Horse Racing News Monday 5th June 2017

Sad news over the weekend as Adrian Nicholls announced the death of his father David 'Dandy' Nicholls at the age of 61.

Aidan O'Brien will give Rhododendron a little time to recover from her Epsom exertions before deciding on the next race for the dual Classic runner-up. "She seems to be fine. We just haven't decided with her yet where we want to go," said the Ballydoyle trainer. We have plenty of different options, obviously. She could go to the Pretty Polly or we could have a look at the French Oaks. We'll see how she is for a week or 10 days."

Talking of his Derby runners the trainer said "We might have a look at the Irish Derby with Wings Of Eagles and it's possible we might have a look at the Eclipse with Cliffs Of Moher, but we're not sure yet.”

Bryan Smart is hoping quarantine restrictions placed on his yard will be lifted in time for him to have runners this weekend. Smart and fellow trainer Michael Herrington have been caught up in the Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) situation currently preventing Kevin Ryan from sending out runners. Due to Smart and Herrington's proximity to Ryan's yard in Hambleton, near Thirsk, and the sharing of horseboxes, they too were placed under quarantine after one of Ryan's horses tested positive for EHV-1. One particular horse of Smart's was at a greater risk of the disease, but he returned a clear test last week and is due to be tested again later this week. "Our blood test came back clear," said Smart. "There's a second blood test to do on Wednesday because they need to be done a week apart, but I'm happy with his condition. We're taking his temperature twice a day, that is normal, and I have no qualms about him at all. I'm making entries for Saturday so we'll see what happens."