Derby Winner Desert Crown To Resume In Brigadier Gerard

Friday, May 12, 2023 | 11:10 am

Updated: May 12, 2023 at 11:12 am

File photo dated 04-06-2022 of Desert Crown ridden by jockey Richard Kingscote. Last year's Derby hero Desert Crown will make his long-awaited comeback in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown on Thursday week, connections have confirmed. Issue date: Friday May 12, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story RACING Crown. Photo credit should read Tim Goode/PA Wire.

Last year's G1 Derby winner Desert Crown (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) will make his first start since winning the Blue Riband in Sandown's G3 Brigadier Gerard S. in late May, according to Saeed Suhail's racing manager Bruce Raymond.

Successful in a Nottingham maiden at two, the 4-year-old won the G2 Dante S. at York in his first outing at three before rolling to a 2 1/2-length victory at Epsom. An ankle injury derailed any more starts in 2022, and the Brigadier Gerard will be his first start back. Trainer Sir Michael Stoute has won the Brigadier Gerard 11 times, and if Desert Crown delivers, it would give him an even dozen victories.

Bruce Raymond, racing manager to the owner, said, “He runs in the Brigadier for sure. We have tried to get him on the grass, but everywhere is closed, so we might have to use something on Racecourse Side, I don't know. I can't think it will be any issue.

“But he is in good shape, the horse looks good and all has gone to plan, from what I have been told.”