Asmussen enlisted for Indigenous

Cash Asmussen is looking forward to trying to add the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes to his big-race triumphs after yesterday being enlisted for Indigenous.

The French-based American comes in for the ride on the Hong Kong horse because regular rider Douglas Whyte is recovering from an appendix operation.

Trainer Ivan Allan had considered Michael Kinane and Gary Stevens as replacements but both were unavailable.

"I've never ridden for Ivan but I know him on a friendly basis and I'm excited about the ride," said Asmussen.

"I know something of the horse as I was in Hong Kong last December when Indigenous won and had Fruits of Love behind.

"It's the first time Indigenous has travelled abroad but he does have some nice form with the European horses."

The closest Asmussen has come to victory in the King George was when he finished third on Helissio in 1994.

"The race is not on my list of achievements and it would be a great one to add," he said.

Asmussen has already featured in two of Europe's biggest middle-distance events this season, steering the French horse Montjeu to spectacular victories in the Prix du Jockey-Club and Irish Derby.

And the £600,000 Ascot showpiece will afford him the opportunity to sneak a look at Oath, the main challenger to Montjeu's claim to the three-year-old middle distance crown.

"This is the first time the three-year-olds have taken on the older horses and it will be interesting to see how they shape up," he said.

"Oath is a Derby winner and you should never take away anything from them but he did not beat Daliapour as easily as Montjeu."

Meanwhile, Steven's mount Nedawi (10-1 from 12-1 with William Hill) has attracted support for tomorrow's race, for which eight horses were declared at the final declaration stage.

And the American is looking forward to riding the Godolphin runner.

"I'm pleased to have the ride and support from Godolphin. I've already had good success for them with Cape Cross in the Queen Anne Stakes."

Sole withdrawals yesterday were French challenger Sagamix and Godolphin's Central Park, both announced previously as non runners.

Godolphin, bidding for a hattrick after landing the Group 1 prize with Swain in 1997 and 1998, also have Coronation Cup winner Daylami in the 12-furlong test.

Vodafone Derby first and second Daliapour are the only three-year-olds in the line-up and Sunshine Street will represent Ireland.

King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes betting: William Hill: 5-2 Oath, 3-1 Daylami, 9-2 Fruits Of Love (from 4-1), Daliapour, 8-1 Silver Patriarch (from 7-1), 10-1 Nedawi (from 12-1), 16-1 Indigenous, 20-1 Sunshine Street.

Glenn Tormey is set to be on the sidelines until the end of October after smashing his right femur in a fall at Worcester.

Surgeons at the Worcester Royal Infirmary are to operate on the jockey's damaged leg today.

Disaster struck for Tormey when his mount Ross Quay shied at a path crossing the racecourse during the novices' chase at Worcester on Thursday.

The jockey had no chance of staying in the saddle and was hurled to the ground.