RACING: YORK: Blue Bunting's task in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York today has been made easier as Snow Fairy is a late absentee due to the ground. Ed Dunlop believes the ground at the Knavesmire is too soft for last year's dual Classic winner and instead intends to run her in the Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville on Sunday.
Blue Bunting will still face strong opposition from the likes of Banimpire and Laughing Lashes from the current Classic generation, as well as from the six-year-old Crystal Capella.
Blue Bunting’s rider Frankie Dettori blames himself for the 1,000 Guineas winner’s slightly disappointing fourth in the Oaks at Epsom, but feels the form of her victory in the Irish equivalent gives her sound claims on the Knavesmire.
Laughing Lashes was beaten just three-quarters of a length into fourth in the Irish Oaks and was arguably an unlucky loser as jockey Frank Berry lost his whip with a furlong to run. Her trainer Jessica Harrington said: “She’s over there and seems to have travelled great. They tell me there is a bit of juice in the ground and that will suit. Fran dropped his whip in the Irish Oaks, but these things happen unfortunately. It was so near yet so far. She’s been out for a trot this morning with Jim Bolger’s filly and seems well, so fingers crossed.”
**
Peter Toole and his family received a piece of tremendous news after the jockey was allowed to return home permanently. Toole, a promising conditional based with Charlie Mann, suffered a serious head injury after a fall at Aintree on Grand National Day.
**
Horse Racing Ireland yesterday announced the appointment of Pat Keogh as chief executive of Leopardstown Racecourse and Golf Centre. He replaces Tom Burke, following his retirement last September.
