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| Sumita Pawar |
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If Subjectivist demonstrates positive signs of recovery after his efforts at Royal Ascot, Charlie Johnston will be responsible for training him for the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup.
Following a lengthy absence of 618 days due to a serious leg injury, the 6YO made a remarkable comeback in British racing by securing a commendable third place in the Gold Cup. This achievement was particularly significant as Subjectivist had previously emerged victorious in the same event two years ago.
After his impressive performance at Ascot, Subjectivist's next racing endeavour took place in Saudi Arabia in February, where he participated in a Group Three handicap. Despite his keenness to race, he managed to deliver a satisfactory performance.
Subsequently, Subjectivist proceeded to compete in Meydan with the aim of securing a second Dubai Gold Cup victory. Although he finished in third place, trailing behind Broome by a margin of five lengths, his performance was deemed praiseworthy.
The Road To Goodwood Continues
Considering Subjectivist's recent accomplishments, which include his strong showing at Ascot where he narrowly lost by four and a half lengths to Courage Mon Ami, it is evident that he is a strong contender for the Goodwood Cup.
“He was a little bit fresh in some ways because he is not doing any galloping at home because of his injury,” said Johnston.
“Every day is a judgement call as to how the legs feel and how much work he does. He hadn’t really had a real good blow into him at home, so I think that would have contributed to him being a little bit keen at Ascot.
“I thought this was very different to Saudi. He was manageable, whereas in Saudi, he was running away with Joe (Fanning), he wasn’t listening to him at all.
“It’s funny, when he came back in, Joe felt Ralph Beckett’s horse (Lone Eagle) had come to him quite early and got him racing early. As I watched it, coming out of Swinley Bottom, I was urging him just to send him.
“I’m sure Joe knows everything we’re going through at home and he was riding him with that in his mind a little bit.”
Charlie Johnston is being cautious in order to prevent overexertion of Dr Jim Walker's delicate warrior, as they assess whether to continue racing after the horse's tendon injury.
“It was a run of immense pride in the horse and the team for having got him there,” added Johnston.
“You couldn’t help but feel a little bit of what could have been. If this horse is able to finish third in an Ascot Gold Cup on three legs, then how many of these would we have won if we hadn’t had the setback we had? It was a good run, for sure.
“The plan is to go to Goodwood. He hasn’t been sat on yet, he’s just been swimming and on the water walker.
“The idea is for him to go back ridden on Tuesday, then trot for a week, then go back cantering the week after. To be honest, it is only at that point we will really find out what scars, if any, this run has left.
“He was sound in the legs post-race, but given his history, you don’t run two and a half miles at that level without some consequence.
“Hopefully he’ll be fine and we will do all we can to get him to Goodwood.”