Tag Archive for: Inisherin

Inisherin shows great spirit to seize Duke of York spoils

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Inisherin served a reminder of his class with a battling success in the 1895 Duke of York Clipper Stakes at York.

Kevin Ryan’s Royal Ascot winner was partnered for the first time by Ryan Moore, with the 11-8 favourite away from the stalls quickly and straight on the heels of Karl Burke’s Night Raider, who led the field down the Knavesmire and made a bold bid from the front in the hands of Oisin Murphy.

Having elected to stay on the far rail to make his bid for victory, Moore set to work urging his mount and passed Night Raider just inside the final furlong.

However, he still had to overcome the challenge of Andrew Balding’s Flora Of Bermuda, who had worked her way to the head of affairs from the back of the field.

But although Inisherin was briefly headed in an engaging duel, the son of Shamardal fought back gamely to land a well-received blow for the local Ryan team, prevailing by a neck.

Inisherin is now 8-1 from 10s with Paddy Power and Betfair to win again at the Royal meeting in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.

Ryan said: “There’s a bit of relief. We lost a month with him when we realised he had a little bit of a (breathing) issue and we decided to do it straight away

“The weather and the ground have meant we haven’t been able to get him away for a gallop and things were stacking up against us.

“Thankfully, he’s done everything we’ve asked, he’s a big colt now. He’ll go straight to Ascot now.

“Night Raider went quick, Ryan was going to jump and be positive but it probably worked in our favour as he was able to half fill him up and had he gone with him, he might have been beaten two lengths.

“Ryan got it right, as ever. I said to him ‘whatever you do is right’.”

The trainer went on: “He’s a strong stayer at six, he ran well in last year’s Guineas and I’ve just said to William Derby, I wouldn’t be against stepping him up to seven now it’s a Group One, the City of York, and I’d like to support it.

“Tom (Eaves) had been brilliant on this horse and did nothing wrong, I didn’t think he ran too bad in the July Cup and his final run came at the end of a long year, it was just when we discussed this horse we felt if Ryan was available, he’d be able to tell us so much about him as he’s ridden so many top horses for so many different people.

Inisherin was back to winning ways
Inisherin was back to winning ways (Danny Lawson/PA)

“When he comes back in, he tells you straight, there’s no going around corners. He’ll ride for me whenever he is available.

“It would be nice if he was available at Ascot but today was the first hurdle.”

Anna-Lisa Balding said of runner-up Flora Of Bermuda: “She ran a hell of a race. She’s been off the track for a long time (207 days) and for her to come back and run like that, with the right horse beating her, I think means she’s a really exciting filly.

“She’s always shown a lot at home, Andrew has always liked her and mentally and physically she’s developed. We were hoping for a big run and she hasn’t disappointed us.

“As PJ (McDonald) said when he got off her, she’s got a heart like a lion and you can’t ever take that away from her.”

Karl Burke saddled the third and fourth
Karl Burke saddled the third and fourth (Mike Egerton/PA)

Burke said of third-placed Night Raider and fourth home Elite Status: “The ground has been well watered, the jockeys have been saying there isn’t any firm in it. Both would appreciate quicker ground.

“Oisin Murphy said we should maybe drop down to five furlongs with Night Raider. I’ll speak to Steve Parkin (owner) but if he comes out of the race well, I’d be tempted to have a go at the Temple Stakes a week on Saturday.

“Elite Status possibly got a bit tired but again he wants top of the ground to be at his best and he probably got a little bit squeezed and couldn’t get going forward.”

Inisherin ‘more mature and has strengthened up’ for York return

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Connections of Inisherin are confident the exciting sprinter is stronger than ever ahead of his seasonal reappearance in the 1895 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes on Wednesday.

One of the most visually impressive winners of the entire week at Royal Ascot last summer when dominating the Commonwealth Cup, Kevin Ryan’s charge was subsequently beaten into fifth place in the July Cup at Newmarket before disappointing in Haydock’s Sprint Cup in September.

The Shamardal colt will head to York for his first start in seven months on the opening day of the Dante Festival and Adam Ryan, assistant to his father, said: “We’re very happy with him and this was the obvious starting point for the year. We’re looking forward to seeing him back in action.

“He’s a very straightforward horse and he looks a lot more mature and has strengthened up a lot, so we’re very excited by him.”

Reflecting on last season, Ryan added: “He had a lot of racing in a short space of time last year and was still learning. I actually think he ran a bit better than the results on his last two runs as he probably didn’t handle Newmarket and the ground was very tacky at Haydock.

“They’ll have the ground perfect at York, William Derby and his team always do a great job with it.”

Inisherin has undergone a minor wind operation, described as “something of nothing” by Ryan, since his last run and will be partnered by Ryan Moore for the first time on the Knavesmire.

“Ryan Moore is arguably the greatest of all time and any time he is on board is a bonus,” said Ryan.

Night Raider following a racecourse gallop at Newmarket
Night Raider following a racecourse gallop at Newmarket (Adam Morgan/PA)

Inisherin’s rivals include a trio of Karl Burke-trained runners in Night Raider, Elite Status and Marshman.

One-time Classic contender Night Raider confirmed himself a sprinter of some potential when registering successive all-weather wins in the autumn, while dual Group Three scorer Elite Status – who like Inisherin carries the colours of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid – was down the field in two Group Ones at the end of last season.

