After an impressive performance in the Anne Cowley Memorial Summer Mile at Ascot, Ancient Rome is set for a potential return visit to America. The five-year-old son of War Front finished half a length behind Quddwah in the Group Two contest, and trainer Charlie Hills is considering sending him across the Atlantic.
Ancient Rome joined Hills' stable last year and quickly made an impact by winning the Chesterfield Cup at Glorious Goodwood. He followed up with a victory in the Mint Million Stakes at Kentucky Downs and finished fourth in the Prix Dollar at ParisLongchamp to end his season.
This season, Ancient Rome took part in the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot where he ran well despite a disappointing result. Hills sees this race as a career highlight and is now looking at potential races in America, including the Arlington Million and the Mint Million Stakes.
Meanwhile, two of Ancient Rome's stablemates, Mitbaahy and Khaadem, did not fare as well in the July Cup at Newmarket. Khaadem, who won the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at the Royal meeting, struggled on the ground and finished second last. Mitbaahy, who had an abscess in his front foot, will take a break before potentially competing in the Qipco British Champions Sprint at Ascot in October.
Hills acknowledged the challenges of running in quick succession at Ascot and the July meeting, but remains optimistic about the future performances of his horses, despite their recent setbacks.