Finnegan one to look forward to - Ward

Wesley Ward is adamant Finnegan is "something special" despite a disappointing performance in last week's Gimcrack Stakes at York.

The juvenile had previously made the trip to Britain to contest the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, but had to be withdrawn after suffering a bout of colic following his arrival.

The Irish-bred colt was favourite for his assignment on the Knavesmire, but his American trainer admits he feared the worst after seeing stable companion Acapulco finish second in the Nunthorpe the previous day on rain-softened ground.

Ward said: "After the filly had ran on the Friday, I kind of knew I was in trouble with the colt as she would handle that sticky kind of surface better than he would.

"I kind of wish I'd scratched him, but the track was beautiful and he's come out of the race just as well as he was going into it.

"I still have a lot of faith in him. I know he is a very talented colt and time will tell what he does in his career.

"He will definitely run again this year, hopefully going back to Keeneland in the first part of October.

"I really think he can be something special."

With a return to Britain for the Middle Park Stakes not under consideration for Finnegan and Acapulco also staying at home, Ward's campaign in Britain appears to be over, but he is looking forward to returning with more firepower in 2016.

He said: "Unfortunately we're running out of time for this year, but we'll be back and I might even bring over horses earlier next year for some of the maidens for the horses that like the grass.

"Hopefully Mr Sangster will be willing to let us come back to Manton, which is just a beautiful place to train, and maybe we can run some horses early and leave them there for Royal Ascot."

Reflecting on his first visit to York last week, Ward said: "I have to say I really enjoyed myself. York is a fantastic town and you could really feel the history of the place walking around and get a sense of how things used to be there.

"The track was in beautiful shape and everyone involved really went out of their way to help us as much as they could. I can't say enough about the hospitality, it was really awesome.

"It was also a great learning experience for me. I hope to be back next year and I think I know a little more about the type of horse that will suit the track."