ROYAL ASCOT: Cowell withdraws Goldream

The soft ground at Royal Ascot has forced Six Mile Bottom-based trainer Robert Cowell to pull defending champion Goldream out of this afternoon’s King’s Stand Stakes.

Spekaing to The Journal last week, Cowell insisted that the seven-year-old was in ‘great shape’ ahead of his bid for back-to-back victories.

However, with an estimated 30mm of rain having fallen on the Berkshire course since last Friday, Goldream has now joined Sole Power and Acapulco on the withdrawls list.

“Well that makes it an easy decision - Ascot is now soft ground - Goldream is a non runner. Great shame as very fond of the King’s Stand,” Cowell tweeted.

Goldream’s triumph 12 months ago came in good to firm conditions.