Burke said: “I think Night Raider is a Group One sprinter in the making. He’s got to prove that he does it on grass, but I have no doubt that he will.

“He’s a lovely, big, scopey horse. He’s probably quick enough for five furlongs, but he obviously stays six and he’s actually won two small races over seven, so he’s got a lot going for him.

“Elite Status is another we’re hoping can develop into a Group One horse. He’s a very good horse, he probably wouldn’t have the natural speed that Night Raider’s got, but he stays the six very strongly.”

Karl Burke saddles three runners in the1895 Duke of York Stakes
Karl Burke saddles three runners in the 1895 Duke of York Stakes (Mike Egerton/PA)

The Spigot Lodge trio is completed by Marshman, who is hard fit from a winter campaign.

“Marshman was a bit of a last-minute theme but, with the low entry, he takes his chance,” Burke added.

“He’s very fit, obviously. He probably prefers a little bit slower ground. He’s a good, solid Listed/Group Three horse.”

Andrew Balding’s course and distance winner Flora Of Bermuda, the Clive Cox-trained Kerdos and Rage Of Bamby, who was last seen landing a Listed prize at Newmarket in October for Eve Johnson Houghton, also feature in a competitive Group Two field alongside Royal Zabeel for Mick Appleby.

Ryan Moore teams up with Inisherin in Duke of York test

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Ryan Moore will ride Inisherin for the first time as the Commonwealth Cup winner looks to begin his season with a bang in the 1895 Duke of York Clipper Stakes on the Knavesmire.

Trained by Kevin Ryan, Inisherin finished sixth in the 2000 Guineas last season before reverting to sprinting with great success.

His year ended on a bit of a downer in the July Cup and he has subsequently undergone wind surgery.

Owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum has opted for a switch of jockey from Tom Eaves.

The same yellow and black silks will also be sported by Karl Burke’s Elite Status, one of three runners for the Spigot Lodge handler.

Clifford Lee rides Elite Status, Oisin Murphy is on Night Raider and Sam James partners Marshman.

Clive Cox fields Temple Stakes winner Kerdos, Royal Zabeel goes for Mick Appleby with Flora Of Bermuda and Rose Of Bamby completing the eight-runner field.

In the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes Whirl will attempt to continue Aidan O’Brien’s dominance of the Classic trials.

Having won all three at Chester, both of Lingfield’s and Leopardstown’s key trial, O’Brien relies on a filly who won at Group Three level last term but who was well beaten at the same grade on her return to action.

Andrew Balding’s Serenity Prayer has been put in as favourite by Paddy Power at 5-2 off the back of an impressive debut at Newbury.

Ralph Beckett’s Smoken won both her starts last year impressively, including a Listed race at Newmarket while John and Thady Gosden’s Go Go Boots, owned by American chef Bobby Flay, is another unbeaten filly in the six-runner field.

Miss Tonnere represents Ed Walker with Tattycoram a second runner for Beckett.

Inisherin freshened up and raring to go in search of Sprint Cup glory

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Inisherin will attempt to reestablish himself as this season’s star sprinter when he returns to Haydock with the chance to give Kevin Ryan his third Betfair Sprint Cup.

Ryan, who has won the race with Hello Youmzain (2019) and Emaraaty Ana (2021) in recent years, saw his current stable star sparkle on Merseyside in the Sandy Lane Stakes before taking Commonwealth Cup glory at Royal Ascot.

However, he hit a bump in the road when sent off favourite for the July Cup at Newmarket, and his trainer has been keen to freshen him up since then.

Ryan said: “It was just a case of backing off him after Newmarket. We have a few different facilities here, like the water treadmill, he loves going on there, and it’s just a case of changing his routine, so we’re not going up the gallop every day and doing different things with him.

“It’s about giving him a bit of a change of scenery, but at the same time trying to keep him at a certain level of fitness, so we don’t have to do too much to get him back up to the level we need him at again.

“It’s also about knowing the horse, he’s a very easy horse to deal with, which makes life a lot easier and lets you work back from the race. Since he’s been back working normally, we haven’t had one setback with him and everything couldn’t be better.”

Inisherin is once again expected to be in the shake-up at the conclusion of this Group One contest and although there is a deep field assembled, Ryan is preferring to concentrate solely on the son of Shamardal, insisting he will not be burdening big-race pilot Tom Eaves with detailed instructions.

Ryan added: “He’s not a complicated ride, so I tend to say to Tom ‘concentrate on your own horse’. Don’t worry who’s drawn beside you, as there’s a fair chance he’ll be putting some of the pace to the race anyway.

Inisherin and Tom Eaves (right) on their way to winning the Commonwealth Cup
Inisherin and Tom Eaves (right) on their way to winning the Commonwealth Cup (David Davies/PA)

“I think sometimes you start reading into it too much about who’s around you and you can confuse yourself, because once those stalls open, everything can change.

“The real good thing about him is that you can ride him different ways – if you feel they are not quite going quick enough, you can go forward yourself, and if something is going quick, you can also take a lead on him.

“So, from my point of view, it’s just a case of keeping it simple. Sometimes you can complicate it too much and it all goes pear-shaped.”

