Connections of Foundation (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) believe concentration issues were behind his heavy defeat in the G1 French Derby at Chantilly on Sunday. Sent off the 4-1 favourite, the John Gosden-trained 3-year-old weakened tamely before finishing last of the 16 runners.
Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said: “It was just an absolute head-scratcher. The horse was in terrific form and he had worked well coming into the race. Frankie [Dettori] called me after doing some work on him the other week and he was incredibly excited. He just got very shouty and didn't concentrate in the race. Frankie said that he has known other horses to do that around Chantilly as it is a funny track.
Herbert continued, “His head was in a good place, but he just didn't engage. It was just a concentration issue as I don't think you can put it down to the ground too much. He was stones below his best ability and everyone involved is immensely disappointed with the horse as we thought we had a real chance of winning a Derby.”
Foundation holds several group-race entries, including in the G2 King Edward VII S. at Royal Ascot next week, but a decision as to where he will next appear has yet to be made.
Herbert said: “He's in good hands with John Gosden and they will go through the horse and see where we go. It's been one of those frustrating seasons so far after last year's great 2-year-old year, but we must look forwards and not backwards. Horses have off-days but when it happens at this level it is a terrible blow and it is hard to swallow, but you get on with it. We will regroup and hopefully we will see the real Foundation. We are not ruling anything out for him.”
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