First runner for Queen

Queen Elizabeth is set to have her first runner in this country when Spinning Top goes for the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday.

Spinning Top, runner-up to subsequent Epsom Oaks winner Love Divine in last month's Lupe Stakes at Goodwood, is trained by Michael Stoute and will be ridden by Michael Kinane.

Lord Carnarvon, Queen Elizabeth's racing manager, said yesterday: "I'm delighted that the horse runs. I'm also pleased that Michael has agreed to take the ride.

"We've got our fingers crossed and we're hoping she'll run very well."

Jason Morris, racecourse manager at the Curragh, added: "Obviously we're delighted that the horse is coming over.

"It's a historic occasion for the Curragh and for Irish racing."

Bookmakers Coral have eased Epsom Derby winner Sinndar out to even-money from 4 to 5 for the Irish equivalent on Sunday following support for Prix du Jockey-Club hero Holding Court and English 2,000 Guineas victor King's Best.

The Barking firm have clipped the former to 11 to 4 from 100 to 30 and the latter to 11 to 4 from 7 to 2 for the Budwiser-sponsored event.

However, the Aga Khan's colt has been clipped to 5 to 4 from 11 to 8 by Ladbrokes, with Holding Court pushed out to 2 to 1 from 7 to 4.

Ray Cochrane is set to build up his fitness regime with a view to a quicker-than-expected return to the saddle for the start of the July meeting at Newmarket a week next Tuesday.

He had anticipated being out of action for two months after sustaining multiple injuries in the plane crash at Newmarket four weeks ago which claimed the life of the pilot and left Frankie Dettori with a broken ankle.