Dowling to leave Vic decision as late as possible

It’s been a testing few weeks on the track, with the unfortunate injury to reigning champ Skywalker Puma and the prospect of ante-post favourite Ballymac Vic exiting the ETS Irish Derby without lining up for Saturday night’s first quarter-final at Shelbourne.

Liam Dowling is leaving it as late as possible to make a decision about Vic’s participation and what a shame it would be should he be forced to withdraw.

Holdem Spy, who brought a bit of international flair to the competition, sustained a serious injury last week and not only will he be an absentee from what looked a gilt-edged opportunity in the second quarter-final but Carol Weatherall’s dog will be out for the remainder of the year.