Tag Archive for: Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby

Fanshawe favouring drop in trip for gallant Ambiente Friendly

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Ambiente Friendly appears set for a drop back in trip having suffered Classic heartbreak for the second time in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

James Fanshawe’s son of Gleneagles had travelled into the straight at Epsom full of running in the hands of Robert Havlin, before City Of Troy arrived on the scene to land a hammer blow.

And it was another Aidan O’Brien-trained colt who proved a thorn in Ambiente Friendly’s side at the Curragh, as Los Angeles reversed Epsom form to outstay the Gredley family-owned colt late in the day, with Sunway edging him for second.

Fanshawe said: “He ran really well and travelled really well to the two-furlong pole, he just got outstayed in the last furlong.

“The winner and the second are both very good horses and the winner looked much more at ease with himself today, he was much better behaved. The second was a Group One winner at two, so we have been beaten by two very good horses.”

With Ambiente Friendly’s owners the driving force behind the two Derby bids, Fanshawe is now eyeing a move back in distance where his ability to travel and turn of foot could become a real asset.

He told Racing TV: “I think we will probably be dropping back in trip now. He’s ran in a trial and two Derbys so we are going to have to see how he is when we get home. It would be quite nice to get him winning again before we have any real big targets.

“You would really like to have a go at the Qipco Champion Stakes over a mile and a quarter at Ascot at the end of the season, but we will see how he is when he gets home.

“He’s got a lot of pace and has grown up an awful lot, he’s gone from racing over seven furlongs to a mile and a half. Mr (Bill) fGredley really wanted to have a go at the Derbys and fair play to him for sticking to that route because it nearly paid off.”

Ambiente Friendly had to settle for third as David Menuisier’s Sunway came home for second in his first attempt at 12 furlongs, with his handler delighted his Group One-winning juvenile was able to serve a reminder of his talent on the big stage.

The Sussex-based Frenchman has suffered some Classic near-misses of his own this term, but Sunway could yet give him one final shot at glory if heading further up in trip for the St Leger in September.

“That is the third Classic I am losing by less than a length this season, so I’m used to it now,” said Menuisier.

“I’m delighted with the horse because we have always thought the world of him and people had lost faith in the horse.

“Today he really vindicated himself and showed he is a real class act. I’m really delighted for the horse.

“He got hampered at the start of the French Derby and was nearly brought down. He was closing really fast and only beaten three-quarters of a length for fourth. The ground was tacky and he did something special that day and I think people didn’t give him credit for that.

“I never doubted the horse and I see him every morning, so I know he is a good horse. I’m over the moon he vindicated himself today.

“We will enjoy this and I could see him staying a bit further. If the owners agree he could well go the Leger and we could well have a top stayer on our hands.”

Roger Varian had thrown the well-regarded Matsuri into the deep end following a wide-margin victory in a Leicester novice event and the Sea The Stars colt took the step up in grade in his stride to finish an honourable fourth.

However, the mount of James Doyle was one to have his progress halted in the closing stages, leaving connections pondering what could have been on the journey home.

“He’s ran a great race and confirmed he is a very good horse,” said Varian.

“We thought that coming into the race, and it is pleasing to see him hold his own and maybe we can think of what could have been if we had got a cleaner passage.

“I’ve only watched it the once and will need to watch it again, but I don’t think we got the room to run when we needed it. That’s racing and he’s ran a fine race and hopefully he is OK tomorrow and we can make some good plans for him.

“He was beaten a length maybe in total having had a slightly troubled passage in the home straight so we might be thinking what could have been. But he’s a good horse and let’s see what is round the corner for him.

“We will digest today, see how he is tomorrow, speak to the owner and go from there.”



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Los Angeles stars in reversing Epsom form for Irish Derby glory

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Los Angeles put his name up in lights as he showed his class in a blockbuster conclusion to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

Third behind Aidan O’Brien stablemate City Of Troy in the Derby, he had just over three lengths to find with James Fanshawe’s Epsom runner-up Ambiente Friendly, who was sent off the 6-4 favourite at the Curragh.

Los Angeles was one of four for O’Brien in Ireland’s premier Classic and it was the Ballydoyle quartet who dominated the front of the race in the early stages, with Euphoric, Grosvenor Square and The Euphrates giving their hotly-fancied stablemate the perfect tow into the race.

Heading into the straight Ambiente Friendly had raced strongly to the heels of Los Angeles, who was being asked to stretch for home by Ryan Moore, and the duo became embroiled in a titanic duel.

