O’Flynn categorically denies Milldean Panther has been sold

REACTING yesterday to the stories that Milldean Panther had been sold, John O’Flynn Snr yesterday categorically denied that any deal has been done or will be done in the future.

Speaking from his Tullaroan home, O’Flynn, who runs the training operation with son John Jnr, said: “There have been plenty of enquiries about the dog ever since he started racing but he is not for sale. I speak with the owners virtually every day and only last night Tony O’Connell reiterated that the dog is not for sale and will not be for sale”.

The rumours had it that the unbeaten son of College Causeway had been sold for a figure up to €250,000 and, while it is true that some massive bids have been made, the No Sale sign remains outside his kennel.

O’Flynn said: “We are looking forward to the dog running in the final at Shelbourne on Saturday and then in the Comerford Cakes National Puppy Stake.

“If all goes well he will then have a break over the winter and we will start him off in the Tote Gold Cup or the Easter Cup but the big target will be the Irish Derby”.

Meanwhile, Irish Derby runner-up Rockchase Bullet will be available to breeders for a limited period over the winter but will be back next year with a repeat bid for the Ladbrokes.com Irish Derby a priority.

Owner Richard Forrest confirmed yesterday that the dog will be standing with trainer Ronny Wuyts in Golden for the next few months as the recovers from a hectic season in which his racing career appeared to be in doubt following injury.

However the son of Westmead Hawk and Droopys Bubble returned in time for the Irish Derby and went off a 2-1 favourite to land the final where he appeared very unlucky when leading narrowly into the first bend only to be badly baulked in a clash with Razldazl Bugatti.

Said Forrest yesterday: “He ran Shelbourne like a dream and we would be planning on keeping him there next year with the Easter Cup, the Champion Stakes and the Irish Derby his main targets”.