Inisherin fine after Newmarket frustration

Kevin Ryan has given Inisherin a clean bill of health after his star performer was a late absentee in Saturday’s Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai July Cup.

Owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, the four-year-old was 17-2 to register a second Group One success in the Newmarket feature before being withdrawn at the start on veterinary advice, with the Yorkshire-based handler appearing frustrated in the aftermath.

However, Ryan reported last year’s Commonwealth Cup hero to be 100 per cent and is now looking ahead to the future – which could include a trip to Deauville for the Prix Maurice de Gheest or a move up to seven furlongs for York’s newly upgraded Group One City of York Stakes on August 23.

“Inisherin is fine, he’s perfect,” said Ryan.

“He spread a plate and they withdrew him, but it’s past tense and gone now.

“He’s in the Group One at York and he’s also got the option of the Prix Maurice de Gheest, but I’ll discuss what we do with Sheikh Mohammed Obaid nearer the time.”

A trip to France on August 10 would represent Inisherin’s first outing on foreign soil, while he is as short as 8-1 with Paddy Power for success closer to his handler’s Hambleton home and at a track he made a winning reappearance over a shorter distance earlier in the season.