Droopys Maldini out of Derby

THE Irish challenge for the William Hill English Derby was dealt a blow yesterday when Frazer Black confirmed he will have no runner in the event.

Black’s main hope for glory came in the shape of Droopys Maldini, but a virus in the kennel has left his connections with no option other than to withdraw the dog.

“I spoke to Lawrence (Blunt) and Martin (Wakefield) and we are all of the same opinion,” said Black. “We didn’t want to risk anything that would be detrimental to the dog’s health.