2009 Derby attracts initial 474

                                                                            Epsom Derby (ichauffer)

Epsom’s 2009 Derby has seen an entry of 474 yearlings at the first stage, an increase of nine horses on the number received last year. Among them is a full-brother to this year’s hero Authorized (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), from the Peter Chapple-Hyam stable. He forms part of the Coolmore contingent, including 36 owned by Susan Magnier, 19 by Michael Tabor, 16 by Derrick Smith and one from Anne Marie O’Brien. Aidan O’Brien is responsible for a total of 70 yearling entries, including the $1.7 million Keeneland September purchase by Storm Cat out of Mythomania. Godolphin have 32 entered, including $2.9 million Keeneland September purchase by Dynaformer out of Preach, as well as the son of Distorted Humor—Stormy Bear, who fetched $1.9 million at Keeneland. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum is represented by a 46-strong team, while His Highness the Aga Khan has 27 entered. Khalid Abdullah’s Juddmonte operation has five entries, including a Dansili (GB) full-brother to Passage of Time (GB). The Niarchos family’s six yearlings include the Pascal Bary-trained son of Storm Cat who is the first foal out of Six Perfections (Fr). Sir Michael Stoute’s nominees include a full-brother to Islington (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells), while John Oxx’s list of 14 features a colt named Sea the Stars (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) out of Urban Sea, making him a half brother to the 2001 Derby victor Galileo (Ire).