Tipping cap to master O’Brien

When trainer Aidan O’Brien saddles his four runners for tomorrow’s Irish Derby, he’ll be bidding to record his sixth consecutive victory in the race and a record-breaking ninth in total.

Desert King gave the Ballydoyle maestro his first success in 1997 and Galileo (2001), High Chaparral (2002), Dylan Thomas (2006), Soldier Of Fortune (2007), Frozen Fire (2008), Fame And Glory (2009) and Cape Blanco brought his tally to eight successes in Ireland’s premier classic.

Three of his four charges for tomorrow’s race also took their place in the Epsom Derby, where Treasure Beach was just touched off by Pour Moi, Memphis Tennessee finished fourth after a gallant bid to steal the race was foiled, and only Seville disappointed when failing to cope with the track and fast ground.