A decision has been made on Constitution River‘s next target. He will take part in Sunday’s Prix Du Jockey Club, therefore missing the following weekend’s Epsom Derby. Daryzan, half-brother to 2025 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe champion Daryz, lies in wait at Chantilly.
Here is today’s racing news round-up for Thursday.
Constitution River heads for France with Daryzan in wait
Constitution River will run in the Prix Du Jockey Club at Chantilly on Sunday. Aidan O’Brien has made the decision to head for France rather than contesting the Epsom Derby. The colt was an impressive winner of the Dee Stakes at Chester, impressing with the time and manner of his success. He will remain at that 1m2f trip at Chantilly as connections seek a second Classic victory on the continent this season. Benvenuto Cellini is now a clear favourite for the Derby on British shores. (Racing Post)
Another colt set to contest the French Derby is Daryzan. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, the son of Zarak won by a hugely impressive five lengths on debut at Saint-Cloud. That is Daryzan’s only career start to date, ensuring he will be comfortably the least experienced horse in the Prix Du Jockey Club field. Graffard has said his charge “has the physical attributes” to go well in the race. (At The Races)
Water To Wine canters to Kempton win with Royal Ascot beckoning
John & Thady Gosden’s colt Water To Wine impressed once again at Kempton. The three-year-old won by just shy of five lengths on debut at Newbury earlier this season. That ensured he went off at prohibitive odds of 1/12 at Kempton on Wednesday night. However, those odds looked long by the finish line as he won by a sensational 11 lengths. The Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes is next, with the Epsom Derby arriving too soon. (Thoroughbred Daily News)
Hollie Doyle facing lengthy spell out due to injury
Hollie Doyle is to undergo surgery next week following her broken leg at Bath last Friday. Doyle was riding Vault From Heaven when her mount stumbled and suffered a fatal injury. Doyle herself incurred significant damage to her left leg. Both her tibia and fibula were shattered in the fall. Having spent the last week in hospital, she will undergo surgery in the coming days. A timeline for her return to the saddle has not been made clear. (Racing Post)
Travelling head groom unscathed from Redcar kick incident
Richard and Peter Fahey’s travelling head groom Chloe Briony is unscathed after a terrible incident at Redcar on Tuesday. Briony was kicked by the hind legs of Kameko Fever in the parade ring at the track. The incident was widely shared on social media. Fortunately, Briony was not seriously injured from the kick, sharing that she was “a bit sore” on Thursday. (The Mirror)