Sprewell Targeting Irish Derby

Thursday, June 8, 2023 | 10:34 am

Updated: June 8, 2023 at 10:35 am

REPRO FREE***PRESS RELEASE NO REPRODUCTION FEE*** EDITORIAL USE ONLY Launch of Longines Irish Champions Weekend, Dublin 14/8/2018 Pictured is Jessica Harrington at the media launch of Longines Irish Champions Weekend at the Royal College of Surgeons, Tuesday August 14 is. The premier weekend in the Irish racing calendar will take place at Leopardstown on September 15 and the Curragh on September 16, and will comprise 16 races over two days, including six Group 1 races Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Oisin Keniry

Mohamed Khalid Abdulrahim's Sprewell (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), fourth in the G1 Betfred Derby, has emerged from the race in good order and will aim for the G1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on July 2, trainer Jessica Harrington revealed.

A winner of the G3 Derby Trial S. at Leopardstown in May, the bay was a solid fourth in the Blue Riband, and, if all goes well, will be ridden again by Shane Foley. Foley broke his collar bone riding at Gowran Park on Monday evening.

“Sprewell will go to the Irish Derby next,” said Harrington. “Hopefully Shane will be back to ride him by then. Ronan Whelan has won a couple of stakes race for me already this year, or there's Colin Keane [for substitute jockeys]. They are the two most likely jockeys to use at Ascot. We will have a nice team of horses, hopefully.”

Sprewell was stabled at Nicky Henderson's yard, a friend of Harrington's, prior to his Derby attempt.

“He went to Nicky's beforehand and he came out of the race grand, she added. “He just had a nice trot and little canter on Wednesday morning. He looks well and I'm happy enough with him. He's eaten up well and put on weight.”

Derby first and third Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and White Birch (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}) are also pointing to the Irish Derby.