Leopardstown crowds get chance to see fabled Camelot

Published on 16/08/2012 00:00

Leopardstown racegoers will be treated to a view of the Triple Crown-seeking Camelot as he works before racing at the track this afternoon.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt already has the 2000 Guineas, Derby and Irish Derby in the bag this term and victory in next month’s Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster would seal his place in the history books.

Nijinsky was the last horse to win the colts’ Triple Crown back in 1970 and Camelot is a hot
favourite to repeat the feat.

O’Brien said: “We are delighted that the Irish racing public will have the opportunity to see Camelot before he runs in the 
St Leger at Doncaster. We would like to thank the clerk of the course, the stewards of the Turf Club and everyone at Leopardstown for allowing it to happen.”

Leopardstown chief executive Pat Keogh is pleased to accommodate O’Brien’s request, with his racing career having started at the Dublin track.

He said: “We are delighted to see Camelot return to Leopardstown where he won his maiden last July.

“We’ve watched him with great pride as he became a great champion.”

According to the O’Brien camp, Camelot is due to work 45 minutes today before the first race, which is due off at 4.50pm.

The trainer’s wife Annemarie had initially announced he would work between the first two races, but logistical issues have seen the time adjusted. She tweeted: “Slight change of 
plan, Camelot will now work 45 minutes before the first race at Leopardstown tomorrow. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.”

Meanwhile, next year’s early ante-post Classic favourites, Dawn Approach and Mars, are among 92 entries for the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on 27 October.

The Group One over the straight mile at Town Moor was a springboard for Camelot’s three Classic victories to date when he cruised to victory last autumn.

It was his trainer Aidan O’Brien’s sixth success in this race and the Ballydoyle handler is responsible for 23 in the list, including Mars.

Although he has only won a Dundalk maiden, he is second favourite behind Dawn Approach for the Qipco 2000 Guineas and market leader for the Investec Derby.

Other O’Brien entries include Pedro The Great, winner of Sunday’s Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh, Cristoforo Colombo, who slipped and fell in that race, and The Ferryman, runner-up to Mars at Dundalk and a winner at Tipperary subsequently.

Dawn Approach, in whom Godolphin recently acquired a majority share and trained by Jim Bolger, has won all his four starts, culminating in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. Among Richard Hannon’s four entries are dual Group Two winner Olympic Glory, 
Havana Gold, who unseated Ryan Moore when looking likely to win a Listed race at Deauville on Sunday, and the unbeaten Toronado.