Tag Archive for: Kevin Ryan

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.”



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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.”



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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.



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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.



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Washington aiming to hit Nunthorpe Heights

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Washington Heights will drop back to five furlongs and attempt to scale the summit of the sprinting ranks in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes at York later this summer.

A consistent performer in handicap company last season before striking at Listed level in Sweden, he has taken his form to the next level this term.

He made a winning return in Newmarket’s Abernant Stakes before producing a commendable effort in defeat at York, while he was travelling menacingly in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot before stamina limitations kicked in close home.

Connections have now opted to revert to the minimum distance with the Kevin Ryan-trained speedster – a decision that was made even easier due to the impressive nature of stablemate Inisherin’s victory over six furlongs in the Commonwealth Cup.

He will now be freshened up for the Ebor meeting, where he will compete at the highest level once again in the Knavesmire’s sprint feature.

“He’s just showing increasing speed now and he showed us that in the Duke of York,” said Cosmo Charlton, racing manager for owners Hambleton Racing.

“We always thought he might end up being a five-furlong horse and it did concern us that stiff six furlongs at Ascot. We decided to hold onto him a bit at Ascot and maybe he was a touch keen with doing that as well, he just ran out of gas.

Washington Heights (left) in action at York earlier this year
Washington Heights (left) in action at York earlier this year (Mike Egerton/PA)

“Tom (Eaves, jockey) got off and said he thought he had won it two furlongs out and it was just a case of if he got home, but he has not got home. He got off and said back to five, so it’s straight to the Nunthorpe.

“He’s ran three times at York and been narrowly beaten each time, so I would be hopeful he bounces back in that race.

“Kevin was delighted with him before Ascot and now the master sprint trainer has another good one (Inisherin), it almost makes perfect sense to go back to five furlongs and is a beautiful outcome – he will be favourite for the July Cup I would imagine.”



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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.”



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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.



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The Strikin Viking straight onto the scoresheet on York debut

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The Strikin Viking lived up to his name with a stunning start to his racecourse career at York.

Named in honour of Manchester City hotshot Erling Haaland by owners Middleham Park Racing, the Kevin Ryan-trained youngster broke sharply in the Reg Griffin Appreciation ebfstallions.com Maiden Stakes over six furlongs on the Knavesmire.

Always bowling along powerfully from there under Tom Eaves, the further he went, the better he looked, with the 8-1 chance ultimately striding right away from the field to score by an emphatic two and three-quarter lengths over Tiger Mask.

The victory came as no surprise to his trainer, who said: “He’s been very good from the day we’ve had him.

“I told Tim (Palin, syndicate manager) a while ago that I thought he was a very good horse and I think that’s why they put the name to him, as the boys are very passionate about Manchester City.

“I didn’t hide the fact how much I liked him to the syndicate today. They have to go and do it on a racecourse, but I think he’s a very smart horse.

“He’s done what he had to do today and I’ll speak to Tim next week. You might see him back here in August (for the Gimcrack Stakes), but we’ll be doing something beforehand.”

Manchester City v BSC Young Boys – UEFA Champions League – Group G – Etihad Stadium
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland celebrates scoring in the Champions League (Richard Sellers/PA).

Tom Palin, who like his father is an avid Manchester City supporter, added: “He shoots, he scores, I guess!

“There’s a lot been made about our Manchester City names and we tend to save them for horses that we think have got a bit of ability. I didn’t realise he possessed quite that much, but we’ve never had a bad word from Kevin about him, he’s done nothing but please the team at home.

“When you come to the Knavesmire on debut, there’s a lot of things that can go wrong, you normally bump into nice horses here and they invariably work out well these maidens.

“Tom said it was tough to fault anything he did in the race. He came out of the stalls great, took him there on the bridle and was a total professional. You’d hope there’s more to come.”

The Strikin Viking dominated his rivals
The Strikin Viking dominated his rivals (Nigel French/PA)

Considering future plans, Palin said: “We’ve not sat down and talked about where we’re going to go, obviously Royal Ascot is next week, so that’s going to come far too soon for him.

“But there’s plenty of other options – the July meeting (at Newmarket) and things like that, but we’ll have a discussion with Kevin and see where we go.

“There’s a few Man City supporters in the syndicate, so it’s great it’s worked out so well.

“Winning today is a great start, we’ve probably got promoted from League Two now and can start thinking about League One!”



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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.”



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Ryan confident Washington can reach new heights at Royal Ascot

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Kevin Ryan is full of confidence that Washington Heights can mix it with the best sprinters around in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The improving four-year-old beat Mill Stream in the Abernant Stakes on his reappearance and was just behind the same rival in a blanket finish to the Duke of York Stakes at the Dante meeting.

