Earlswood has Derby options after Gallinule victory

Earlswood entered the Derby picture when landing the Heider Family Stables Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh.

The Pivotal colt earned a 33/1 quote for the Cazoo Derby from Paddy Power and Betfair after landing this mile and a quarter event for Ben Coen and Johnny Murtagh, although victory in this Group 3 event also earns automatic free entry into the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. Matchless set the pace before challenged by Snapraeterea entering the straight, at which point Arturo Toscanini was under pressure and lost a prominent position.

Earlswood made good progress in the straight to lead just over a furlong out, and the 11/2 chance (9/1 this morning) kept on well to score by a length and three quarters.

Arturo Toscanini rallied well to take the runner-up spot, with Snapraeterea three lengths away in third.

Coen said, “He’s good and hardy. Chester was probably a bit tight for him the last day. It’s a big galloping track here and he loved the ground.

“He travelled everywhere and I got a nice lead down to the furlong pole. He doesn’t do much in front.

“It was great to get a horse like that into the yard after John Oxx retired and it’s brilliant to get a new owner into the yard as well.

“It’s heavy ground today. He didn’t mind it but it’s tough going.”

Murtagh was not at the track but later reported by phone, “He’s entered at Epsom but there is free entry into the Irish Derby after winning this race so that’s another option. I’ll talk with the owner and we’ll decide what to do.”

The Stewards interviewed J.A. Heffernan, rider of Matchless, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, J.A. Heffernan stated that he had used the whip three times on the off side, twice on the nearside and the remaining use was only movements. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that J.A. Heffernan was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards pursuant to R10(6)(a) suspended J.A. Heffernan for six racedays.