Global Weekly Review - 25.07.16

As predictably as night follows day, the critics were queuing to take a swipe at Ascot's G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes after the Ballydoyle four-year-old Highland Reel made all the running to land the impressive first prize on Saturday.

It was not about Highland Reel's manner of victory, nor the slow fractions set in the first half of the race. No, it was merely the perceived absence of a big name horse that sparked shouts of disapproval.

If Postponed had not met with a setback, and had taken his chance, possibly it would have been different. But, 12 months earlier, hadn't Postponed been dismissed as an upstart grabbing accolades that rightfully belonged to the likes of Shergar, Dancing Brave, Nashwan, Generous and Montjeu?

What a pity that British racing seems to turn on itself at such regular intervals. No amount of promotional effort is ever going to be effective if undeserved knocking of one of the most reliable fixtures in the calendar is allowed to go unchallenged.

I don't mind critics having a 'beef,' but, at the very least, they should be compelled to produce some informed argument to support their criticism. And that, by the way, does not mean comparison to former champions. Reality is that champions do not come along every season, which is all the more reason to appreciate them when they are with us.

For me, Ascot's King George is starting to take on a role similar to that of the G1 Investec Derby at Epsom. No, not as a Classic, as such, but as a race where the journey to the top truly starts for some very good horses. Postponed is the perfect example. He started the upward climb at Ascot.

For the record, Highland Reel has won races in England, Ireland, America and Hong Kong. He was also placed third behind the highly-regarded Australian mare Winx in the G1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley, Melbourne.

He has proven himself an extraordinary traveller and won over US$4m in prizemoney.

Meanwhile, Godolphin's Hawkbill is on course to run in York's G1 Juddmonte International, over a mile and a quarter, at his next start. The same race has been mentioned as a possible target for Postponed.

Wings Of Desire, the Derby fourth, admirably represented the Classic generation when second to Highland Reel in the King George. He fell short of victory by only a length and a quarter, so there is evidence to suggest the current crop of three-year-olds are at least on a competitive level with the older brigade.