He will be having his first run at the highest level on Saturday week but Ryan, who has handled such speedsters as Brando, Glass Slippers and Hello Youmzain in recent seasons, knows exactly what is required.

“I have no doubt he’s capable of being competitive at Group One level,” said Ryan.

“He’s done all his serious work now and is right where I want him going into Ascot.”

Washington Heights is owned by Hambleton Racing and their racing manager Cosmo Charlton added: “The owners of Washington Heights have enjoyed a great journey with him so far and are living every moment.

“He’ll have a great team at Ascot to support him for his Group One debut. Win, lose or draw, the day should make some more special memories for his owners.

“Not much beats having a runner at Royal Ascot. Winning down there is something special, but we tend to find our owners have a great day whatever the result.”

Tempus (light colours) has a good record at Ascot
Tempus (light colours) has a good record at Ascot (John Walton/PA)

Hambleton are due to have three runners through the meeting, with the Archie Watson pair of Tempus and Beamish also running.

Of Tempus, due to go in the Royal Hunt Cup again, Watson said: “He is in great form and loves the straight track at Ascot. He has finished third in a Hunt Cup off 100 and seventh off 109. He is running off 96 this year and I hope can run another huge race if the race sets up well for him.”

Beamish will run in the Copper Horse Handicap, and Watson said: “Beamish is a talented stayer. I was very pleased with his first run for us at Newbury. That will have brought him forward off such a long break (544 days) and I hope he can be very competitive at Ascot.”



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Inisherin all set to go for Commonwealth gold

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Kevin Ryan has confirmed Inisherin will be supplemented for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot following his dominant victory in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock.

Narrowly beaten by Derby contender Bellum Justum as a 50-1 shot for his racecourse debut at Newmarket in September, the Shamardal colt made a successful start to his three-year-old campaign over a mile at Newcastle in March before finishing sixth in the 2000 Guineas, beaten less than five lengths.

Together with owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, Ryan decided to drop his charge back to six furlongs for last weekend’s Group Two test on Merseyside and having made much of the running on his way to a runaway success from Orne and the previously-unbeaten Vandeek, he is now set to be added to the Commonwealth Cup field at a cost of £46,000.

“I was delighted with him on Saturday, he’s a horse with a lot of speed. Sheikh Mohammed Obaid was in agreement that we’d try six furlongs and we were always very confident it would suit him,” said Ryan.

“He moved through the race great and quickened up nicely. It would probably be nicer for us in a race where you could give him a lead, but he has such a high cruising speed you have to let him use his stride.

“He’s a super horse to train in that he has a great mind and a great constitution, he’s a very simple horse to deal with.

“Sheikh Mohammed Obaid is going to supplement him for the Commonwealth Cup, all things being equal.”



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Inisherin will have exciting options, whatever the next step

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Connections of Inisherin are looking to a bright future after being impressed with the colt’s performance in the Qipco 2000 Guineas.

Kevin Ryan’s son of Shamardal was narrowly pipped by Derby contender Bellum Justum at Newmarket on debut before going on to claim the scalp of talented Juddmonte filly Kalpana when getting off the mark at the second attempt.

He was then making just his third career start when pitched into the opening Classic of the season, running with real credit to finish sixth and beaten less than five lengths behind the impressive winner Notable Speech.

Inisherin holds entries for both the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas and the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and while his training team are confident he belongs at the highest level, a final decision on running plans will be made in conjunction with owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum.

“I thought he ran a huge race and probably at the two-furlong pole I would say he was travelling as well as the first and second horses,” said Adam Ryan, assistant to his father.

“For his third career start – and realistically he has only been racing for six months because he didn’t start racing till October last year – it was very promising and there should be a lot more big days ahead with him.

“We couldn’t be happier with him and where and when the next day is, I don’t know, but he’s proved he’s up to that level and it will be interesting to see where we can go with him.

“We’ll discuss with Sheikh Obaid and he has a large team of horses himself. While they are with different trainers, it is still a team effort and we will discuss with him and see where he thinks is best.”



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Washington Heights taking Duke of York challenge next week

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Kevin Ryan’s Washington Heights has the 1895 Duke of York Clipper Stakes on his agenda as he bids for more sprint success.

The four-year-old started his season on a high in the Group Three Abernant Stakes at Newmarket last month, securing a three-quarter-length victory over Mill Stream in a field of well-proven sprinters.

The performance built on a productive three-year-old campaign for the gelding, who claimed prize-money far exceeding his £24,000 purchase price when taking the Listed Bro Park Sprint Championship in Sweden and collecting a string of placings in valuable sprint handicaps.

Included was a six-furlong York contest where he was beaten only a head by Stuart Williams’ remarkably consistent Quinault, a run on the Knavesmire that add to his narrowly-beaten effort as a two-year-old behind Shouldvebeenaring in the Goffs UK Harry Beeby Premier Yearling Stakes.

