Aidan O’Brien withdraws US Army Ranger from Irish Derby

US Army Ranger has been removed from betting on Saturday’s Irish Derby following reports that he will take no part in the race. The colt, runner-up to Harzand in the Derby itself, was fancied by many to turn that form around and had been trading as favourite for the Curragh Classic.

However, it is now being reported by the Racing Post that US Army Ranger will miss Saturday’s race after failing to scope clean, suggesting he may be suffering from an infection. Neither Aidan O’Brien nor anyone connected to the yard was available to offer an immediate response.

The betting market appeared aware of the news well before details surfaced elsewhere. US Army Ranger was a dramatic drifter in Betfair's market and at one point traded at 24-1. There was reported support with conventional bookmakers for Idaho, also trained by O'Brien and now expected to be the mount of Ryan Moore.

Harzand is now the marginal favourite for the Irish Derby at 6-4. Idaho, third behind him at Epsom, is offered at a best price of 13-8.

(Guardian service)