The focus of the Derby now shifts to Chantilly this Sunday where Diego Velazquez, a hopeful from Aidan O’Brien’s team, will attempt to surmount a potentially difficult double-digit draw in the esteemed £1.5 million Qatar Prix Du Jockey Club. This year marks the 184th renewal of the French Derby and the 20th anniversary of the 2005 decision to reduce the race from its conventional mile and half duration to a slightly longer 10-furlong course.
The change has been primarily justified as it has helped in determining prosperous future stallions, although it has given the draw increasing significance. Large field tracks traditionally see a broad draw as an impediment, as runners are constantly “on the turn”. Diego Velazquez is due to start the race at 3.05pm Irish time from slot 11 out of 15.
The challenge, though not impossible, has drawn a comparison from Dermot Weld to a “carpark” draw of 17 which contributed to Famous Name’s narrow loss back in 2008. St Mark’s Basilica, the only previous Jockey Club victor from O’Brien’s camp, enjoyed an ideal position in stall two last year, a place currently taken by Ghostwriter, a major English contender.
Not enjoying much luck this weekend, Ryan Moore, who secured the unfavoured inside post in Saturday’s Derby at Epsom, is attempting to recreate his success from ten years ago on The Grey Gatsby at Chantilly. Furthermore, Arrow Eagle, a sibling to last year’s impressive winner Ace Impact, has been given position 14, although James Doyle’s ride, the recently purchased Fast Tracker, has managed to snatch an ideal stall at number five.
An intense Bank Holiday weekend of domestic racing commences at Listowel on Saturday, commencing three days of racing at the Kerry course. The opening Mares condition’s hurdle offers an intriguing challenge. Alex Harvey, a talented claiming jockey, will enjoy a 7lb advantage on Anna Bunina, who prefers to race in a left-handed direction and will be suited by the drier conditions.
Sunday hosts additional flat racing at Listowel, where Dylan Browne McMonagle could potentially enjoy a triumphant outing. The ex-champion apprentice has an array of six rides to look forward to, following his inaugural ride at the Epsom Derby on Dancing Gemini.
The activities of Sunday will conclude with a competition for novice riders, where the young female horse, Sixandahalf, could extend her current successive successful runs. She previously triumphed by a large gap in the bumper event at the Punchestown carnival, then followed it up with a victory in a maiden of one and a half miles on flat ground in Cork. The respectable jumper, Enniskerry, might pose as a substantial threat to her.