- Racing on track to resume across Ireland on June 8
- Sinawann to contest 2,000 Guineas
- Ridenza to contest 1,000 Guineas
- Hamariyna set for Ridgewood
Racing returns to Ireland next month and trainer Mick Halford is excited for his up-and-coming stars.
Mick Halford’s highly rated duo Sinawann and Ridenza are on track to aim for the 2,000 and 1,000 Irish Guineas respectively.
Both horses made lasting impressions during their juvenile seasons with Sinawann breaking his maiden at Curragh in strong fashion before stepping up to Group Two level at Leopardstown where he fought for a gallant second.
Racing in the famous Aga Khan colours, Ridenza has only been seen once but looked a cut above the rest on debut in August.
Irish Racing is set to resume June 8 and Halford is upbeat about the pairs chances.
“The plan is for both of them to run.” he said.
“They’re both in good form and I’m happy with where they are, so the plan is to run.”
While a prep run in the Tetrarch Stakes would have played nicely for Sinawann, the coronavirus canceled those plans.
“We didn’t get a prep run, but it’s one of those years isn’t it?
“I’m still happy with him.
“He’s in a good place and we’re very pleased with him.
“Ridenza fractured a pastern the night she won, she was lame immediately after the race and had surgery the next morning.
She recovered well, she’s back and has been training well.
“She’s a nice filly with a good pedigree and great attitude.
“I’d have been more keen to get a prep run into her, but it wasn’t to be and we’ll go as we are.
“She’s in a good place and it will be great to be back racing.”
Halford who boasts a stable of winning names will also peddle out Hamariyna who has featured this year and will relaunch in the Ridgewood Pearl Stakes on Irish 1,000 Guineas day.
Hamariyna won twice from four starts as a three-year-old, including the Group 3 Derrinstown Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown.
She was one of the outsiders at 16-1 when carrying a penalty for her return in the Park Express Stakes at Naas in March.
“I was delighted with her run in Naas, with a big weight and her first run in a while.
“She’s training well and will probably take her chance in the Ridgewood Pearl.”
