Irish Derby to come under consideration for Deira Mile

Molly Hunter
June 3, 2024 2:57 pm

Owen Burrows-trained colt ran a fine race to be fourth at Epsom.

Deira Mile could be pointed towards the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby after his fourth-placed performance in the Epsom Classic.

The Owen Burrows-trained Camelot colt was fourth in the Futurity Trophy last season and began this year with a taking four-length victory in a Windsor novice.

At Epsom he stepped up to a mile and a half for the first time and started at 28-1 for the Betfred-sponsored Derby, where he was ridden by Jim Crowley and drawn in stall 14 of 16.

From that wide draw he found himself towards the rear of the field as the race got under way, and as they reached the highest point of the track he was ahead of only one rival.

On the turn for home he began to make up ground, however, and despite having to take to a wide line he picked off the majority of the field to cross the line in fourth place behind City Of Troy.

Deira Mile and Jim Crowley (left) heading to post for the Derby (PA)

Though the running of the race did not favour the Ahmad Al Shaikh-owned three-year-old, Burrows was still pleased with the performance and connections are now considering taking him to the Curragh for the Irish Derby at the end of the month.

“I’m not saying we were unlucky in any way, but it wasn’t the plan to be that far back,” Burrows said.

“We had to sit in mid-div, he just stepped a bit slow and that was where Jim unfortunately found himself.

“It was a big run down the outside, we did have a nice clear run in doing that. But the winner had a nice trip down the inner, the second and third had a nice trip, I thought it was a big run.

“We’ll see how he is through this week but the Irish Derby could suit him, the nature of the track at the Curragh I think would suit him a lot better.

“We’ll play it by ear, he’s a Leger horse and that’s what Jim felt as well so that will be the ultimate aim.

“It’s about a month away, the Irish Derby, so he’ll have a bit of time. It’s not definite he’ll go, but we’ll have a look.”

Burrows’ stable is also home to another Group One performer in Anmaat, who took the Prix d’Ispahan when last seen around a year ago.

John Smith's Cup Day – Saturday July 9th — Anmaat (right) winning the John Smith’s Cup at York (Nigel French/PA)

Injury interrupted his season in the run up to the Eclipse following that and has kept him off the track since, but he has returned to training and is expected to make a comeback later in the summer.

Burrows said: “He’s with me, he’s been back for a little while now. He won’t be going to Ascot as he won’t be ready until the end of July, probably. Fingers crossed, he’s busy but we’ve no plans as such.

“I’ve given him an Irish Champion Stakes entry and we hope he’ll come to hand at the end of July.

“He had quite a complex foot injury when we were prepping him for the Eclipse and that was a pain, but, touch wood, he’s had plenty of time to rehab back at Shadwell.

“He looks well, he’s moving well but like myself, he’s carrying that bit of extra condition that he could do with shifting! We’ll get busy over the next couple of month and all being well he should be ready by the end of July.”