King George V Cup to the Irish Derby for Rakan

A length and a half split the three runners at the end of the Listed King George V Cup at Leopardstown. They came home in market order with Rakan living up to his 8/11 billing under Chris Hayes.

Dermot Weld ’s winner gained a narrow lead from pace-setter Barbados (7/4) a furlong and a half out.

Eminent Approach (6/1) meanwhile was the first beaten, making no impression in the final quarter mile.

However he finished off well and at the line it was Rakan by three parts of a length from Barbados with the same distance to Eminent Approach last of the three.

“Three-horse races are notorious and he’s an extremely idle colt. He had a hold up over the winter so he’s only on his way back. He needed the run in the Derrinstown and I think he’ll progress a lot from today’s run. He got there to win easy and got a bit tired again," stated Weld.

“Ideally what he’d love is a real true run race where you can ride him from off the pace and produce him. We’ll see how he comes out of this race and speak to the owner but the Irish Derby is a definite possibility — the logical place to go with him.

“I’m happy because there is plenty of improvement in this horse. It was a workmanlike performance, and the ground doesn’t really matter for him. He’s a good actioned horse and handles good to firm ground well. That’s lovely ground out there and perfect for every horse.

“He’s bone idle and that’s why he’s difficult to get fit. He does absolutely nothing at home.”

(AM & EM)