Adam Kirby booked for John Leeper Derby ride

PA Sport Reporters
May 21, 2021 2:15 pm

Jockey to team up with Ed Dunlop’s runner at Epsom.

Adam Kirby is looking forward to the big-race ride on Cazoo Derby hopeful John Leeper at Epsom next month.

Kirby will be on board Ed Dunlop’s colt, currently among the most prominent British hopes in the ante-post market for the Classic on June 5.

He has also already ridden John Leeper on the gallops, and is confident he will be suited by his Epsom assignment.

John Leeper finds more to take the @Betway Fairway Stakes with William Buick in the saddle for @EdDunlopRacing 🥇 pic.twitter.com/66Ba1UgRcL
— Newmarket Racecourse (@NewmarketRace) May 15, 2021

A clutch of other high-profile jockeys had been linked with the possibility of riding the son of the mighty Frankel and Dunlop’s Snow Fairy – who won the 2010 Oaks for the same owners.

But confirming reports that he will be in the saddle, Kirby told Sky Sports Racing: “I’m really pleased with that – thanks to all connections.

“I’m looking forward to him.”

John Leeper, named after Dunlop’s father and training great John, has won both his starts this season – under Hollie Doyle and most recently William Buick, in a Listed race at Newmarket last weekend.

He pulled hard in that slowly-run contest over 10 furlongs, but Kirby expects a different set of circumstances in the Derby.

“I’ve sat on him, and he’s a lovely moving horse,” he added.

“I wouldn’t describe him as keen – he just covers a lot of ground.

“I hope it’s a true-run race, and it will be fine.”