Royal Ascot next for Maarek

Maarek could head straight to Royal Ascot after he was taken out of the Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh today.

The Group Two-winning sprinter has been sidelined by a stone bruise.

David Nagle's inmate will now come under consideration for the Prix du Gros-Chene at Chantilly next Sunday, but is more likely to be preserved for the Royal meeting, where he has entries in the King's Stand Stakes and the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.

Fethard-based Nagle said: "It's nothing too serious - he should be fine in a few days - but we obviously can't take any chances.

"There's France next weekend, but I'd say it's more likely he'll head straight there (Ascot)."