American Affair ruled out of Champions Day outing

Champions Day will come too soon for Royal Ascot winner American Affair, who will have to wait until next season to attempt to add to his Group One tally.

The five-year-old was one of the most popular winners of the week in June, completing his rise from handicapper to Group One performer.

Trainer Jim Goldie had hoped to run American Affair in the Nunthorpe but a problem emerged after Ascot that forced that plan to be abandoned and while Goldie had hoped to get his charge back in time for October, the gelding has now been taken out of the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes.

“He’s not had a further setback as such, it’s probably just an ongoing thing,” said Goldie.

“We bone scanned him after Ascot and we’ve taken our time.

“Basically he had an MRI and the bone changes are still not improving, so realistically Ascot is going to come too quick.

“America (for the Breeders’ Cup) will need to be next year now. He’s been back cantering but we’re just being guided by the vets.

“It’s all just coming a little quick, bone takes time to mature and it’s a bit of bone bruising.”