Inisherin is owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid who has a strong hand in the race, with his colours also carried by dual Newbury winner Elite Status.

The son of Havana Grey is one of three for Karl Burke alongside Spycatcher and July Cup runner-up Swingalong, and it is an event the Spigot Lodge handler has fond memories of having saddled Quiet Reflection to win in 2016.

Elite Status is two from two this season
Elite Status is two from two this season (Steven Paston/PA)

“Clifford (Lee, stable jockey) has chosen to stick with Elite Status, who is the youngster of the party and goes there on an upward curve,” explained Burke ahead of the British Champions Series event.

“The issue with Elite Status knocking his joint seems very much behind him and since Ascot he’s been very good. He obviously put up a big performance at Newbury last time and he’s training very well, so we are very hopeful.”

He went on: “Swingalong has proven herself in Group One company once again this year and deserves to win one. Spycatcher is tough and durable and has been fantastic to have around. He’s a proper Group One horse, too, on soft ground.”

Jasour finished on the podium behind Inisherin at the Royal meeting and was again in close quarters to the likely favourite when sixth at Newmarket the following month.

He missed out on the opportunity to drop back to five furlongs at Goodwood due to a last-minute setback, but has since delighted Clive Cox in his recovery, with connections hopeful of a bold showing.

Jasour was a winner at Ascot earlier this year
Jasour was a winner at Ascot earlier this year (Adam Davy/PA)

“He’s in excellent form and we hope conditions continue to dry rather than get wetter,” said Cox.

“Six furlongs has never been an issue, it was just a shame he had a setback prior to Goodwood where we were going to take advantage of the opportunity when the ground was right there.

“He’s had time to get over that and he’s a horse we have always believed in hugely.

“It’s exciting to see him in good form again, I have been very happy with him for the last couple of weeks and with the weather staying dry, we’re looking forward to it.”

Adrian Murray’s Bucanero Fuerte is one of three Irish raiders alongside Jessica Harrington’s Givemethebeatboys and Ken Condon’s Moss Tucker.

Bucanero Fuerte was a Group One winner at two
Bucanero Fuerte was a Group One winner at two (Damien Eagers/PA)

The son of Wootton Bassett became owners Amo Racing’s first Group One winner when landing the Phoenix Stakes as a two-year-old and connections made the call to focus on sprinting rather than hunt Classic honours this term.

“He left for Haydock on Wednesday and we’re looking forward to seeing him back on track,” said Murray, whose charge will be in action for the first time since winning at Naas in May.

“We gave him plenty of time to get over his issue and this looks a nice race for him to start back off in.

“He’s a horse with a lot of speed and over the winter we were thinking of going to the Guineas with him. But then we worked him and thought we would stick to five or six furlongs because he has a lot of class and a lot of speed.

“We are hoping he will be bang there and if he trains on like we think he has he will hopefully be involved fingers crossed.”

Shouldvebeenaring was 50-1 when finishing second 12 months ago, but Richard Hannon’s four-year-old is expected to be much shorter in the betting this time.

“He was a bit of a rank outsider last year, but we declared him for the race thinking he had an each-way squeak and he proved that in spades,” said Middleham Park Racing’s Tim Palin.

“This year we would go there with what I think is a lively or even strong each-way chance and this is him playing at home in Haydock, particularly if the weather gods play in his favour as he does enjoy good or quicker ground.

“He’s run here twice and finished second to Little Big Bear with Bradsell and Mill Stream well held behind in the Sandy Lane and then was just touched off by Regional in this big one last year.

“I think the draw gods have been kind. I think statistically middle to high is good and we’re 14 of 16. Hopefully in the race Lady Luck will shine favourably on us as it could be a busy contest if they do congregate down the stands rail, which they often do.”

Inisherin and Elite Status head sweet 16 in Betfair Sprint Cup

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Owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid will have a strong hand in the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock after both Inisherin and Elite Status featured amongst the stacked field of 16 declared for Saturday’s contest.

The duo are disputing affairs at the top of the betting lists and bring top sprinting form to the table, with Kevin Ryan’s Royal Ascot hero Inisherin returning to the scene of an impressive win in the Sandy Lane Stakes earlier in the season.

Elite Status attempts to supplement his two Newbury triumphs this term and is one of three for Karl Burke, alongside recent Deauville scorer Spycatcher and last year’s fourth Swingalong.

Elite Status is part of a strong hand for owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid
Elite Status is part of a strong hand for owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid (Steven Paston/PA)

Jasour has recovered from the setback that saw him miss out on a run over five furlongs at Goodwood and will represent Clive Cox, while last year’s runner-up Shouldvebeenaring will have the chance to go one better for Richard Hannon and owners Middleham Park Racing.

Lake Forest is the most notable of those not declared, but William Haggas will still be represented in the race by Chipchase Stakes hero Montassib and Wokingham Stakes champion Unequal Love.

Montassib got the better of Kinross at Newcastle but Ralph Beckett’s stalwart will have to wait for his chance to turn the tables as he is another absentee and, along with Lake Forest, is likely to head for the Park Stakes at Doncaster next week.

