This year’s Dubai Gold Cup-winner, Vazirabad, will not be making a visit across the Channel to compete in the Ascot Gold Cup next week owing to a minor injury he picked up last month.

The Aga Khan’s top-stayer only narrowly prevailed in a falsely-run Prix Vicomtesse Vigier at Chantilly at the end of May.

It was subsequently discovered that the five-year-old grey had suffered bruising to a leg.

“During his last race he was hit by another horse behind and hurt his leg,” said his trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre.

“His career is not finished, but Ascot and the Gold Cup will come too soon.

“We will see how he recovers, but the plan could now be the Goodwood Cup.”

Vazirabad had marked himself out as a big challenger to Order Of St Georges’ crown after firstly impressing in the Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak at the end of last year.

The plan could now be the Goodwood Cup

He then went on to gain a smooth success in the hands of Christophe Soumillon in the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup back in March.

He was as short as 7/1 second favourite for the Ascot Gold Cup which takes place next Thursday.

As a result, last year’s winner has firmed up with the bookmakers being offered as a general even money chance for the two mile and four furlong contest.