Racing:Connections of Carlton House remain "extremely hopeful" the Epsom Derby favourite will make Saturday's race, despite suffering a late setback. The Michael Stoute-trained Dante Stakes winner has in recent weeks been the subject of much media interest due to the fact he is owned by the Queen.
But it was revealed earlier today the colt had suffered a minor injury scare ahead of the classic. In a statement, the Queen’s racing manager, John Warren, said: “Following a routine canter yesterday, Carlton House was found to have a small amount of filling in his near-fore joint at evening stables last night.”
Carlton House worked over six furlongs on Sunday and also had a routine canter on Monday, after which the problem was discovered. Stoute’s colt underwent x-rays on Tuesday morning, but no serious damage was revealed.
“Precautionary x-rays were taken this morning which revealed no abnormalities and we remain hopeful that he is on target for the Investec Derby on Saturday,” Warren added.
It is thought the injury is no more than a small strain, with Carlton House poised to continue steady work for the remainder of the week.
Several bookmakers subsequently lengthened Carlton House’s odds to claim Derby glory on Saturday afternoon.
Ed Dunlop, meanwhile, put some final touches to the preparation of his Derby challenger Native Khan on Tuesday morning. The Newmarket trainer was involved in a merry-go-round of jockeys on Monday when Kieren Fallon, the grey’s intended partner at Epsom, chose Aidan O’Brien’s Recital.
After finding out Oliver Peslier, who steered Native Khan to third in the 2000 Guineas, was also unavailable, Dunlop instead chose to put him in the experienced hands of Johnny Murtagh.
“Johnny only found out he had the ride at six o’clock last night, so Native Khan did a piece of work this morning with one of the usual work-riders, and it went very well,” said Dunlop, who did not disclose whether the Irishman would have a sit on the colt before Saturday afternoon.
Murtagh is delighted to take the ride and has thanked his retainer, the Aga Khan, for allowing him to make the journey to Epsom.
Murtagh said: “I’m delighted to be in a position to accept the rides on Native Khan in the Derby and Dancing Rain in the Oaks. I’d like to thank his Highness (the Aga Khan) and John Oxx for giving me permission to ride in those races.”