RACING: A decision is likely to be made today about a possible operation for the injured St Leger winner, Milan, but the chances of the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt returning to racing remain high.
Milan fractured his off-fore canon bone during last Monday's Mooresbridge Stakes and he was taken to Troytown veterinary hospital after being pulled up.
O'Brien reported yesterday: "The situation appears the same as on Monday but they will decide tomorrow whether or not they will operate. "They might just cast it instead. He should be fine. It's just a question of time with him."
The Ballydoyle trainer said on Monday that Milan could return for the second half of the season where possible targets could be the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and the Breeders' Cup.
O'Brien was out of luck in France yesterday when Galileo's full-brother, Black Sam Bellamy, could finish only third to the Aga Khan-owned Khalkevi in the Group Two Prix Hocquart. However, he was later promoted to second.
O'Brien also confirmed the Epsom Derby second favourite, High Chaparral, to be on course for a second start of the season in Sunday's Derrinstown Derby Trial. "He is fine and will run at Leopardstown. We probably won't decide what else we will run in the race until Friday," he said.
Tipperary have their re-scheduled card this evening and the Ballydoyle team should be on the mark in the opener with the Nureyev colt Irrawaddy.
They also have the Kingmambo newcomer, Black Mambo, in the three-year-old maiden and the success of Louisville at the Curragh on Monday indicates there is still some power in O'Brien's three -year-old maiden ranks.
Dexileos ran third to High Chaparral over the course and distance last October and although flattered by that, the experience could swing things to the Danehill colt.
Askthejudge goes for a hat-trick in the nine-furlong handicap after victories at Listowel and at Gowran last Sunday when beating Aqualina by three lengths. The 5lb hike for that shouldn't stop the Frank Ennis horse from being competitive.
Mick Kinane is on Shipton Wood for his former boss, Liam Browne, in the mile-and-a-half handicap but slight preference in this is for Persian Bliss, who ran fifth in a maiden last time.
Hanko has been disappointing over hurdles so far but he will hardly get a better chance of getting off the mark than in tonight's maiden hurdle.
The latest Prendergast to join the training ranks is about to take up his new role on the Curragh.
Patrick Prendergast, grandson of the late "Darkie" Prendergast, son of Paddy Prendergast and nephew of Kevin Prendergast and John Muldoon, is to follow in the family tradition of training on the famous gallops in Co Kildare.
Prendergast, whose career to date has included spells with John Claude Rouget, Dermot Weld and Jim Bolger among others, is to take up the reins at his new base Strawhall Stables which were formerly occupied by Muldoon and Eddie Harty.
"I am delighted to be home and excited about the future and look forward to the challenges ahead," he said. "The facilities at Strawhall are second to none and there are stables available to be filled."
