16 runners declared for Irish 2000 Guineas

A total of 16 horses have been declared for Saturday’s Entenmann’s Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh - the first Irish Classic of the season.

Zafeen trained by Mick Channon heads the list of six British-trained runners and is likely to start favourite after finishing second to the Dermot Weld trained Refuse to Bend in the English 2000 Guineas at Newmarket three weeks ago.

The one-time favourite Catcher in the Rye was withdrawn by Aidan O'Brien earlier today leaving the Ballydoyle stable with five runners.

Makhlab (Willie Supple), Saturn (Johnny Murtagh), Tout Seul (Steve Carson), Desert Destiny (Frankie Dettori) and Indian Haven (John Egan) complete a very strong British trained line up.

Meanwhile, the Tony Mullins-trained Dolmur (Fran Berry) and Napper Tandy (Kevin Manning) are other leading Irish trained performers, in what promises to be a very competitive event.

The field for Sunday’s Entenmann’s 1000 Guineas is headed by French challenger Six Perfections (Johnny Murtagh) who also finished second in the Newmarket equivalent three weeks ago to the Michael Stoute trained Russian Rhythm.

The home-trained opposition is expected to be lead by Yesterday, Walayef and Dimitrova.

Overseas challengers Burning Sun, Chancellor, Imperial Dancer and the Godolphin trained Highdown should line up for the €260,000 Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup on the same day.

The first race on Saturday 2.10pm, but due to a change in the RTE schedule, the first race on Sunday will now take place at 2.15pm. All the rugby, soccer and GAA action will be shown live throughout the racecourse on both days.