26 June 2021
Third in the Epsom Derby on June 5th, having started favourite, the English-trained colt Hurricane Lane claimed his first Group 1 success in winning the Irish Derby at The Curragh Racecourse. His trainer, Charlie Appleby, and owner Godolphin (Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum) were completing a Derby double this year, following on from the success of Adayar in the Epsom Classic.
Hurricane Lane showed incredible courage to rein in long time leader Lone Eagle, who was ridden by Lanfranco Dettori, in the closing stages.
Hurricane Lane is entered in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on October 3rd, a race considered to be the best in the world. Just like for stablemate Adayar, the ‘Arc’ could be an objective. Hurricane Lane could now head to the St. Leger, on September 11th at Doncaster (United Kingdom). Adayar could take in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes on the 24th of July at Ascot.
Charlie Appleby has indicated that the participation of Adayar in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will depend on his performance in the ‘King George’, which is often considered ‘the summertime Arc’. The three-year-old colt will therefore take on the older horses for the first time. This will be an essential test because contrary to Hurricane Lane, Adayar will need to be supplemented (at a price of €120.000) if connections want to run in the Arc on the 3rd of October.