Hear the full interview
From 22:58 in Thursday’s episode of Nick Luck Daily. Press play to start at the interview.
Ten Bob Tony will not run at the Breeders’ Cup, trainer Ed Walker has confirmed, after the Queen Anne winner failed to come out of his second in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes quite as well as hoped.
“So, disappointing news. We’re not going to take him to the Breeders’ Cup,” Walker told Nick Luck. “In order to get on the plane, he was going to have to really tell us since Saturday that he was up for it, and he’s probably just not quite come out of the race.
“He’s absolutely fine, but he’s just not come out of it bouncing out of his skin, which, to go and run in one of the biggest Group Ones in the world, he really needs to do.”
“He’s a horse who gives everything. He gave everything on Champions Day at Ascot.”
Ed Walker, trainer
Ten Bob Tony has been kept busy at the top level since his 50-1 success in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot in June. “It’s disappointing, but he’s had an unbelievable season,” Walker said. “I think it’s time for a holiday, and we can really look forward to him next year.”
Dubai Turf in mind
Walker already has a 2027 starting point in mind. “I’m really, really intrigued by the Dubai Turf. I really think it could suit him,” he said. “He’s hit the line pretty well in a few of these races over a mile this year, and especially at Goodwood I really felt he just looked like he was getting going. So it’d be really interesting to see him over the nine furlongs there.”
Ground should not be a worry. “They always produce magnificent ground, and he’s proved himself so versatile this year that I don’t think we’ll be fussing too much about it going forward,” Walker said. “It’d be a great place to start him off, and then bring him back and freshen him up for the Lockinge.”
Almaqam stays in training
There was better news on Almaqam, who stays in training next year. Walker had considered the Breeders’ Cup for him, but felt “it’s just certainly not the right setup for him”.
Hong Kong in December is one option, with Walker suspecting the race “could be cutting up” this year, though the ground is almost certain to be quick. If Almaqam has a break instead, Walker could look at Australia’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes or the Dubai Sheema Classic. “We’ll probably run into our old mate Calandagan again,” he said. “But we’ll keep all options open. It’s great that he stays in training.”