As much as Robert Havlin tried, however, he could not reel in the son of Camelot aboard Ambiente Friendly, who just gave way to another British raider, David Menuisier’s Sunway, for second in the closing stages.

Los Angeles had three-quarters of a length in hand at the winning post as he scored at odds of 13-8, a victory that gave O’Brien a record-extending 16th triumph in the race. Ambiente Friendly was another half-length away in third.

“We were delighted with him in Epsom and we thought he would come forward,” said O’Brien.

Los Angeles returns victorious after the Irish Derby
Los Angeles returns victorious after the Irish Derby (PA)

“Obviously he did go forward in Epsom and learned plenty, we were hoping that would be the case so he could come back here.

“Ryan gave him a great ride. It was a solid, even pace and it’s an unbelievable track. It’s great to have this race at this time of the year so all those horses can come together and you get to find out what’s there.

“He’s a big, hardy horse. He looks like he was a baby, but he is a Group One winner at two as well.

“He is progressing, definitely, and we’re really looking forward to him. Obviously he’s by Camelot so he has that class, he can quicken.

“Ryan said he had a lot more class than he expected and he quickened very well when he got there.”

Bookmakers were quick to promote Los Angeles to favouritism for the Betfred St Leger, although O’Brien said: “We came here thinking that he was going to turn into a Leger horse, but Ryan said he has way more class than that.”

Coolmore boss John Magnier was in attendance, and said of the Epsom form standing up: “That’s important, especially now that the French have changed their race (Prix du Jockey Club) and it’s not really the Derby anymore. It’s good to have the Epsom form held up here, really important I’d say.”

Ryan Moore, John Magnier and Aidan O’Brien after winning the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby with Los Angeles
Ryan Moore, John Magnier and Aidan O’Brien after winning the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby with Los Angeles (Damien Eagers/PA)

Some have suggested the Irish Derby should follow the French route and drop to 10 furlongs, but Magnier said: “That’s (mile and a half) the tradition and the history. It’s like the Belmont in America, they won’t shorten the distance.

“The thing is that you need to go from the top to the bottom, you don’t need all five-furlong races.”

On the winner he added: “Maybe Willie Mullins will be looking for him now! He is a good stamp of a horse.

“He won his Group One race as a two-year-old, he’s an improving horse, as Aidan has said. Maybe he’ll get even better.

“The race paid a compliment to him (City Of Troy), obviously. We’ll let the horse do the talking now. Aidan said what he said about him last year and we looked a bit stupid after the Guineas, so I don’t think we’ll say any more and let him deal with it from now on.”



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Havlin ready to seize Irish Derby chance with Ambiente Friendly

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Robert Havlin is well aware he has found himself in an enviable position aboard the talented Ambiente Friendly and is determined to grasp the opportunity, as the Epsom runner-up seeks to go one better in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

James Fanshawe’s son of Gleneagles found only the sublime City Of Troy too strong in the Derby and now heads to the Curragh as the bookmakers’ favourite to taste Classic success in the Irish equivalent.

His jockey has an Italian Derby to his name, but a British or Irish Classic has so far eluded one of the elder statesmen of the weighing room, whose experience saw him chosen by the Gredley family to replace Callum Shepherd in the saddle at Epsom.

Havlin retains the partnership with Ambiente Friendly for what represents a rare visit to the home of Irish racing for the 50-year-old.

However, the veteran Scot – who has guided a plethora of John Gosden superstars through the early part of their careers – has full faith in his mount handling the stamina test the Curragh presents, having been impressed with his maturity since his fine performance in the premier Classic.

“I’m really looking forward to Sunday and he’s come out of Epsom really well,” said Havlin, whose season continued on the crest of a wave when he guided Audience to a surprise all-the-way success in the Lockinge Stakes.

“Being a breeze-up horse, it can go one way or the other, but he’s taken it unbelievably well and it’s like he’s matured overnight.

“I rode him Thursday morning and he felt great, I’ve ridden him a few times this week. Thursday morning he was bucking and kicking, but then he lobbed up the canter out of my hands the whole way.”

Robert Havlin is confident in Ambiente Friendly
Robert Havlin is confident in Ambiente Friendly (John Walton/PA)

He went on: “It’s a while since I’ve ridden a mile and a half at the Curragh, it was quite a lot of years ago. I think now he’s so relaxed – he’s unbelievably relaxed – I don’t think the track will pose any threats.

“I’m unbelievably lucky to fall upon him, not in the best circumstances I suppose, but you have to take these opportunities with both hands.”

