See also » Could-Be-King-digs-deep-for-Billy-Lee
That's great. He's a horse that had very good form for his previous trainers (Patrick Prendergast and John Oxx) but he's obviously had his problems and missed a good chunk of time. He seems to be in good form now and had a very good run for us first time at the Curragh. We were delighted as he finished third in a Listed race on Derby weekend. We ran him back at Fairyhouse but for some reason he just didn't perform. Sometimes after a long lay off the second time they can be a bit below par. That was more like it and Billy said he was very tough when he needed it. He ground it out well. We're delighted with that and hopefully he can build on it. He has a high rating and it might not be simple to place him. Something like the Concorde Stakes maybe as he does handle very soft and heavy ground. That could be a long term aim but we'll try and find something in between. I'm very pleased with that, getting his head in front again. The conditions of the race worked well today. K J Condon, trainer

W.M. Lordan, rider of King Of Athens (USA) trained by A.P.O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got upset in the starting stalls

The Stewards requested a report from K.J. Condon, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Could Be King (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent run at Fairyhouse on the 5th July. K.J. Condon reported that his charge ran well in a Listed race at the Curragh on his seasonal reappearance after a fourteen month layoff. He added that he ran eight days later at Fairyhouse in a Group 3 race and there may have been an element of the "bounce" factor as no abnormality was found post race. Following a seventeen day break between races his charge reappeared tonight and ran up to his best form. He concluded that he was unable to offer any other explanation for the slightly below par run at Fairyhouse. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined King Of Athens (USA), trained by A.P.O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have two small cuts on both forelimbs having reared up in the starting stalls and to be lame on his left foreleg post race.

For three years old and upwards that on or since 1st August, 2019 have not won a weight-for age race value not more than €15000
Weights - 3-y-o 9st 5lbs; 4-y-o and up 9st 12lbs; Fillies allowed 5lbs; Allowance - Maidens allowed 3lb
Penalties - to count from 1st August, 2019 Winner of a race 4Handicapper.