Art Power winning at Ascot last October
Art Power winning at Ascot last October (John Walton/PA)

Amongst those a little further down the betting is Mick Appleby’s returning Annaf, who makes his first appearance of the campaign, with Tim Easterby’s Art Power also in the mix, seeking a first victory of the season.

A winner of the British Champions Sprint Stakes last October, he is yet to race on his preferred soft ground this term, with his connections keeping their fingers crossed for a drop of rain on Merseyside.

“Sadly, the north is not getting the rain that the south is getting for the next couple of days, but I think it will be fine for him to run,” said Alastair Donald, racing manager for owners King Power Racing.

“I always feel a bit sorry for Art Power as he’s always a rather insulting price, but he always still runs well at a big price and hopefully he will on Saturday.

“He’s been running well all year and he hasn’t yet had his ground either, not once. Hopefully he’ll have it at some point, maybe at Ascot at the end of the year.

“It’s not going to be quick on Saturday, so it’s very likely he’ll run, but any rain would obviously be preferred.”

Bucanero Fuerte is one of the Irish contenders booked for Haydock
Bucanero Fuerte is one of the Irish contenders booked for Haydock (Damien Eagers/PA)

Adrian Murray’s Group One-winning juvenile Bucanero Fuerte, Jessica Harrington’s Givemethebeatboys and Ken Condon’s Moss Tucker all make the journey from Ireland.

Charlie Fellowes’ Vadream, James Fanshawe’s Kind Of Blue and Andrew Balding’s Flora Of Bermuda – supplemented into the contest for £20,000 on Monday – complete a loaded list of contenders for the Group One prize.

2024 Haydock Sprint Cup Trends

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Run at Haydock Park racecourse the Group One Sprint Cup is run over 6f and often attracts some of the best speedsters from around the world.

Here at GeeGeez we take a look back at previous winners and highlight the key trends ahead of the 2024  renewal – Did you know that 18 of the last 22 Haydock Sprint Cup winners were aged 5 or younger?

Recent Haydock Sprint Cup Winners

2023 - Regional (10/1)
2022 - Minzaal (7/2)
2021 – Emaraaty Ana (11/1)
2020 - Dream Of Dreams (5/2 fav)
2019 – Hello Youmzain (9/2 cfav)
2018 - The Tin Man (7/1)
2017 - Harry Angel (2/1 fav)
2016 – Quiet Reflection (7/2 fav)
2015 – Twilight Son (10/1)
2014 – G Force (11/1)
2013 – Gordon Lord Byron (7/2)
2012 – Society Rock (10/1)
2011 – Dream Ahead (4/1 fav)
2010 – Markab (12/1)
2009 – Regal Parade (14/1)
2008 – African Rose (7/2 fav)
2007 – Red Clubs (9/1)
2006 – Reverence (11/4 fav)
2005 – Goodricke (14/1)
2004 – Tante Rose (10/1)
2003 – Somnus (12/1)
2002 – Invincible Spirit (25/1)

Key Haydock Sprint Cup Betting Trends

20/22 – Unplaced horses from stall 1
19/22 – Had won over 6f before
18/22 – Rated 111 or higher
18/22 - Aged 5 or younger
17/22 – Finished in the top 4 last time out
17/22 – Had 4 or more career wins to their name
17/22 – Didn’t win their previous race
17/22 – Drawn in stall 5 or higher
15/22 – Had won a Group race before
15/22 – Winning distance 1 length or less
14/22 –Had 4 or more runs that season
12/22 – Ran at Deauville (4) or York (7) last time out
11/22 – Had run at Haydock before (5 had won)
11/22 – Returned a double-figure price in the betting
9/22 – Drawn in a double-figure stall
7/22 – Had won a Group 1 before
7/22 – Winning favourites
2/22 – Trained by James Fanshawe (2 of last 12)
2/22 – Trained by Henry Candy
2/22 – Trained by Kevin Ryan
2/22 - Ridden by Oisin Murphy
6 of the last 13 winners aged 3
The average winning SP in the last 22 years is 17/2

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No ground concerns ahead of Inisherin Sprint Cup bid

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Kevin Ryan is confident he has Inisherin in top form heading into Saturday’s Betfair Sprint Cup and insists there are no concerns over the possibility of some cut underfoot at Haydock.

The three-year-old has already claimed an impressive course-and-distance victory on soft ground this season in the Sandy Lane Stakes, before powering to Commonwealth Cup glory at Royal Ascot.

Ryan said: “He’s in great form. All his fast work is finished here now and he had his last gallop on Saturday. We’ve had an uninterrupted campaign, all his work has gone to plan and he’s very fresh and well.

“When he ran at Haydock before Ascot, I was concerned the ground might be a bit soft for him and he handled it really, really well.

Betfred Temple Stakes Day – Haydock Park Racecourse – Saturday 25th May
Inisherin winning the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock (Nigel French/PA).

“And then he obviously went to Ascot on opposite ground completely and handled that just the same, so he might be a little bit unique in the fact that he’s a horse that can handle fast ground and softer conditions as well.

“I haven’t any concerns about the ground going into Haydock, it’s a lovely track and at this time of the year it will have had plenty of time to recover and they always tend to have conditions there in top shape. So, no concerns whatsoever.”

