Chaparral takes Derby Trial
High Chaparral furthered his Vodafone Derby claims by taking the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown today.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt looked very relaxed before the race but was made to work for his win.
Pacemaker Nostradamus set off sharply and went a good gallop going some way clear until the rest of the field started to reel him in at around the three furlong marker.
Jockey Seamus Heffernan had to scrub the leading Derby fancy along from the home turn and he gave him a couple of slaps with the whip before hitting the final furlong.
High Chaparral responded well but appeared to idle a little in front before being eased down 50 yards from the line to oblige at odds of 1-5.
In Time’s Eye finished second with Ahsanabad back in third.
