Big Orange to bypass Irish St Leger
There will be no rematch yet between Order Of St George and his Ascot Gold Cup conqueror Big Orange with the latter to miss the Irish St Leger because of unsuitable ground.
Trainer Michael Bell has decided not to risk sending Big Orange from England to Ireland for Sunday’s race with the prospect of further rain over the next couple of days.
Big Orange will now switch to the Prix du Cadran at Chantilly on Arc weekend.
“Given the prevailing ground conditions of yielding to soft, I’m afraid we won’t be running,” Bell told At The Races.
“There’s little point in playing away from home on a surface that doesn’t suit.
“It’s not next door. We have to make a decision today as regards shipping. I think it’s a no-brainer to wait and hope they get decent ground.
“He’ll now go for the Prix du Cadran on Arc weekend.
“Every time I’ve had runners over that weekend it’s always been pretty decent ground, so it’s fingers crossed for the same.
“He’s been lightly campaigned and he’s a very easy horse to train and keep fit because he’s so clean winded.
“He makes life relatively easy.”