Byron Aiming For Royal Ascot

Globetrotting Group 1 winner Gordon Lord Byron (Ire) (Byron {GB}) emerged from a well-beaten seventh in the G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup at Sha Tin on the weekend with a muscle injury, but trainer Tom Hogan said he is hopeful the 7-year-old gelding will have recuperated in time for Royal Ascot in June, and perhaps earlier. 
“He’s torn a muscle in the sacroiliac area and he’s quite sore at the moment,” Hogan explained. “He did a similar thing in Ascot last June and was back on the racecourse at the end of August. This injury is no worse than that, so he should be OK. He’ll need a bit of treatment and then hopefully we’ll get him back on track.” 
Hogan noted it was clear almost from the outset that all was not right with his stable star on Sunday. 
“It was obvious after going 100 meters he wasn’t right as he wasn’t striding out properly,” the conditioner said. “I suppose if these things are going to happen, this is the best time of year for it as we have plenty of time to get him back.” 
Hogan pointed out the G3 Greenlands S. at The Curragh in may as a possible comeback spot for Gordon Lord Byron, who has won Group 1s in England, France and Australia.