Monday’s Racing Chatter – Beggy Was Always A Believer

Beggy Was Always A Believer

Padraig Beggy has been catapulted from relative obscurity to worldwide fame, following his incredible victory aboard Aidan O’Brien’s unfancied Wings Of Eagles in Saturday’s Derby at Epsom. The Irishman was taking it all in his stride, however, when speaking to reporters on Sunday morning and didn’t seem too surprised that his mount had caused such an upset.

“There was a bit of a buzz between all the lads riding out this morning. I rode a few bits of work and had five lots.

“All us jockeys flew over with Aidan and we’d been talking about the race. Seamie Heffernan had rode most of the horses in their last bits of work and there wasn’t much between all of them.

“We were all there with a chance. Aidan had trained these horses for this race, they had good prep runs and he was happy with all of them. He had them in peak form on the day.

“I rode him work a couple of times as a two-year-old and rode him more this year, in February/March time when we’d be doing long canters. He’s a well-made horse and one that would catch the eye – he’s a good looker.

“At that time of year we were just getting them ready and putting them through their paces, but I did think he was a nice colt.”

O’Brien Won’t Rush Decision, On Rhododendron

Aidan O’Brien is weighing-up his options with Rhododendron, who finished 2nd in the Oaks at Epsom on Friday. The Prix de Diane and the Pretty Polly Stakes are both strong possibilities, but O’Brien is in no rush to make a decision.

“She seems to be fine. We just haven’t decided with her yet where we want to go.

“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.”

Balding’s Horse Could Be Bound For Australia

Elbereth could well be looking at a very long trip, following a good performance in the Coronation Cup. The 6-year-old finished 4th and Andrew Balding is seriously considering sending his inmate to Australia for the Caulfield Cup.

“I am really pleased with her. She ran a great race. When I made the entry I had the idea there would be about a six-runner Coronation Cup and we might finish third or fourth in that, but we finished fourth in a quality Coronation Cup.

“She should be a bit of fun travelling with in the autumn, and the Caulfield Cup is a possibility. She travels well, we know she has the ability to run well in that sort of race and it helps that she goes on any ground.”