February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By John Manley
This year’s Budweiser Derby went as expected, strictly an intramural skirmish amid Aidan O’Brien’s troops. Ballydoyle took down the first three positions, led by High Chaparral, with Michael Kinane in the irons. After enduring 17 Derby mounts without success, Kinane has now won the last two runnings of the race.
Sholokhov, dismissed at 200-1, was second to finish after setting the early pace. Ballingarry took third place.
High Chaparral extends to three the streak of Irish-based horses following an Epsom Derby win with an encore at The Curragh. Sinndar (2000) and Galileo preceded him.
The result underlines the dominance of Sadler’s Wells on European breeding, as he sired the first four finishers.
High Chaparral’s next major objective is the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in October. A prep race is expected to precede the Paris event.
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The race was clouded somewhat by rumors that O’Brien may bid adieu to Ireland if plans to locate an incinerator near his Ballydoyle training operation reach fruition. He has expressed concern at the effects that emissions may have on his horses and has hinted that he will explore options in America if the deal goes down.