Haafhd could be Curragh bound

Racing/ News: Richard Hills is hoping Haafhd is given the chance to bid for a 2,000 Guineas double following his success at Newmarket on Saturday.

The jockey partnered his father Barry's colt to glory in the UltimateBet.com-sponsored contest over the Rowley Mile and he is keen to go to the Curragh on May 22nd.

"Haafhd got home and ate up. Dad says everything is well and that he's sound," the jockey said yesterday. "Obviously Sheikh Hamdan makes the decisions where we are going. I imagine it will be the Irish 2,000 Guineas, then the St James's Palace." Should he run in the the Curragh Classic, Haafhd is likely to renew rivalry with Azamour and Grey Swallow, who finished third and fourth respectively in Saturday's race. A decision on One Cool Cat, who finished last, is complicated by the fact that he had an irregular post-race heartbeat.

Hills junior believes Haafhd can confirm the form with the horses he beat at Newmarket should they meet again. "We have just got to keep maintaining the horse as he is at the moment. I think you have to be confident," he said.

Angus Gold, racing manager to Haafhd's owner Hamdan Al Maktoum, confirmed that the St James's Palace Stakes was the prime objective and that a decision on the Curragh would be made later. He said: "He's a tough little lad. I think it will be the St James's Palace.

That's what the boss is saying. It's the more obvious target, and then go up to a mile and a quarter later in the year. Barry said we'll just sit back for a week and see how the horse is and if he is absolutely bouncing and everybody wants to, then it (the Irish Guineas) is an option, but otherwise keep him fresh for Ascot." Gold virtually ruled out the Vodafone Derby for Haafhd. "The owner feels that the Derby would be such an unknown in terms of trip with his pedigree."