Trainer Geoff Huffer initially thought Cockney Rebel was unsuited by the track, but owner Phil Cunningham reports there to be a physical reason for his under-par show.

“The horse is sore. Oliver (Peslier) said he pulled him out to challenge and he had the race won when all of a sudden he said he felt him go,” Cunningham said.

“It was as if he had pulled a hamstring or something similar.

“It’s so disappointing for me because I had all my family there. However, at least we know that wasn’t his true running and we live to fight another day.”

Duke Of Marmalade, a horse Cockney Rebel had previously beaten twice, finished second prompting Cunningham to think his runner would have been closer if on top form.

“The fact that Duke Of Marmalade just got beat says to me we would have won. He won’t be out for long though,” he added.

“He will be thoroughly checked over in the next few days and the plan at this moment is still to head for the Prix Jacques Le Marois in August.

“Obviously I’m gutted, but we know he wasn’t at his best and we will take them all on again.”