Having said that, Ryan feels underfoot conditions may have contributed to Inisherin’s defeat in the July Cup at Newmarket, where he appeared to slip back between the final two furlongs before rallying again to finish fifth.

Speaking on a conference call organised by the Jockey Club, Ryan commented: “It was a funny one really. Knowing the horse very well, I was a little bit concerned after a furlong that he wasn’t just striding out as well as he can do coming down the hill.

“The ground had dried out that day and I think if anything, it was maybe just a little bit loose on top, which some horses just can’t get a handle on, they can’t get their confidence to get a grip on it.

“Once he hit the rising ground, he did then start to stay on, but in those top-class sprints, you just can’t afford to lose a couple of lengths and then try to make it up in a furlong.

“As well as that, he’d been quite busy; he’d gone from a maiden and then gone to the Guineas, then there’s not a big turnaround and you go to Royal Ascot.

“These are championship races and, albeit he came out of Newmarket in great condition, he’d had a busy time and the decision was taken to come out of the Maurice de Gheest.

“Obviously, I discussed it with Sheikh Mohammed Obaid and the decision was taken to give the horse a break, freshen him up and concentrate on the two big sprints at Haydock and Ascot.”

North Yorkshire handler Ryan will be seeking a third Betfair Sprint Cup success in six seasons, having prevailed with Hello Youmzain in 2019 and Emaraaty Ana two years later.

Betfair Sprint Cup Day – Haydock Park – Saturday September 4th
Kevin Ryan and Andrea Atzeni after winning with Emaraaty Ana (David Davies/PA).

He added: “This horse is very much like Emaraaty Ana; he’s a very, very easy horse to train.

“Hello Youmzain was also like Inisherin in that they both had good course form going into the race, they were both proven at the track and I think that always stands you in good stead as well.

“These top-class races are what gets us up in the morning and through the winter. We’ve been so lucky to have horses down the years that can compete at this level in such prestigious races.

“This fella has always excited us and the thing about it is that Sheikh Mohammed Obaid has said that he is going to stay in training next year.

“Sometimes you have too short a time with these horses, but we’re looking forward to Saturday and we’re looking forward to next year with him as well.”

Plenty of opposition for Inisherin in Sprint Cup field

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Inisherin heads a bumper list of 22 horses in contention for Saturday’s Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock.

The three-year-old won the Sandy Lane Stakes over the six-furlong course back in May and went on to land the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in fine style.

However, Kevin Ryan’s charge has been off the track since suffering defeat as favourite for the July Cup.

Karl Burke’s Swingalong finished second to winner Mill Stream on the July course and she is in line to confirm that form at the weekend, having finished fourth on Merseyside last year.

Swingalong finished second in the July Cup last time out
Swingalong finished second in the July Cup last time out (Nigel French/PA)

Philip Robinson, assistant racing manager for owner Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum, said: “All is going well and it has been the plan for a while since she ran at Newmarket.

“She was beaten about a length and a half last year and I think she is at least two lengths better this year, so hopefully she will be thereabouts.

“It’s the perfect race for her and one that has been on the cards for a long while.”

Burke has two other strings to his bow in recent French winner Spycatcher and Elite Status, who like Inisherin is owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid.

Lake Forest missed out at York
Lake Forest missed out at York (Simon Marper/PA)

William Haggas is another trainer with a trio to choose from in Lake Forest, who was a late withdrawal at York’s Ebor Festival after getting upset in the stalls, Chipchase Stakes winner Montassib and Unequal Love.

The Andrew Balding-trained Flora Of Bermuda was supplemented for the race on Monday at a cost of £20,000, with other leading contenders including Kinross, Jasour, Givemethebeatboys and the admirable Shouldvebeenaring who was beaten just a neck in second place 12 months ago.

Regional, the 2023 race winner, was not confirmed to defend his title for Ed Bethell.

Vandeek camp ‘couldn’t be happier’ ahead of July Cup bid

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Ed Crisford is confident Vandeek is back firing on all cylinders as he looks to reignite his season in the My Pension Expert July Cup at Newmarket.

The Havana Grey colt looked set to take high rank in the sprinting division following an unbeaten juvenile year which featured Group One wins in the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes, but his three-year-old campaign has so far been stop-start.

Vandeek suffered an odds-on defeat at the hands of Inisherin on his reappearance in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock in late May, and had to watch on the sidelines as the same horse blitzed his rivals in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot last month.

With Inisherin again in opposition on Saturday, Crisford is well aware his stable star faces a far from straightforward task in his bid to get back on the winning trail, but the Newmarket handler is hoping a positive showing on the July Course will set him up for a profitable second half of 2024.

Crisford, who trains Vandeek in partnership with his father Simon, said: “It was unfortunate we couldn’t run at Ascot because of the abnormal bloods, but he’s been in great form since and has bounced back to health.

“I’m looking forward to running him, to be honest. It’s been a testing first half of the year, but he’s just got to get racing now.

“He’s had that run at Haydock on that bad ground, this is his second run and we couldn’t be happier with him going into Saturday.

“Inisherin looked very good at Ascot and our fellow has got to come out and get racing, so we’ll see how we get on.”

