Exciting Cheveley Park juvenile needed stitches after cutting his leg.
A promising young colt, Chancellor, faces another frustrating delay after suffering a minor injury during a crucial stalls test, leaving connections uncertain about his next steps. The Cheveley Park Stud-owned horse, who had shown great potential with two commanding wins at Doncaster from his first three starts, had been eyeing major upcoming races, only to be sidelined once again.
Chancellor’s journey has been filled with promise, with early success marking him as one of the more exciting prospects in the racing world. His early-season triumphs at Doncaster saw the son of Kingman and Breeders' Cup winner Queen's Trust make a name for himself, but his journey hit a snag during the prestigious Champagne Stakes at Doncaster. Set to compete, Chancellor was dramatically withdrawn after a freak incident in the starting stalls. The talented colt nudged open the gate with his head, resulting in a cut to his mouth. The injury, though not serious, forced his team to rethink their immediate plans.
🚨 Chancellor is withdrawn from the Betfred Champagne Stakes#ITVRacing | @DoncasterRaces pic.twitter.com/qgMAklHSDs
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) September 14, 2024
Attention then turned to the Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket as a backup plan, a Group Two race that could have provided an opportunity for redemption. However, those hopes were dashed once again as Chancellor was not confirmed for the contest, leaving his connections, led by Cheveley Park's managing director Chris Richardson, in a difficult position.
Speaking on the latest setback, Richardson shed light on the situation: "Basically, they put him through the stalls prior to the stalls test, and he kicked out and managed to cut his leg. It's nothing serious, but he had to have some treatment, and I'm not sure what the plan will be at the moment."
The timing of this minor injury couldn’t have been worse for the talented colt, who was poised to bounce back after the Doncaster incident. Richardson expressed the team’s frustration, saying, "Obviously, we're just having to regroup, and it's very frustrating after everything else. He’s managed to cut his leg and has had to have some stitches, so we’ll give that a bit of time."
While the injury itself isn't a major concern, the timing of it has placed Chancellor’s immediate racing plans in jeopardy. The Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket would have been the perfect opportunity for the colt to prove his mettle, but now, connections are left wondering whether to target a Group One event back at Doncaster in the Futurity Trophy on October 26, or to call it quits for the season and focus on next year.
"We might just have to leave it for this year," Richardson admitted, "but I’ll know a little bit more in 10 days or so. He’ll be fine, but it’s just really frustrating, as it came at a very bad time."
This latest development is particularly disappointing given Chancellor's impeccable bloodline. As the son of Kingman, one of the most celebrated sires in recent memory, and Queen’s Trust, a Breeders’ Cup heroine, expectations for Chancellor have been sky-high. His early successes on the track did nothing to dampen the buzz surrounding him, making this series of unfortunate incidents all the more agonizing for his connections and fans.
Despite these setbacks, there is still a glimmer of hope that Chancellor may make one final appearance this season. The Group One Futurity Trophy at Doncaster remains a possibility, though Richardson’s comments suggest that patience and caution may take precedence. If Chancellor is unable to make the Futurity Trophy, a decision to hold him back until next season could allow him the necessary time to recover and mature, ensuring that he returns stronger in 2024.
For now, the racing world will have to wait and see how Chancellor’s recovery progresses. His team at Cheveley Park Stud, renowned for their patience and expertise in handling young talent, will be monitoring his condition closely over the coming days and weeks. Whether he returns to action this season or not, Chancellor’s future still looks bright. He may be down, but he is certainly not out.
This minor setback is merely a blip in what could still be a very promising career for Chancellor. The racing community will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on his recovery, eager to see what this highly regarded colt can achieve when he returns to the track. With his natural ability and a strong team behind him, Chancellor's story is far from over—it’s just temporarily on hold.
Chancellor’s story reflects the unpredictable nature of horse racing, where even the brightest prospects face challenges that test their resilience. Injuries like this, though minor, highlight the delicate balance between talent and timing. Chancellor’s connections at Cheveley Park Stud are handling the situation with care, showing that in racing, patience can often yield the greatest rewards. While frustrating, these hurdles are part of the journey, and Chancellor’s return—whether this season or next—will be one eagerly anticipated by fans and experts alike.
