Almeraq to continue his incredible recovery at Royal Ascot

Almeraq could continue a remarkable comeback from his horror fall by taking a step up to Group One company at Royal Ascot later this month.

Connections had feared the worst when the four-year-old William Haggas-trained colt clipped heels and was sent crashing to the turf at York last September.

Yet the son of Dark Angel showed both courage and enthusiasm to make a successful return in the Listed Cathedral Stakes at Salisbury in May.

Now he could test that resilience against the best speedsters in the King Charles III Stakes or the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at the Royal meeting.

Angus Gold, racing manager to owners Shadwell, said it was testament to the horse for returning from the Knavesmire fall, let alone walking back into the winner’s enclosure at the first attempt.

“I couldn’t believe he stood up, I thought he was dead,” Gold said. “It speaks volumes for the horse that he was able to come back and look at Salisbury as though he was happy to be back racing.

“He didn’t seem to have taken a backward step which was great to see. Looking forward, he is in both races so we will see. He is a stakes winner now and he is also in the July Cup.”

Elmonjed won the race at York in which Almeraq hit the deck and also holds a July Cup entry, but Gold suggested he may head to Deauville for the Group Three Prix de Ris-Orangis on July 4.

Meanwhile, Yazir is to undergo tests in order to find the cause of a breathing problem which led to him trailing home last of eight behind easy Heron Stakes winner Talk Of New York at Sandown last Thursday.