NINE British trained acceptors were confirmed yesterday for Sunday's Budweiser Irish Derby at the Curragh. Provided there are no last minute withdrawals the team, which includes the first seven in the ante post betting, will establish a new record.
The previous highest number of British challengers was seven in 1930, a feat which was equalled in 1967. The visitors dominated the Classic in both years, filling the first five placings in 1930 and the first four in 1967.
French entrant Supreme Commander was the sole withdrawal yesterday, leaving Ireland to field a maximum of five of which Dermot Weld's Zagreb is not a definite runner.
Willie Supple took the remaining ride in the race when he was hooked for 50 to 1 outsider His Excellence.
Ireland's best chance of featuring in the finish seems to rest with Michael Kinane, who has been released by Weld to resume his partnership with Dr Massini.
Kinane, the former Irish champion, is the most experienced rider in the race. He will be taking part for the 15th time but it remains one of the few big races to elude him.
He has finished second three times, agonisingly so last year when he was beaten in a photo finish on Definite Article by Winged Love.
The bookmakers see the Classic as a three way tussle between Dr Massini, Epsom Derby runner up Dushyantor, ridden by four time winner Pat Eddery, and Willie Carson's mount Alhaarth, fifth to Shaamit at Epsom.
