Kevin Ryan so proud of brave Brando after 'gutwrenching' second

If Aidan O'Brien and 'the lads' need any additional funds for Darley July Cup winner US Navy Flag's airfare for his next assignment in Australia, Kevin Ryan, trainer of runner-up Brando, will happily oblige.

Ryan was left to reflect on another excellent effort by his Newmarket-loving sprinter, who was ridden by Tom Eaves.

"I'll pay for his ticket," was the Hambleton-based trainer's quip when told his six-year-old would probably not have to cross swords with the July Cup winner in the near future.

Brando loves running at Newmarket, be it at the July course or on the Rowley Mile, and improved on last year's July Cup third to take his record at Headquarters to an impressive 11312.

Watch the Darley July Cup

"We knew we had him in great shape," said Ryan. "We avoided Ascot, not that we didn't want to go to Ascot but we just felt he's so good at Newmarket, so we trained him for this race and it nearly came off.

"It's a little bit gutwrenching but I'm proud of him."

Things did not go entirely to plan pre-race as Brando had to be re-shod at the start having spread a plate. Once the gates opened, Ryan felt his charge was not ideally placed early on as it paid to be in the far side posse, with Brando initially having to come up the stands' side in the smaller group of four runners.

Kevin Ryan: felt Brando was not ideally placed early on

"He was in the smaller group and you'd always prefer to be in the bigger group," said Ryan. "We had one horse to follow and you're having to sit and hope he'll carry you far enough.

"Aidan will always have a horse who will put pace to the race, and rightfully so. I'd do it myself if I could. But I'm delighted with the way he ran. It's hard to come out second best but someone has to."

Next up for Brando, owned by Angie Bailey, will be another familiar journey, this time to Deauville for the Prix Maurice de Gheest, a race he won last year. Hopefully for connections he can repeat the feat.

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