Tom Eaves celebrates winning the Commonwealth Cup at Inisherin
Tom Eaves celebrates winning the Commonwealth Cup on Inisherin (David Davies/PA)

Inisherin’s jockey Tom Eaves hailed the Kevin Ryan-trained colt “the best I’ve sat on” ahead of his bid for back-to-back Group One wins.

Eaves has won top-level sprints on the likes of Glass Slippers, who was successful at the Breeders’ Cup, Brando and Tangerine Trees, but is in no doubt Inisherin possesses more class than those three.

“Inisherin is a very good horse. He’s the best I’ve sat on, so I’m looking forward to Saturday. He’s got a very good mind and a lot of pure ability,” said the rider.

“I was placed twice (in the July Cup) on Brando at biggish prices, so you’d hope that Inisherin would have an even better chance as favourite, but it’s a very strong Group One.

“Kevin is a very good trainer of all types of horses, not only sprinters. Look what he did with The Grey Gatsby for example. He treats them all individually and he leaves no stone unturned, but it’s fair to say his record with sprinters is exceptional.”

The two other three-year-olds in the field are Clive Cox’s Commonwealth Cup third Jasour and Aidan O’Brien’s River Tiber, who was a little disappointing when eighth in the Jersey at the royal meeting.

Jasour won the July Stakes over the course and distance 12 months ago and Cox feels as long as conditions do not deteriorate, another bold bid is on the cards.

“I’m very pleased with him and I was very happy to walk the track (on Thursday) and see even with the rain we’ve had the track looks in great nick. If we get no more rain, I will be very happy,” said the Lambourn-based trainer.

“It’s a strong race and the three-year-olds normally have a good opportunity in this race to take on their elders. I’m looking forward to it and just hope we don’t get too much rain – there is no doubt he is a better horse on quicker ground.”

River Tiber was third in the Irish Guineas
River Tiber was third in the Irish Guineas (Damien Eagers/PA)

River Tiber finished a creditable third in the Irish 2,000 Guineas prior to his underwhelming performance at Royal Ascot and rider Ryan Moore is looking forward to seeing how he fares back over six furlongs.

“Given the promise of his reappearance run in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, you have to say he was well below par in the Jersey Stakes last time but he is a horse who has always shown a lot of pace, and hopefully this test will suit him,” Moore told Betfair.

“A Coventry winner, he went on to be placed in the Morny and Middle Park, and he has to have a fair chance in here if bringing his Classic form to the table.

“He certainly has the Group One class to go close.”

One of the older horses in the line-up with a Group One win to his name is Ed Bethell’s Regional, having struck gold in last year’s Sprint Cup at Haydock.

A bargain basement buy out of Richard Fahey’s stable for just 3,500 guineas, the six-year-old showed his versatility back over five furlongs at Ascot when second to Asfoora in the King Charles III Stakes.

Bethell said: “Regional has been absolutely brilliant for us. Having a horse like him for the big days is what we all do it for. He’s a legend to have around.

“He ran a blinder at Ascot, and coming back to six furlongs at Newmarket will suit him down to the ground.”

Other contenders include dual Group One winner and last year’s July Cup third Kinross, who blew away a few cobwebs when second in the Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle a fortnight ago.

The Charlie Hills-trained Khaadem, who bids for a third top-level triumph having successfully defended his crown in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes last month, has been fifth and fourth in past renewals of this contest.

Inisherin heads 12 chasing July Cup crown

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Inisherin will face 11 rivals as he tackles older horses for the first time in Saturday’s My Pension Expert July Cup at Newmarket.

Kevin Ryan’s speedster ran with credit in the 2000 Guineas earlier in the season but has proved a revelation since reverting to sprinting.

He inflicted a first career defeat on Vandeek in the Sandy Lane at Haydock before putting up an imperious display in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot and he is now aiming to follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner Shaquille, who won the same Ascot race before July Cup glory.

Vandeek will take him on again with connections expecting a bold show, despite being forced to miss Ascot with a minor setback.

River Tiber, last year’s Coventry Stakes winner, was third in the Irish Guineas before finishing down the field in the Jersey Stakes at Ascot but Aidan O’Brien now returns him to a sprint trip.

Regional (noseband) has gone close twice this season
Regional (noseband) has gone close twice this season (Tim Goode/PA)

Clive Cox’s Jasour, a winner at this meeting last year in the July Stakes and third in the Commonwealth Cup, is the fourth and final three-year-old lining up.

The older brigade is led by Ed Bethell’s Regional, winner of Haydock’s Sprint Cup last season and beaten no more than a length in both his outings to date this year.

Kinross will have his supporters after a fine comeback at Newcastle, while Charlie Hills runs two in dual Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes winner Khaadem and Mitbaahy.

Swingalong, beaten half a length by Khaadem at Ascot, will aim to go one better for Karl Burke.

Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Mill Stream, Tim Easterby’s durable Art Power and the Charlie Fellowes-trained Vadream complete the list.

Inisherin faces maximum 12 rivals in July Cup

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Inisherin is one of 13 confirmations for Saturday’s My Pension Expert July Cup at Newmarket.

Kevin Ryan’s three-year-old has excelled since returning to sprinting, having run with credit over a mile in the 2000 Guineas.

He first lowered the colours of the previously unbeaten Vandeek in the Sandy Lane at Haydock before a similarly easy victory in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

Vandeek is in line to take him on again, with Simon and Ed Crisford’s charge set to return after being forced to miss Ascot due a minor setback.

