TALKING Horses and dogs
THE supplementary entry system is set to boost next Sunday's Darley Irish Oaks in terms of quality as well as a significant cash injection to the Curragh coffers.
Connections of Snow Fairy, Eldalil and Hibaayeb are poised to pay e42,500 each in order to takes their places in the fourth Classic of the season at headquarters.
The late entry option was also taken up by Snow Fairy's owner ahead of the Epsom Oaks, and it paid dividends and them some.
Ryan Moore took the mount on the filly after she won at Goodwood, a victory which prompted Anamoine Ltd to stump up the cash. Snow Fairy weaved her way through from the back of the field to beat Meeznah by a neck to give trainer Ed Dunlop another Oaks, following on from Ouija Board.
Eldalil chased home Hibaayeb in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.
It was an effort full of potential from the inexperienced Sir Michael Stoute-trained representative.
Hibaayeb, from the Godolphin operation, is reported to have taken the race well and connections are looking forward to bidding for the Group One.
A strong challenge from England also includes Meeznah who performed with distinction last time, and her trainer David Lanigan is relishing another joust with Snow Fairy.
As usual, Aidan O'Brien has multiple entries, among them Remember When. However, she followed a third at Epsom with a disappointing effort behind Chinese White when fourth of nine runners.
Johnny Murtagh was on board in both races, and he experienced a bitter-sweet victory at Newmarket last week.
After steering Starspangledbanner to a narrow July Cup success, the jockey was hit with a six-day ban which rules him out of the King George and a couple of days of Glorious Goodwood.
Indeed, a fear of missing that major festival has made Murtagh's weighing room colleague Richard Hughes take this week off in case he picks up a suspension.
Hughes, enjoying a marvellous campaign and part of what is developing into a three-cornered fight for the jockeys' championship, is critical of the bans being handed out by the stewards for what he feels is little or nothing.
He went as far as to say it prompted him to take wide courses to avoid possible trouble on two of his big winners at Newmarket, Memory and Music Show. Ladbrokes.com Derby The countdown is underway to the Ladbrokes.com Derby with various trial stakes already run throughout the country and in England. North Co Dublin trainer Liam O'Rourke recorded a double in the heats of the Harold's Cross qualifier with Ballymac Tipp and Ashcarne Jack.
The final takes place next Friday night as one of the main supporting races to the Gain Foods Corn Cuchulainn decider.
Ardee runner Ferdia Bound will start from trap four for his owner/trainer Kevin Commins.
He filled third place in the first semi-final behind Seven Hills Lady and old rival Cooladerry Fizz.
- Francis CARROLL