Those two runs bode well for his next assignment, which will be the Group Two Duke of York over the same course and distance.

“We’ve always liked him and he’s a bigger, stronger horse this year,” Ryan said.

“He came out of Newmarket in great form and is training very well at home.”

Washington Heights is owned by Hambleton Racing and has represented them well throughout his career so far, running 13 times and only finishing out of the money once.

Hambleton’s Simon Turner said: “Kevin has few peers with his sprinters and has brought Washington along with typical skill and patience.

“He took his form to another level in the Abernant and everyone is looking forward to the Duke of York now.

Kevin Ryan's Washington Heights (centre)
Kevin Ryan’s Washington Heights (centre) (Tim Goode/PA)

“To have a horse with a chance in one of the feature races of York’s Dante meeting is a massive thrill for his owners, a good number of who have been owners with Hambleton for 10 years or more.

“Given his good York form we’re optimistic for a big run. He certainly won’t lack for support!”

Michael Dods has two entrants, with Azure Blue and Commanche Falls both possible after finishing first and third last year.

Azure Blue defeated Highfield Princess by half a length, with Commanche Falls a further length and a quarter behind in third.

Azure Blue has been seen just once since when finishing sixth in the July Cup, but after overcoming a few issues she is being prepared to make her seasonal bow back on the Knavesmire.

Azure Blue winning the 1895 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes
Azure Blue winning the 1895 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes (left) (Mike Egerton/PA)

“She had a bit of a setback with her feet and then she had ulcers, which finished her early. She seems fine now,” said Dods.

“Obviously, it’s a long time since she last ran but we’re happy with her.

“Unless we have any problems between now and next week, the plan is to definitely come to York.

“We probably could have done with another few weeks before the race, but it is the right race to set her off in. Whatever she does there, she will come on a lot for the run.

“We’ve been quite easy on her, but she looks great. Paul Mulrennan sat on her yesterday and was pleased with her. She is where we want her to start, but there’s a lot of improvement after the race.”

Of his other runner, Dods added: “Commanche Falls ran well in the race last year. At the moment, he would definitely be running as well.”

Also among the entries is Karl Burke’s Spycatcher, a fine campaigner for Highclere Racing who has been in the money in numerous Group-class sprint contests throughout his career so far.

Second by three-quarters of a length to Washington Heights in the Abernant, the gelding also has form in the Duke of York as he was second to Highfield Princess in 2022.

“It would very much the plan to run, but he is very ground dependent – we wouldn’t run him on anything faster than good ideally,” said Harry Herbert of Highclere Racing.

“We’d like to see a bit of rain around as I don’t think he would run on faster ground.

“He’s in great form and working so well, we’ll be keeping everything crossed that he will be able to compete because he seems better than ever, which is exciting.”

Burke has three further chances in Swingalong, Marshman and Cold Case, with William Haggas’ Montassib, Tim Easterby’s Art Power and Clive Cox’s Diligent Harry and Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Mill Stream other familiar names on the list.

Sea Just In Time powers clear at Newmarket
Sea Just In Time powers clear at Newmarket (Adam Davy/PA)

Also on day one of the Dante Festival is the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes, which has a rich history of producing serious Classic contenders.

The last two runnings of the 10-furlong Group Three have gone to the John and Thady Gosden yard, and the Clarehaven operation will have another leading player this year in the shape of Pretty Polly winner Friendly Soul.

Haggas, meanwhile, has entered a fascinating filly in the shape of Sea Just In Time, a daughter of Sea The Stars who created a real impression in winning her maiden at the first time of asking at Newmarket.



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Washington scales Abernant Heights for Ryan

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Washington Heights dug deep from the front to provide trainer Kevin Ryan with a record fifth victory in the Connaught Access Flooring Abernant Stakes at Newmarket.

Previously successful in the Group Three contest with Hamza (2014), Astaire (2015) and the popular dual winner Brando (2017 and 2018), Ryan this year fielded a widely unconsidered 33-1 shot who had been off the track since landing a Listed event at Bro Park in September.

Prior to his Swedish success the four-year-old had been placed in a number of competitive sprint handicaps and looks set to ply his trade at Pattern level from now on judged on a fine comeback win on the Rowley Mile under a well judged ride from Tom Eaves.

Mill Stream also made a promising start to his campaign in second, beaten three-quarters of a length, as did Spycatcher who was only a short head further behind in third.

Adam Ryan, assistant to his father Kevin, said of the winner: “He was a bit of an unlucky horse last year and he bumped into Shaquille first time out giving him weight.

“The good thing about him is he is very consistent and he deserved to get his head in front in Sweden. This year was always going to be about if he could take the next step up and he has certainly done that.

