Rain could come to the rescue of Motivator

Motivator’s chances of running in the Baileys Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown have increased with the news rain is forecast towards the end of the week.

Connections have warned the Derby winner could miss his intended clash with Azamour on Saturday owing to firm ground at the Dublin track.

However, a band of rain is now expected to hit the course on Thursday night into Friday which, in addition to watering by officials, could provide Michael Bell’s charge with the conditions he requires.

“It is terrific news if the forecasts are accurate as it is a very difficult situation for everybody,” Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners the Royal Ascot Racing Club, told At The Races.

“We have said all along the horse will only run on the appropriate ground as we learnt our lesson at Sandown and know he doesn’t like fast ground at all.

“We are probably going to have to go down to the wire. Michael is going to Leopardstown tomorrow and we will keep a close on the weather forecast.

“It may well be we get the horse there and he can’t run because the rain hasn’t arrived.

“The situation isn’t ideal but we will do what is best for the horse. We hope he will get to run as he is in great nick and we want to try and win one of the world’s most prestigious races.”

Motivator lost his unbeaten record when encountering fast ground for the first time when going down by half a length to Oratorio in the Coral-Eclipse two months ago.