Emperor set Curragh target

Holy Roman Emperor is likely to tread the same path as George Washington did last season after he was ruled out of Deauville’s Prix Morny on account of likely soft going.

Aidan O’Brien’s exciting juvenile created a big impression when following up a victory in the Railway Stakes with another impressive success in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh last weekend.

George Washington also lifted those two contests in 2005 before going on to secure the National Stakes, and O’Brien has suggested Holy Roman Emperor will now try to follow suit in the seven-furlong contest.

Speaking yesterday, the Ballydoyle maestro told the Racing Post: “We have decided to aim him at the National Stakes at the Curragh on September 17.”

O’Brien also went on to explain the decision not to run at Deauville.

“The rain is bucketing down here and we have decided against running Holy Roman Emperor,” he said.

“After walking the course, and because of the type of thundery showers they are having here, we felt it was the right decision to make.”