|
|
Irish Runners Rated For 2009 Epsom Derby - 05-31-09
May 31 - Saturday will see the running of the highly anticipated 2009 Epsom Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, England, and this year's field is expected to boast many fine entries from Ireland, a nation whose trainers and runners have yielded five Epsom winners in the last decade.
Horses trained by Aidan O'Brien, one of Ireland's - and indeed the world's - best trainers, will be closely monitored ahead of the 1,250,000 pound, 1 mile, 4 furlong and 10 yard race. His charges have dominated the trials meaning he has 9 entries in the big race, to make a total of 14 Irish entries.
This means that O'Brien could see as many of 6 of his runners start in the Epsom Derby come Saturday. Said the trainer, 'My horses ran well in their trials. The colts that ran early on in the season improved from their first appearance to their second, and even the ones that didn't win their trials ran well.'
O'Brien's entries include current Epsom Derby favorite, Fame And Glory; Age Of Aquarius - winner of the Lingfield Derby Trial, Johann Zoffany - Naas maiden winner, Freemantle, Malibu Bay, Rip Van Winkle - 2000 Guineas fourth placer, Golden Sword, Black Bear Island and Masterofthehorse.
Continued O'Brien, 'If the ground is safe, we'd love to have plenty of runners. Obviously the Epsom Derby is a very important race and we are very lucky to have such a nice few horses this year.' Also in the Irishman's favor is the fact that he's secured the services of champion Irish jockey, Johnny Murtagh.
All he and Murtagh have to decide is which of his talented charges the rider will be aboard in the race. 'Johnny will ride them all in their next couple of pieces of work and try to make up his own mind there,' confirmed the Ballydoyle trainer. 'Hopefully, we'll see what happens over the coming week.'
Another talented Irish contender is Gan Amhras, trained by Jim Bolger. 'I am very happy with him and everything has gone well since the Guineas (third place),' said Bolger. 'You have to go to the Epsom and see what happens. I don't see any problems with the track. I just don't want the ground too soft.'
Other Articles:
Crowded House Cleared For 09 Epsom Derby - 06-04-09Sariska Betfair Favorite in Epsom Oaks - 06-03-09Vincent O'Brien Dies Aged 92 - 06-02-09Rachel Alexander Will Not Run in Belmont Stakes - 06-01-09Chip Wooley Seeks Borel for Belmont - 05-30-09Gaultier Can Win Golden Horse Casino Sprint - 05-29-09Cummings Could Win Queensland Oaks - 05-28-09Mr. Hot Stuff Unlikely Tip For Belmont Stakes - 05-27-09
|
|
|
|
|
| | 2009/11/20 11:35:16 AM |
|
