The Dragon King could be key for Middleham Park next season

Both Shouldvebeenaring and Marie’s Rock have been standout performers for the leading syndicate in recent years with the former a consistent presence in the top sprint races and Marie’s Rock a dual scorer at the highest level over obstacles, winning at the Cheltenham Festival in 2022.

The Dragon King was slated to head to the sales later this month having come from last to first to claim the £150,000 Tattersalls October Auction Stakes.

However, he has been withdrawn from the sale and will continue to don the blue and orange silks of Middleham Park next season, with connections hopeful he will develop into a handy sprint performer.

“He was removed from the sale and at the time there were two sides to the coin and you wondered if it was the right time to cash in, but he’s out of the sale now and we will look forward to next year with him,” said Middleham Park’s Tom Palin.

“There was the six-furlong Listed race at Doncaster we were thinking about for him, but it’s just a little bit soft and he’s done silly things this year, so we will put him away and come back next year.

“James’s Delight is another son of Invincible Army of (trainer) Clive (Cox)’s to do well at three and if he could replicate his progress, that would be kind of what we’re hoping for.

“He’s still 10lb shy of Shouldvebeenaring and those type of horses and it was a shame to see ‘Ringer’ go, but he’s been a grand servant.

“It was a tough weekend and for Shouldvebeenaring and Marie’s Rock both to go in the space of a weekend, they have been champions for Middleham Park and to retire them both, they are going to be hard to replace.”