Talks will bid to make Irish Derby ‘great race’

Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Brian Kavanagh expects to meet with his counterparts from England and France to discuss the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the end of July.

The race at the Curragh on Saturday was rendered relatively uncompetitive in the absence of Kingston Hill, with Aidan O’Brien’s Australia cruising to victory unchallenged as the 1-8 favourite from just four rivals, including two from his own yard.

Epsom runner-up Kingston Hill was a late withdrawal due to fast ground, and there have been similar defections in recent years from big names such as New Approach and Sea The Stars.