The English 2,000 Guineas winner George Washington faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines but trainer Aidan O'Brien said yesterday he is confident the colt will return to action.
George Washington injured muscles over a hip when finishing runner-up to Araafa in last weekend's Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh and was considered doubtful for a rematch in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot later this month.
However, O'Brien has revealed that the colt now faces a month of box rest in order for the injury to be treated.
"We are very confident he will be okay. We just have to stop for now. We think and hope he will be perfect," the champion trainer said.
George Washington was labelled by Kieren Fallon as the best horse he had ever ridden with his spectacular defeat of Sir Percy at Newmarket a month ago.
