Staff Writer |
After her successful return to the winner's enclosure at ParisLongchamp, connections of Highfield Princess will take their time before determining the next course of action.
In 2022, the standout sprinter was trained by John Quinn and managed to strike at the top level on three occasions, enjoying a stellar summer in the spotlight.
This term, despite campaigning with the same consistency, victories have proven harder to come by. Heading to the Prix de l’Abbaye in Paris, the sole success of the season had been in Goodwood’s King George Stakes.
There, the sprinter left an unfortunate run in the Curragh’s Flying Five Stakes in the past and also overcame a tricky-looking draw in the hands of Jason Hart. She returned to the highest echelons of the sprinting ranks to the delight of her connections.
Quinn would like to wait a little longer before deciding if his star sprinter will get her passport stamped for an overseas end-of-season assignment. Bettering last year’s brave fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita or a crack at the Longines Hong Kong Sprint on December 10 are both on the radar.
“She seems fine, she had a canter this morning and touch wood she seems fine,” said Quinn.
“We will let the dust settle and then we’ll plan forward.
“I just want to see her again for another week or so and then speak to her owners. If there is another run in her this year she will tell us.
“We’re open minded, but as long as she is OK – and she seems OK – and she bounces back in a week or so it will either be America or Hong Kong.”