STRAD ENCORE Gosden star back next year
TRENDSETTER Stradivarius is still in fashion after his return next season was confirmed by John Gosden.
The popular stayer will have the chance to add to his glittering CV in the aftermath of a winter break.
Connections came to their decision after mulling over the best course of action for the Gold Cup hat-trick hero.
Gosden said: “Mr Nielsen (owner) has been in to see the horse today and the intention is for Stradivarius to stay in training next year with the intention of three races: a prep run, the Ascot Gold Cup and the Goodwood Cup, at this stage.”
Fans had feared Stradivarius was heading for retirement after he was beaten by Trueshan in both the Prix du Cadran and the Long Distance Cup on Champions Day.
In June, his bid to join Yeats as a fourtime winner of the Ascot Gold Cup was foiled by Subjectivist. William Hill make Stradivarius an 8-1 chance to bolster his record at The Queen’s favourite meeting.
Over the years, the seven-time Group One scorer has earned his team, which includes Gosden (left) and son Thady, over £3million in prize money. The chestnut delighted racegoers with a narrow supremacy over Spanish Mission in the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup Stakes at York. His ready Group Three Longines Sagaro Stakes triumph, the lowest level he has competed at since 2017, began his campaign back in April.
Confirmation Stradivarius would race on came just hours after his jockey Frankie Dettori appeared on This Morning to promote his new autobiography Leap Of Faith.
In it he recalls surviving a horrific plane crash with fellow jockey Ray Cochrane, which left him traumatised for years.