Another three-year-old in the mix is Clive Cox’s Jasour, a fine third behind Inisherin in the Commonwealth Cup, with Aidan O’Brien’s Military and River Tiber also representing the Classic crop.

Charlie Hills has left in both dual Royal Ascot winner Khaadem and Mitbaahy, both owned by Fitri Hay.

Khaadem won the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes for the second year in succession last month, a race in which his stablemate Mitbaahy finished seventh.

Khaadem and Oisin Murphy after winning at Royal Ascot last month
Khaadem and Oisin Murphy after winning at Royal Ascot last month (John Walton/PA)

Hills said: “We’ll see what the weather does through the week. Khaadem wants quick ground definitely, whereas the other fellow wouldn’t mind a bit of give in the ground.

“I think there’s probably a good chance of getting good ground, so hopefully both horses will run.”

Ralph Beckett’s Kinross, third in the race to Shaquille 12 months ago, may have another crack while Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Mill Stream, third to Khaadem at Ascot, will aim to win a first Group One.

Tim Easterby’s Art Power and Ed Bethell’s Regional add strength to the northern challenge, while Karl Burke’s Swingalong and the Charlie Fellowes-trained Vadream complete the list.

Bethell wary of Inisherin threat to Regional in July Cup

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Ed Bethell fears Inisherin could prove a tough nut to crack for Regional in the Darley July Cup on Saturday week.

Bethell’s stable star made his Group One breakthrough last autumn in the Haydock Sprint Cup and in two outings this season has run with great credit.

He was only worn down close home by Mitbaahy in the Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh carrying a Group One penalty, while he went out on his shield in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot, staying on strongly but just unable to catch Australian challenger Asfoora.

Regional (near side) just failed to catch Asfoora at Ascot
Regional (near side) just failed to catch Asfoora at Ascot (John Walton/PA)

With Kevin Ryan’s Inisherin now entering the fray, having raced only against three-year-olds to date, Bethell is very respectful of the new challenge.

“He’s an almighty horse, no words can really describe him and I’m very lucky to be part of him,” said Bethell of Regional.

“Fingers crossed he’ll go well in the July Cup, but Inisherin is going to be pretty tough to beat, I’d say.

“Every trainer needs a horse like him and I’m just lucky to have found him.  Obviously there was a bit fortune involved given his price (3,500 guineas), but we’re very proud of him.”

Inisherin impresses in Commonwealth Cup triumph

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Inisherin produced a dominant display to stamp his class on the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

Sixth over a mile in the 2000 Guineas, the Shamardal colt successfully dropped back to six furlongs in last month’s Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock, prompting connections to supplement him for this Group One contest at a cost of £46,000.

With fellow Sheikh Mohammed Obaid-owned contender Elite Status a significant non-runner, Inisherin was the 9-4 favourite in the hands of Tom Eaves and his supporters will have had few concerns.

Kept out of trouble down the the middle of the track, Kevin Ryan’s speedster was travelling much the best entering the final two furlongs and found plenty once asked to extend to score by two and a quarter lengths from Lake Forest.

Eaves said: “He’s a machine. I’m very lucky to be on him. A big thank you to Sheikh Mohammed Obaid and Kevin Ryan.

“I’ve ridden some good sprinters, the last one being Glass Slippers. Tangerine Trees, Brando, they’ve all been very good but we all know how hard they are to come across. Fair play for keeping me on him, a massive thanks to everyone.

“He’s a unit of a horse, you see how long it took me to pull up. He’s got a lot of class. He’s quick and when I got off him after the Guineas, before I had even opened my mouth, Kevin (Ryan) said he was a sprinter.”

Paddy Power make Inisherin their 5-2 favourite from 10-1 to double his top-level tally when he meets his elders in the July Cup at Newmarket.

Inisherin outclassed his rivals
Inisherin outclassed his rivals (John Walton/PA)

Ryan said: “It really went to plan, he travelled well and Tom even said he didn’t take him far enough. The plan was always to fill up at the two (furlong pole) and then go and stretch him.

“We know he’s got stamina as well as speed, it was a joy to watch. He’s a very good horse and the great thing about him is he’s got such a good temperament.

“Some of these good horses have a bit of an edge to them, but this guy is an absolute pleasure to train. He never gives me a moment of worry.

“We’ll go to the July Cup now, he’s in the Maurice de Gheest and obviously there’s Champions Day back here and the Sprint Cup at Haydock.

“He improved from Haydock. I think he is just going to get quicker and better at this job. He’s a joy to train, he’s an absolute legend.”

Lake Forest’s rider Tom Marquand was thrilled his mount’s effort after a 265-day absence.

He said: “He ran super. After time off the track, it was going to be tough, but he’s an extremely tough horse. He’s a Gimcrack winner – it’s easy to forget what he did as a two-year-old – but he’s trained on beautifully and hopefully we’ll have a lot of fun with him during the rest of the year.”

Jasour ran well in defeat
Jasour ran well in defeat (Adam Davy/PA)

Clive Cox was proud of the performance of the third Jasour, who looks set for a rematch with Inisherin on the July Course.

