O'Brien buoyed by Rip Van Winkle progress

Rip Van Winkle left Ireland this morning “with the intention of running” in the BGC Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

The Galileo colt suffered a late setback ahead of this afternoon’s Group One after Ballydoyle’s team discovered a problem with a hind hoof on Tuesday.

Aidan O’Brien has issued a positive update, however, but will make a final decision upon Rip Van Winkle’s arrival at Goodwood.

He told www.racingpost.com: “The horse seems much better this morning, he left Ballydoyle at 5am with the intention of running.

“We will reassess the situation when we get to the course when a final decision will be made.”