Fallon poised to ride Nelson in Derby
Speaking afterwards, Aidan O'Brien said: “Kieren rode all our Derby possibles and was most impressed by Horatio Nelson.
“The horses, however, have to be scoped in the morning and he doesn't want to finally make up his mind until after that.”
Many bookmakers in Britain and Ireland were literally knocked over in the rush throughout the day, as punters scrambled to get on Horatio Nelson.
He had been a major drifter in the ante-post market, after finishing only 8th behind George Washington in the English 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and, particularly, when stable companion, Septimus, landed the Dante at York by eight lengths.
Indeed, Horatio Nelson was available as high as 9-1 with many firms, including Ladbrokes, William Hill and Coral. Such odds are now but a distant memory. Told about the rush, O'Brien responded: “I can imagine. I suppose when people heard that Kieren was so pleased with Horatio that's what started it.
“You have to remember he also rode a Dante winner (Septimus) and a Derrinstown winner (Dylan Thomas) in the morning.”
O'Brien confirmed that George Washington is currently on the easy-list, having pulled muscles in his hip. “He was still lame this morning, said O'Brien. “It is the type of injury which could clear up in a week, or it could take a month.”
