Horseracing: O'Brien prepares for Newmarket raid

Aidan O'Brien is poised to launch a Classic challenge at Newmarket provided he is given the go-ahead by the Government.

Horses can leave to race in Britain under permit but are unable to return until an easing of the ban on livestock entering the country imposed by Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh.

The champion trainer is considering committing Middle Park Stakes winner Minardi to the colt's Classic with Moyglare Stud Stakes heroine Sequoyah set to contest the Sagitta 1000 Guineas.

However, under current foot-and-mouth restrictions to do so would mean that they would have to remain in Britain after the race.

With a visit to Ascot also on the agenda for the pair it would mean O'Brien billeting his stars somewhere on British soil, a move which he did not rule out.

"We will take it day by day and listen to advice from Minister Walsh," the trainer said.

"Every day that passes without an outbreak here is a good day for racing. The negative result this morning from the suspect case in County Tyrone is a big relief.

"Minardi won't run before the English Guineas. He's a very easy horse to train and is very forward and sharp.

"Rumpold going well in the trials in Dubai means the Ascot form is holding up well."

The Godolphin colt beat Minardi by five lengths in the Crocker Bulteel Stakes on King George day in July, although the latter redeemed himself with victory in the Group One Independent Heinz '57' Phoenix Stakes at Leopardstown the following month.

"Ascot was Minardi's first run and they only crawled for three furlongs and then sprinted which didn't suit our colt. The strong gallop in the Heinz brought out the best in him," explained O'Brien.

Sequoyah is more likely to get the vote to contest the Newmarket fillies' Classic than stablemate Imagine, according to the trainer.

He said: "Sequoyah likes to get on with things and the Newmarket mile would suit her more."