Harbinger career in doubt

Rip van Winkle is now the 11/8 favourite with Stan James to win the Juddmonte International Stakes at York, after Harbinger picked up a career-threatening leg injury during a run out on Saturday.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained four-year-old had been exercising on Saturday morning with stablemate Ask (50/1 Arc De Triomphe winner with Stan James) when he fractured his near-fore cannon bone.

Harbinger, who had romped to victory by 11-lengths in a Group One meeting at Ascot two weeks ago, had recently been ranked as the best racehorse in the world after success at the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

The Dansili colt had been the favourite to win the Juddmonte International Stakes on August 17 and the Arc de Triomphe in October, but now may never race again after X-rays revealed a fracture.

Highclere racing manager Harry Herbert told www.highclereracing.co.uk: “This is a bitter blow for all twelve of Harbinger’s owners, and indeed all who are closely connected with the horse, as well as his many fans to whom he has become an icon following his amazing King George victory.

“A decision as to Harbinger’s future will be taken imminently.”

While Rip van Winkle has assumed the favourites tag for the International Stakes fellow Ballydole resident Fame and Glory is now being tipped to win the Arc, with Stan James making him the 3/1 favourite.

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1. dropjack.com — August 9, 2010 @ 11:45