, after being beaten just a length when fourth to Copper Knight in the City Walls Stakes at York on Saturday.

“He’s going over to the Curragh on Sunday for the Sapphire,” said Appleby.

“He ran well the other day – he just hung across the track for some reason.

“He has done that in the past, so I don’t think York is really his track – whereas he likes the Curragh, so hopefully he’ll have a good run there on Sunday.”

SOBOT’S SELECTIONS

CATTERICK: 2.00 Rose Bandit, 2.30 Majdool, 3.00 Quintada, 3.30 Highland Acclaim, 4.00 Mid Atlantic Storm, 4.30 Longroom, 5.00 Be Perfect.

LINGFIELD: 2.10 Alicia Darcy, 2.40 Miss Paxman (treble), 3.10 Brogans Bay, 3.40 Templier, 4.10 Maktabba, 4.40 Clive Clifton, 5.10 Rewaayat.

UTTOXETER: 2.20 Life Knowledge, 2.50 Dutch Canyon, 3.20 Nordican Bleue, 3.50 Victarion, 4.20 Annie Angel, 4.50 Can You Believe It, 5.20 Finalshot.

YARMOUTH: 5.30 Inspired Thought, 6.05 Spreadsheet, 6.40 Earth And Sky, 7.10 Smile A Mile, 7.40 Five Diamonds, 8.10 Sandkissed, 8.40 Awarded.

WOLVERHAMPTON: 5.50 Sfumato, 6.25 Escape Proof, 6.55 BIRD FOR LIFE (NAP), 7.25 Hydroplane (next best), 7.55 Desert Friend, 8.25 Stallone, 8.55 Promote.