Battaash to Bypass Flying Five for Prix de l'Abbaye

Record-breaking star sprinter Battaash has been described as "more unlikely than likely" to take up his engagement in the Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes (G1) at the Curragh next month, with a tilt at a second Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines (G1) success the preferred option.

The remarkable 6-year-old would be the clear standout on ratings if taking in the premier sprinting prize on Longines Irish Champions Weekend after last week's Coolmore Nunthorpe (G1) strike.

However, a longer build-up to ParisLongchamp in early October could be more favorable for the Charlie Hills-trained star. Irish quarantine restrictions would also require regular rider Jim Crowley to self-isolate in the country for 14 days beforehand.

Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said a decision on Battaash's next target had yet to be finalized, but a trip to Paris looks the more likely assignment.

"I haven't discussed it with Sheikh Hamdan yet but it's more unlikely than likely at this stage that he'll run at the Curragh," he said. "Charlie has mentioned the race but Jim would have to be in Ireland quarantining this weekend, which isn't practical, so he wouldn't be riding him if we came over.

"The last time I spoke to Sheikh Hamdan on the subject it was to follow the same plan as last year—if all went well after York then we aim for Paris."

A potential tilt at the Breeders' Cup World Chamionships, this year held at Keeneland, has previously been mooted by Hills, but Gold said the team will assess any U.S. aim after Battaash's next start.

"If he happened to win in Paris and came out of it in great form (it's possible), but he's a 6-year-old gelding and isn't the most straightforward horse," he explained. "The last three years he's had a holiday at Shadwell at the end of the season and we might just decide to do that again this year rather than send him to America. We'll wait and see how things go."

While it has been a season to remember for Sheikh Hamdan, the leading owner has been dealt a blow following the news that last year's Investec Derby (G1) runner-up Madhmoon is set for another spell on the sidelines due to a tibia stress fracture.

The talented 4-year-old, trained by Kevin Prendergast, had missed some intended engagements in recent months but appeared to be nearing a return in recent weeks.

"He's just back at the stud and we're going to have to get him right before he goes anywhere—he won't be on the track this year," said Gold. "It's a very minor problem so I see no reason why he can't come back next year. It's just bad timing. He was flying earlier in the year and a couple of weeks ago they felt he wasn't working quite as well. After some precautionary x-rays we discovered it."