Royal Ascot Update: Bucanero Fuerte and Vandeek Ruled Out of Commonwealth Cup
In a disappointing development for horse racing enthusiasts, two highly anticipated contenders have been withdrawn from Friday’s prestigious Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. Bucanero Fuerte, trained by Adrian Murray, and Vandeek, trained by the father-son duo of Simon and Ed Crisford, will both miss the Group One event due to separate health issues.
Bucanero Fuerte, who had made a winning return earlier this year at Naas, was among the leading contenders for the Commonwealth Cup. The colt’s impressive form at two, including a Group One victory in the Phoenix Stakes and a third-place finish in the Coventry Stakes, had marked him as one of the rising stars of his generation. However, after arriving in Ascot, the horse “was showing signs of travel sickness” and was subsequently transferred to Newmarket Equine Hospital as a precautionary measure. According to a statement from his owners, Amo Racing, Bucanero Fuerte “spent a comfortable night there and remains well this morning but he will be forced to miss his intended engagement on Friday.”
Vandeek, another highly regarded runner, will also be absent from the Commonwealth Cup. The son of Havana Grey had an unbeaten juvenile campaign, with a maiden win at Nottingham followed by Group Two success in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood. He then traveled to France, where he claimed a prestigious Group One victory in the Prix Morny. Despite a defeat in his seasonal return at Haydock, connections were optimistic about his chances in the Commonwealth Cup. However, the Crisfords have reported that Vandeek will miss the race “due to an abnormal blood count.” They remain hopeful that the colt will be “fit and healthy in time for the July Cup in three weeks.”
These late withdrawals will undoubtedly be a disappointment for racing fans eagerly anticipating the Commonwealth Cup, as two of the most promising young talents in the sport will be unable to compete at this year’s Royal Ascot meeting. Nonetheless, the races will proceed, and horse racing enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting weekend of top-class action at the iconic venue.
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