There is no City Of Troy standing in Ambiente Friendly’s way this time, but Ballydoyle will still be well represented, with Epsom third Los Angeles leading the assault.

Havlin is happy to see the Derby hero head elsewhere for now, but despite having just over three lengths in hand over Los Angeles on the Surrey Downs, he is respectful of the challenge that rival poses as they lock horns for a second time.

Ambiente Friendly (yellow) chased home City Of Troy at Epsom
Ambiente Friendly (yellow) chased home City Of Troy at Epsom (Adam Davy/PA)

“Ambiente Friendly didn’t have a hard race at Epsom so we are hoping he can go there, has improved again and can finish in front of Los Angeles again,” continued Havlin.

“Los Angeles would be entitled to get a bit closer this time, he went down on his sword at Epsom and the Curragh might suit him a little bit better, but I’m really looking forward to the rematch.

“There’s no City Of Troy this time and it would be nice to meet him somewhere down the line to test the water again, but we can leave that for another day.”

As well as Los Angeles, Aidan O’Brien will saddle Grosvenor Square, Epsom ninth Euphoric and King Edward VII Stakes fifth The Euphrates in a bid to extend his imperious race record.

Los Angeles finished third at Epsom
Los Angeles finished third at Epsom (Bradley Collyer/PA)

However, it is clearly the mount of Ryan Moore who has the best chance of giving the master of Ballydoyle Irish Derby number 16.

“The Curragh looks like it should suit him,” said O’Brien of Los Angeles.

“He’s come out of Epsom really well, we couldn’t be happier with him really, so we’re looking forward to running him.

“We’ve been happy with him since, this is his third run of the year, so hopefully he can improve again (to make up the ground on Ambiente Friendly).”

On the ground for Los Angeles, O’Brien – who first landed the Curragh showpiece with Desert King in 1997 – added: “I think it should be fine, it was quick enough in Epsom.

“He’s a very big horse and racing is only going to improve him, mentally and physically, we think. He’s a big, honest, straightforward horse, we think.

Desert King was Aidan O'Brien's first Irish Derby winner
Desert King was Aidan O’Brien’s first Irish Derby winner (PA)

“He’s hardy and he’s fresh, but he’s very genuine and he relaxes very well. He’s obviously by Camelot and they have plenty of nervous energy. That’s the way they are and that’s what makes them good, I think.

“We’re very happy with everything he has done since then.”

Of his others, O’Brien said: “Grosvenor Square is a lovely, big horse, but he was a little bit backwards when we ran him at Chester.

“He’s just ready to start again so hopefully he runs a nice race.

“The Euphrates ran a nice race at Ascot and hopefully he comes forward again, we think he’ll improve as the year goes on, the same for Euphoric.”

Ger Lyons’ Keeper’s Heart bolsters the Irish hand in their bid to keep the first prize on home soil, but there is not just Ambiente Friendly making the trip from the UK.

Roger Varian has always spoken highly of Matsuri and the Sheikh Mohammed Obaid al Maktoum-owned son of Sea The Stars is pitched into deep waters following his impressive Leicester novice success, with the in-form James Doyle expecting this race to provide an acid test of his potential.

Happy days! James Doyle pictured with Henry Winkler at Royal Ascot
Happy days! James Doyle pictured with Henry Winkler at Royal Ascot (David Davies/PA)

He said: “His win (at Leicester) in the first part of the year, he was a bit keen, but it was a nothing contest and we didn’t learn much. Visually he looked like he could gallop.

“It’s not an easy race to step into, but his home work has been good.”

Doyle is still on a high after winning four times at Royal Ascot, all in the colours of his new retainer of Wathnan Racing.

He added: “It was brilliant, now I’m back down to earth with Carlisle and Beverley and the smaller tracks!

“But it’s good, they’re running well and the boss is happy – that’s the main thing.

“You always want more though, however many you win.”

Sunway and Oisin Murphy
Sunway and Oisin Murphy have formed a great team (PA)

David Menuisier’s Sunway completes the line-up, as the French Derby seventh takes a second bite of the Classic cherry.

Having competed over 10 furlongs at Chantilly, Oisin Murphy now feels the time is right to test the son of Galiway over further and is optimistic he can get involved at the business end.

“I felt the last day I was too far back off a slow pace and he’s been crying out for a little bit further,” said the former champion.

“I rode him on Tuesday, David Menuisier is very happy with him, as am I. He’s drawn eight of eight, but that doesn’t concern me. I’m hoping he’ll run a career best.

“On ratings, he’s not out of the race and if he runs up to his best, which the signs are good for, he’ll go well.”



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