He said: “That was a great run and I’m very pleased. Obviously the winner was impressive. Our horse just switched leads right before the line, which might have cost us second, but he’s run a blinder. I’m thrilled he’s going the right way.

“I think we are close enough to warrant a kick at the July Cup, a race in which three-year-olds have done really well in the past. That would be my first thought as they cross the line – he’s a horse who deserves to be in the top flight.”

Inisherin right where connections want him for Commonwealth Cup

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Kevin Ryan is fully focussed on Inisherin rather than the opposition ahead of his bid for glory in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot on Friday.

The Shamardal colt was last seen running out an impressive winner of the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock, galloping on strongly from the front to see off the reopposing Orne by three and three-quarter lengths, with star juvenile and hot favourite Vandeek back in third.

Having previously run with credit when sixth in the 2000 Guineas he looked very much at home over six furlongs on Merseyside, prompting connections to supplement him for the Commonwealth Cup at a cost of £46,000, and he is a firm favourite to strike Group One gold following the defection of Vandeek.

“His preparation has gone great. He’s in great form and I’m really looking forward to running him,” said Ryan.

“I don’t tend to focus on the other horses and you are always nervous about your own – you always have a little doubt about your own. I was (nervous) before I ran him on the (soft) ground at Haydock, because he’s a great mover.

“Trying the sprinting distance on that ground, I was wondering if I was doing the right thing, but hopefully I am right that this ground will suit him even better and if it does he hopefully has a great chance.

“He has a great mind and is a super horse to train, he is very easy.”

Newbury Races – Saturday May 18th
Elite Status ridden by jockey Clifford Lee winning at Newbury (Steven Paston/PA).

Inisherin was due to be one of two leading contenders for owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid along with the Karl Burke-trained Elite Status, who had Malc, Pocklington and Louis Barthas in behind when returning to action with a convincing victory in the Listed Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury.

However, last year’s Norfolk Stakes third has been declared a non-runner after knocking a joint.

Clive Cox has been buoyed by Jasour’s work at home – and the arrival of summer ground at Royal Ascot.

The Lambourn handler knows what it takes to land this Group One contest, having saddled Golden Horde to victory on his seasonal debut in 2020, and his latest candidate is proven over the course and distance after getting the better of subsequent winner Adaay In Devon in the Commonwealth Cup Trial last month.

Cox said: “We’re very pleased with Jasour, he did really well in the Pavilion and then missed the Sandy Lane because of the very soft ground, but we’ve been very happy with his training at home and we’re looking forward to it.

“His form is pretty solid and he’s proven on the track, which is nice, plus he’ll be very much at home on the drying surface.”

Starlust steps back up in class and distance after powering home to land a York handicap over the minimum trip.

Trainer Ralph Beckett said: “The market expected it when he won at York last month, but I didn’t think he’d win the way he did, as it was really a prep for this.

“I’m not sure how deep a race it was, but he’s still taken them apart off a mark of 105. He’s training well and we are putting blinkers on because he tends to lose concentration over six furlongs.”

Givemethebeatboys with winning connections
Givemethebeatboys with his connections (PA)

Givemethebeatboys changed hands for £1.1million on the eve of last year’s Royal meeting at the Goffs London Sale and went on to finish a fine fourth behind River Tiber in the Coventry Stakes.

He was also far from disgraced in a couple of Group One contests as a juvenile and has made a solid start to his three-year-old campaign, winning a Navan Listed race before going down by just a head to Bucanero Fuerte at Naas.

French import Evade scored at Epsom on his first start for Archie Watson, while Military represents Aidan O’Brien, who struck with Caravaggio in 2017 and sent over last year’s runner-up Little Big Bear.

Kevin Ryan confirms Inisherin will be supplemented for Commonwealth Cup

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Inisherin will lead Kevin Ryan’s squad into battle at Royal Ascot next week after the trainer confirmed his exciting sprinter will be supplemented for the Commonwealth Cup.

Not beaten far when sixth in the 2000 Guineas in early May, the Shamardal colt successfully dropped back to six furlongs when dominating his rivals in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock three weeks later.

Ryan left his stable star in Tuesday’s St James’s Palace Stakes over a mile at the confirmation stage, but he is set to be added to the field for next Friday’s Commonwealth Cup at a cost of £46,000 to his owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum.

“He is in good form. He runs in the Commonwealth Cup,” Ryan said at York on Friday.

Inisherin is a 4-1 joint-favourite with Paddy Power along with Vandeek, who was beaten into third place as a hot favourite for the Sandy Lane but can be expected to improve for what was his first run since winning the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket in the autumn.

Ryan has saddled nine previous winners at Royal Ascot, his most recent being Triple Time in the curtain-raising Queen Anne Stakes 12 months ago.

The Hambleton handler has also enjoyed Group One success at the meeting with Hello Youmzain in the 2020 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, a race in which he is set to be represented once again, with Abernant Stakes winner Washington Heights considered a significant player.

Ryan’s other entries include 100-1 shot Hi Royal in the Queen Anne, Forza Orta and Marhaba The Champ in the Copper Horse Handicap and Carlisle winner Ain’t Nobody in the Windsor Castle Stakes.

He added: “They are all in good form, all the work is done and we are very happy with the horses going there.”