Derby third Birch going from strength to strength at four

Derby third White Birch s four-year-old campaign is going a dream thus far and he added to Curragh gains in last month's Alleged, in this afternoon's feature, the Group Two Coolmore Stud Sottsass Irish EBF Mooresbridge Stakes.

Aboard when the bronze medalist at Epsom behind Auguste Rodin last June, Colin Keane kept up his impressive record up top the Ulysses grey, as Paddy Power and Betfair cut him from 20/1 into 12/1 for the Coronation Cup. Village Voice and Maxux couldn't raise their efforts from over a furlong out. If was left to outsiders Lord Massusus (20/1) and Greenland (11/1) to chase home the easy 2/1 victor, at distances of three and three parts of a length and a neck.

George Murphy, son and assistant trainer to successful handler John, said: “I’m very pleased with that, it was a very good performance.

“He travelled along nicely, they didn’t go much of a gallop, but it was by far his best performance. We couldn’t be happier with that.

“We’ll see how he comes out of that and talk to the owners to make a plan. He has the option of the Tattersalls Gold Cup and also the Coronation Cup at Epsom.

“He’s come on a nice bit from the last day and hopefully he can come on again.”

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Joseph Patrick O'Brien, trainer, in relation to the behaviour of his lead horse which accompanied Maxux to the start and contributed to a delay in the off time of this race, and also in relation to the animal wearing a hood, contrary to the provisions of Regulation 13. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned, who apologised for the conduct of his lead horse and stated that the animal is normally very dependable. In relation to the wearing of a hood, Mr. O'Brien stated that he was unaware of the stipulation that a lead horse could not wear a hood. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Joseph Patrick O'Brien was in breach Regulation 13(6) and having considered his clean record they issued a fine of €200 on this occasion. Mrs. Caroline Corballis' Raceday Steward, recused herself from this enquiry.

(AM & EM)