Since the very first Derby run in 1780, no trainer has managed to win the Classic more than seven times – but that could all change this weekend as Aidan O’Brien has six runners at EpsomSince the very first Derby run in 1780, no trainer has managed to win the Classic more than seven times - but that could all change this weekend. Those who are immortalised in tales of the Turf such as John Porter and Fred Darling ‘only’ managed a magnificent seven - along with Robert Robson at the turn of the 19th century.However, an unassuming man based at Ballydoyle stables in Tipperary could surpass them on Saturday, as Aidan O’Brien sends a six-strong team to Epsom Downs...
Weeks after his first Royal Ascot success, this weekend will bring another thrill for jockey whose star is on the riseBen Curtis will be introduced to his Derby mount, Highland Chief, on Friday morning when the jockey who has made so much progress in recent years will make a flying visit to the Whatcombe stables of Paul and Oliver Cole. It is a huge moment for Curtis, who was just a few months old when Cole Sr won the Derby with Generous in 1990. Related: Talking Horses: non-runners and no stalls but Leicester races on Related: Team tactics never part of racing strategy, promises Aidan O'Brien | Chris Cook Tips by Chris Cook Continue reading...
English King is now a 3-1 shot for the Classic after Frankie Dettori was given the nod to ride in place of Tom MarquandFrankie Dettori has been booked to ride English King for Ed Walker in the Derby on 4 July, removing any lingering doubt that the colt will set off as favourite for the Classic at Epsom on Saturday week.English King returned to action with an impressive two-and-three-quarter length win in a fast time in the Lingfield Derby Trial on 5 June, and the form was backed up when second-placed Berkshire Rocco filled the same spot in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot. Related: Betway dispute highlights problem of punters gaining access to winnings Beverley 12.45 Bomb Proof 1.15 Bal Mal 1.45...
Kameko’s trainer lines up the Derby after last weekend’s 2,000 Guineas triumph while Seinesational is one to watch on racing’s return to PontefractAt Park House Stables in the pretty Hampshire village of Kingsclere, newly home to the 2,000 Guineas winner Kameko, the celebrations of Saturday’s Classic success have not just been muted, they have barely begun at all. Asked if there has been anything done in the way of swinging from the chandeliers, the trainer Andrew Balding replies: “Not really, yet. But we’ll find time for that, when we can safely do it. It can wait.”As at other racing stables, staff at Park House have found a way of working while maintaining physical distancing but there seems little point in...
Epsom, home of the Derby for centuries, would not be the right place to stage the Classic if spectators are not allowedCould the Derby take place somewhere other than Epsom? The starting pistol has been fired on that discussion by a piece in the Racing Post this morning, in which Lee Mottershead threw out the names of Newmarket, Ascot and Newbury as alternative venues for this turbulent year. Related: Royal Ascot ready to run races behind closed doors if it goes ahead in June Related: Talking Horses: Rooneys quit jumps two years after Cheltenham boycott Chris Cook's tips Continue reading...