Charlie Appleby's Hawkesbury lame after Newbury defeat

Charlie Appleby has found a reason for the performance of Hawkesbury in Saturday's Denford Stud Stakes at Newbury.

The grey was found to be lame in his right front leg, having finished nearly four lengths second behind the impressive Belardo.

The Doncaster winner appeared a little awkward, hanging in the closing stages and holding his head very high.

Appleby told www.godolphin.com: "A veterinary examination this morning found Hawkesbury to be lame, which would explain his high head carriage during the race yesterday.

"I expect this to be a short-term setback and hope he can return to racing in the autumn."

The Shamardal colt's most imminent engagements are the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster and the Juddmonte Royal Lodge at Newmarket.