Golan back in action

Golan, the winner of last year`s Sagitta 2000 Guineas, will work on the July Course at Newmarket after the end of racing tomorrow.

The Michael Stoute-trained colt, who has yet to run this season after suffering a setback after running in the Japan Cup last November, will work over a mile.

Godolphin had hoped to be able to do the same with Sakhee on the first day of the meeting but had their request turned down.

That led to criticism of the course`s management from some quarters for not being flexible enough to allow a change of policy, given the star billing of last year`s Prix de l`Arc de Triomphe winner.

But Lisa Hancock, Newmarket`s managing director, today explained why Golan would be permitted to work on the course when Sakhee had not.

'Our decision not to give permission for Godolphin to work Sakhee and his three galloping-companions on Tuesday was in line with the course`s long-standing policy not to let any horses work on the track until the end of a meeting,' she said.

'I would, however, add that there were good reasons why, after much deliberation, we took the decision on Sakhee and it is not just a case of being fair to local trainers, some of whom had been denied the same opportunity.

'We had to consider all of the owners and trainers taking part in the three-day meeting. Allowing horses to work on the racing ground is not necessarily being fair to those with runners, who understandably expect the best racing surface.

'Believe me, I would have loved to see a true champion like Sakhee as much as any other racing fan and I would like to think that the new management here has led the way in bringing great horses closer to the public through such things as parading our Group One winners in front of the stands after their triumphs.

'I am delighted that Golan will be working tomorrow. It will add considerable interest to the end of the afternoon.'