Cunha in no hurry to map out Prague plan

Ashley Iveson
October 21, 2024 3:19 pm

Disappointing result to his QEII challenge at Ascot.

Dylan Cunha is keen to let the dust settle on the disappointment of Qipco Champions Day with stable star Prague before deciding whether to run again this season.

Bought out of Aidan O’Brien’s yard for 10,000 guineas 12 months ago as an unraced three-year-old, the Galileo colt has enjoyed a rapid rise through the ranks this season, progressing from a 40-1 debut victory at Sandown in June to dominating the Group Two Joel Stakes at Newmarket last month.

That performance prompted connections to pay the required GBP 70,000 to supplement him for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Saturday, but after being positioned wide and racing keenly under Danny Tudhope, Prague weakened rapidly and finished a tailed off 11th of 12 runners.

While downcast by the result, Cunha reports his charge to be none the worse and is confident he will bounce back in due course.

Trainer Dylan Cunha at Newmarket (Mike Egerton/PA)

“He came back fine and he’s in good shape. It was just one of those things, he was where we didn’t want him in the race and he didn’t really get the run we wanted,” said the South African trainer.

“When you watch the drone footage that ITV did, it’s a disaster. We’ve just got a draw a line through it and move on, he’ll be back.”

Considering future plans, Cunha added: “We’ll take a few days to let things settle down and have a rethink after that.

“There would be nothing left for him in England this year, but we’d have to have a look. We’ve discussed nothing and just said let’s see how he is, give him a few days and see.

“We’re still trying to get over the disappointment because we didn’t expect him to end up where he ended up, but it’s one of those things and we’ll take it on the chin.”