Recital set to miss Irish Derby
The three-year-old won the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial earlier in the year, Ireland’s premier prep-race for the Epsom Derby.
He failed to act on the unique Downs, with Pat Smullen, riding in the absence of Kieren Fallon who was stopped by a High Court injunction brought against him by the owners of Native Khan, guiding him into sixth place.
Recital had been as low as 4-1 for Ireland’s premier race but O’Brien’s wife, Annemarie, tweeted on Tuesday: “We weren’t 100% happy with Recital this morning so he will not run in the Derby on Sunday. Roderic O’Connor will be left in the race and is a possible to run instead.”
O`Brien still looks certain to be well represented as he chases a remarkable ninth success in the race.
Roderic O‘Connor is one of four Ballydoyle entries, along with Epsom runner-up Treasure Beach, the fourth home Memphis Tennessee and the disappointing Seville.
Michael Stoute’s Carlton House was third when sent off favourite at Epsom and remains in the mix, as is Ed Dunlop‘s Epsom fifth Native Khan.
Best Hello, Dunboyne Express and Notable Graduate complete the nine entries.
Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, Paddy Power bet: 5-4 Carlton House, 11-4 Treasure Beach, 6-1 Seville, 8-1 Native Khan, 12-1 Memphis Tennessee, 12-1 Roderic O’Connor, 20-1 Dunboyne Express, 25-1 Notable Graduate, 33-1 Best Hello.
Stan James: 6-4 Carlton House, 5-2 Treasure Beach, 7-1 Seville, 15-2 Native Khan, 8-1 Memphis Tennessee, 12-1 Roderic O’Connor, 25-1 Dunboyne Express, Notable Graduate, 33-1 Best Hello.
Meanwhile Snow Fairy remains on course to make her eagerly-anticipated return to action in the Stobart Ireland Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday.
Ed Dunlop’s filly enjoyed a quite incredible campaign in 2010, winning the English and Irish Oaks early in the year before signing off with top-level successes in Japan and Hong Kong.
She has not been seen in competitive action so far this season but will head to Ireland this weekend – providing conditions do not become extremely testing.
Patrick Cooper, racing manager for owner Christina Patino, said: “It‘s obviously great to have her back and we’re looking forward to it. It‘s time to go racing.
“It will be a hot race but that is only what you expect for Group Ones and she is very well in herself. She looks fit and healthy and she’s ready to start.
“I‘m walking the Curragh today and it is absolutely pouring with rain, which I‘m slightly concerned about.
“They are calling the ground good at the moment and hopefully it will end up just being on the soft side.
“The ground was soft when she won the Irish Oaks, but I just hope it is not too testing as we just want to get her back on the track, see her run a nice race and get her home safe and sound. That is the most important thing.”
- Fairyhouse yesterday announced that, following an inspection, the Turf Club has passed the track fit for racing and the next meeting at the track will go ahead as scheduled on Wednesday evening, June 29.
The feature event will be the Group 3 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Brownstown Stakes over 7 furlongs.
