Henry Candy says Sussex may come too quickly for Limato

Candy says Twilight Son, left, and Limato are likely to go their separate ways next time. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Henry Candy has cooled on the idea of running Limato in the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on July 27.

The sparkling Darley July Cup winner is now more likely to stick to sprinting and instead run in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville next month.

In the immediate aftermath of Limato’s breathtaking July Cup triumph, Candy suggested the Tagula gelding could step back up to a mile in the Sussex Stakes, which also forms part of the QIPCO British Champions Series.

However, 24 hours on, Candy now thinks Limato took plenty out of himself in winning the Newmarket feature by two lengths, a race in which his stablemate Twilight Son a dual Series winner, ran below-par.

The Wantage handler also said that the four-year-old’s exuberant nature left him with a few bumps and bruises the morning after.

“Limato, as is his wont, was still very excitable when he returned to the yard and was very chuffed with himself,” said Candy. “He was throwing his head around and slightly banged the top of his head and also had a scrape near his eye.

“In view of all that, Id say he probably took more out of himself then I originally thought and I think the Sussex will come too soon now.

“If the ground is right for him he’ll go to Deauville, and if it doesn’t suit him then Twilight Son could run there. It’s very likely Twilight Son will run at Haydock in the Sprint Cup next but Deauville is there if we want to.

“You could tell he’d had a race on ground firmer than he likes. He was a bit stiff and sore but he’s cheerful enough.”

Having had a bit more time to reflect on Limato‘s heroics, Candy added: “It was a most exciting performance.

“The only horse I can remember watching as exciting as that is one my father (Derek) used to trainer called Song, who won the King’s Stand (in 1969).

“He used to be dropped out last. The commentators would ignore him and then he’d come sweeping through.

“He’d have to be the most exciting sprinter I’ve trained.”