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Talking Horses: Why it's a mistake to let no-hopers run in the Derby

All owners should hope for a moment in the sun but the Derby is a race with a serious purpose, not a fun runI’m stunned to read in today’s Racing Post that the British Horseracing Authority has no concerns about the no-hoper Diore Lia lining up in Saturday’s Derby. The filly’s owner-breeder, Richard Aylward, is determined to run, to the extent that he has moved her in the last week away from a trainer who thought Diore Lia did not belong in the Epsom Classic. Related: Aidan O’Brien first to sweep Guineas board as Winter triumphs at Curragh Related: Why gamblers are on a losing streak – and the industry is cashing in | Greg Wood Continue reading...

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Talking Horses: Aidan O’Brien has Guineas not Derby in sights for Churchill

Trainer says there is a ‘good chance’ the English Guineas winner will run in the Irish equivalent rather than head to EpsomTony Paley: Trainer Aidan O’Brien has said there is a “good chance” that the English 2,000 Guineas winner Churchill will run in the Irish equivalent at The Curragh a week on Saturday rather than head to the Investec Derby. Related: Hughie Morrison faces 10-year training ban after horse fails drug test Continue reading...

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Talking Horses: Dante Stakes favourite Cracksman ruled out of big race at York

Trainer John Gosden has withdrawn the unbeaten colt as he feels the soft ground will be too demanding for the son of FrankelThe rain finally stopped in York shortly before sunset on Wednesday night, after a day that turned the going on the Knavesmire from the soft side of good to the heavy side of soft. It’s a brighter start to the day here on Thursday, but the damage had been done and Cracksman, one of only three horses at a single-figure price for the Derby, was taken out of the Dante Stakes shortly before 9am this morning.Cracksman has won both races in his career, including the Investec Derby Trial at Epsom in April, and is the leading domestic hope...

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