Battaash retirement confirmed

Connections have confirmed top-class sprinter Battaash has been retired with immediate effect.

The Charlie Hills-trained seven-year-old endured a delayed start to the new season after suffering a fracture over the winter, marking his return with fourth in the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

Hopes were high that the sprinter could then go on to win King George Qatar Stakes for the fifth successive year at the Qatar Goodwood Festival on Friday.

However, finishing seventh in that race has ultimately contributed to the decision to now retire him.

Angus Gold, racing manager to owners Shadwell Estate Company Ltd, said: "Following telephone conversations with HH Sheikha Hissa Bint Hamdan Al Maktoum last night and this morning, it has been confirmed at Battaash will retire from racing with immediate effect."

Wonderful Tonight underlines Arc credentials

Connections have confirmed Wonderful Tonight remains on course for a run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe after claiming victory in the Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood on Saturday.

David Menuisier's stable star was withdrawn from last weekend's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot due to unfavourably fast ground.

And that decision was vindicated as she claimed a comfortable victory ahead of nearest rival Tribal Craft, while Albaflora was third.

All the talk is now regarding Wonderful Tonight's plans for the rest of the season, with Menuisier confirming the four-year-old is likely to head for either the Yorkshire Oaks or the Prix Pomone at Deauville next, ahead of a potential run in the Arc at ParisLongchamp on October 3rd.

The French trainer said: "She will probably have a run in the Yorkshire Oaks or at Deauville next. She will then go for the Vermeille or the Arc."

Prince Alex makes winning start for new stable

Prince Alex made a winning start under new trainer Michael Bell, claiming a narrow victory in Saturday's £100,000 Summer Handicap at Goodwood.

After securing five wins under the stewardship of Ralph Beckett last year, owners Amo Racing opted to move the four-year-old to Bell's stable following an underwhelming showing at Newmarket in mid-July.

That disappointing performance at HQ was largely down to the good ground.

But, with conditions more suited at Goodwood, Prince Alex was able to shine under the guidance of retained jockey Rossa Ryan as he edged out Hughie Morrison's Urban Artist by a neck.

Connections were certainly pleased by his efforts, with Bell's son and assistant Nick confirming the gelding has settled in well to his new surroundings.

He said: "It shows what a good constitution the horse has to be able to move stable early on in the week and then come and perform like he did.

"He seemed to really relish that soft ground and stays very well."

Commanche Falls continues impressive progress

Commanche Falls continued his impressive progress under trainer Michael Dods with a victory in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood on Saturday.

The four-year-old sprinter had already claimed victories at Ayr and Ripon this season before prevailing in the Scottish Stewards' Cup at Hamilton last time out. 

He has now added another success to his resume on the final day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival.

It was anyone's guess which way the race was going to go heading into the final furlong but jockey Connor Beasley timed his push for the line perfectly.

Commanche Falls went on to win by a neck from the fast-finishing Gulliver, while Great Ambassador was third.