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Bolshoi Ballet heads Irish trio in final declarations for Epsom Derby

Aidan O'Brien, who has won the Epsom Derby eight times, will be represented by only one runner, B...
John Duggan
John Duggan

10.42 3 Jun 2021


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Bolshoi Ballet heads Irish tri...

Bolshoi Ballet heads Irish trio in final declarations for Epsom Derby

John Duggan
John Duggan

10.42 3 Jun 2021


Share this article


Aidan O'Brien, who has won the Epsom Derby eight times, will be represented by only one runner, Bolshoi Ballet, in Saturday's famous race. 

The Ballydoyle trainer has scratched High Definition, with a field of 12 to go to post for the 1-mile 4-furlong test at 4.30 on Saturday.

The other Irish-trained entries among the final declarations are the Jim Bolger trained Mac Swiney and the Joseph O'Brien trained Southern Lights.

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The field is completed by Adayar, Gear Up, Hurricane Lane, John Leeper, Mohaafeth, Mojo Star, One Ruler, Third Realm and Youth Spirit.

Bolshoi Ballet is the current favourite for flat racing's blue riband. The colt won the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown on his last appearance and will be ridden by Ryan Moore.

Kevin Manning will be onboard Mac Swiney, while Declan MacDonagh has been awarded the spin on Southern Lights.

UK flat champion jockey Oisin Murphy does not have a ride in the race, as Adam Kirby will partner Adayar. Frankie Dettori is to ride John Leeper for trainer Ed Dunlop.

The Cazoo Epsom Derby was first staged back in 1780.

Aidan O'Brien told the Racing Post yesterday that High Definition is a likely runner in the Irish Derby at the Curragh.

"It means there's a little bit of extra time for High Definition and the two of them are getting a shot for the first time at a Derby each. That's not to say that the horse from Epsom [Bolshoi Ballet] wouldn't come back to the Curragh as well."


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