“He’s such a genuine horse and if you had 100 like him it would be an easy game. He’s always going to give you 110 per cent and once his head is in front he is always going to be hard to pass.

“It’s a good starting point to the year and generally at this time of year the weather can be a bit in and out, but it’s usually all right here and it’s a nice place for these sprinters to start.

“The Duke Of York or the Greenlands Stakes in in Ireland could be the next port of call and he’s an exciting horse to look forward to.”

Cosmo Charlton, representing the winning owners, Hambleton Racing Ltd, said: “We’ve got quite a few of the syndicate here today and everyone was really excited.

“He’s done well over the winter and was impressive over in Sweden last year so we were hoping he was going to run above his odds today.

“He’s a horse who tried very hard in his races and he’s run loads of really good races for us. It was a strong Group Three today and almost a Group Two on paper and he just has a tremendous attitude and Tom just said he tries very hard for you and digs deep. I sort of knew he had won a furlong out to be honest.

“Tom has given him a great ride from the front and has got the job done and he looks like a sprinter to follow for the season.

“Kevin wins this race a lot and is a fantastic trainer of fast horses and it looks like he’s bought another really nice one for us. The owners have really bonded with him and to come here and win in Group company, hopefully there are exciting things ahead.

“He has options and he’s in the Duke Of York and the Greenlands. They have great prize-money and will be fun days out and the dream is very much alive with this horse about where he could take us in the future.”



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Ryan believes Room Service can deliver Burradon success

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Room Service will attempt to deliver a tasty early-season treat to Kevin Ryan when he lines up in the BetMGM Burradon Stakes at Newcastle.

A winner of a valuable sales race at Doncaster when last seen, connections cannot help but be buoyed by the way that form has been franked by the horses in behind, with the second, fourth and fifth all scoring since and the third, Aidan O’Brien’s Johannes Brahms, already Group Two placed.

Ryan sees this Listed event as the perfect place to test out the Kodi Bear colt’s capabilities over a mile and, with him holding an entry for the Irish 2,000 Guineas, it will give a good gauge as to whether Classic dreams can begin.

“It’s a good starting point for him and he’s in good form,” said the North Yorkshire-based trainer.

“Obviously the all-weather is an unknown but he’s ready to run. The way the ground is at the moment, he likes soft ground, but I don’t really like starting them off on really deep ground, so I just thought we would have a look at Newcastle and see how he goes on that surface.

“He’s matured the way you would like to see him mature from two to three and we’re very happy with him. We’ll learn an awful lot more on Friday.”

Room Service is just 1lb below John and Thady Gosden’s Orne on official ratings, but the Horris Hill winner has to concede a 5lb penalty to his big-race rival due to landing that rearranged Group Two last autumn.

The Al Shaqab-owned Classic entrant has match fitness on his side having appeared both in Doha and when going down valiantly in Lingfield’s Spring Cup recently – and his team are hopeful his class can see him involved in the finish.

“He’s come out of his race at Lingfield really well and he ran really well from a wide draw there,” said Al Shaqab racing manager Alison Begley.

“He has to carry a penalty, but we think he has a good chance and we think the step up to a mile will help him. He ran well over a mile in Qatar, so we think returning to that distance will help and hopefully he will run well.

“He’s top rated in the race and Kevin Ryan’s is 1lb below him with us giving him 5lb because of the penalty, but having said that, Orne is a horse who is improving and he’s done little wrong in his career so far and we hope he will run a big race.”

A couple of places behind Orne at Lingfield earlier this month was Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Habrdi, who prior to that fifth-place finish had won three on the spin for the Newmarket handler.

He now returns to the mile trip he was successful over at Chelmsford on his penultimate start, with his trainer confident the colt will be sharper for his Spring Cup outing.

“He needed the run in the Spring Cup, as we always had half an eye on this race,” said Chapple-Hyam.

“He had a wide draw and was almost playing catch-up the whole time. He has come forward since then and moving back up to a mile should suit him. He is in a good spot at the moment.”

Charlie Appleby’s Dubawi gelding Silent Age has impressed in two appearances on the all-weather and now takes a step up in grade, while similar sentiments apply to Karl Burke’s Cuban Tiger, who bumped into a well-regarded stablemate of the Godolphin entrant at Kempton last month.

Burke said: “I could not be happier with him. He ran really well at Kempton, proving he gets the mile well, and this race looked the obvious next step.”

There has never been an Irish winner of this contest and Adrian Murray will try to change that when he saddles the raiding Manhattan Dreamer, who opened her account when stepping up to seven furlongs at Dundalk last time.

Andrew Balding’s Sayedaty Sadaty, Yokohama (John Butler) and David Menuisier’s Chelmsford scorer Louis Quatorze complete the field at Gosforth Park.



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