But Arc bid not off the table yet for Leger fourth.
Owen Burrows’ promising colt Deira Mile, who finished fourth in the St Leger, may be heading for a winter break, though a shot at the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe remains a possibility. The son of Camelot showed his class earlier in the season, finishing fourth in the Derby at Epsom behind City Of Troy, Ambiente Friendly, and Los Angeles. After a quiet summer, Deira Mile returned to action in the Listed August Stakes at Windsor, where he finished second by a narrow neck after an 84-day break from racing.
His latest challenge was the final Classic of the season, the St Leger at Doncaster, where he was an outsider at 28-1 under jockey Jason Watson. Initially crossing the line in third place, Deira Mile was later demoted to fourth by the stewards for bumping into Sunway during the race. Despite the setback, he performed admirably and was only beaten by a length and a half.
There has been talk of aiming the colt at the Arc, but Burrows has yet to decide on his next move. "We're just seeing whether or not he's done for the year," Burrows explained. "The owner mentioned the Arc, but we’ll see how he is. That might be enough for him for the year, and if not the Arc, then that will definitely be it for him this season."
Burrows praised Deira Mile’s consistency at the top level, noting, "He’s proven he’s not far off, having placed fourth in both the Derby and the Leger." A stronger pace and more favorable ground conditions may have suited the colt better at Doncaster, but Burrows remains optimistic for his future, particularly in the 2024 season.
A similar winter break may be in store for Burrows' stablemate Nakheel, who was victorious in the Group Two Park Hill Stakes, run over the same distance as the St Leger. However, a late supplement to the Prix de Royallieu at Longchamp during Arc weekend is still under consideration.
Burrows commented, "She’s fine after her last race, but we’re not rushing to make a decision. Sheikh Ahmed is keen to keep her in training next year, so she may be done enough for this season." Nakheel, a well-bred filly with scope for improvement, has plenty of potential, and Burrows is excited about her progress. "She can only improve with another winter behind her, and she’s one we’re looking forward to next year," he added.
Both Deira Mile and Nakheel have proven their potential this season, and while their immediate futures remain undecided, their connections are confident in their abilities to excel next year.
