Ryan saddles first runners since quarantine order lifted

4.10 Ayr
Scottish Sun/British Stallion Studs EBF Land O’Burns Fillies’ Stakes | 5f, 3yo+ f+m | RUK

Kevin Ryan, who has been unable to send out runners after cases of equine herpes were detected at his yard, will saddle his first two runners since May 30 when Futoon and Rural Celebration tackle Ayr’s Listed sprint.

The BHA announced a partial lifting of the quarantine order on Thursday, and Ryan said: “It’s been unfortunate, but we’ve got through it.

“My staff, the vet and his assistants have been brilliant, and my owners absolutely amazing. Obviously it’s been frustrating and unfortunate that we had to miss Ascot.

“You only have to look at the news each day, though, to see that there are a lot worse things happening in the world so it puts it into some perspective. It'll be good to be back having runners again.”

Although the Richard Fahey-trained Queen Kindly is likely to prove hard to beat, Ryan’s Futoon, who has been placed in three Listed races already this year, looks one of the likelier alternatives.

“Futoon has been ultra-consistent and she's a very game filly,” Ryan said. “She runs her race every time and goes there in very good form.”

Ryan’s other runner, Rural Celebration, has a less obvious chance on official ratings, and he added: “She has a bit to find on the book, but any rain up there would help her.”

Queen Kindly, winner of the Group 2 Lowther Stakes at York last summer, was given a Classic campaign in the spring, finishing ninth of 14 to Winter in the 1,000 Guineas.

Fahey said: “Queen Kindly should be hard to beat. We also had her in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot on Friday, but the three colts in there looked to be top class and this is an easier option.

“I'm convinced she’s a sprinter. She's been going well since the Guineas and I’m really looking forward to seeing her back in action.”

Henry Candy sends six-year-old mare Spring Fling on the long trip to Scotland. “It’s plenty soon enough after Salisbury, but she seems well and I think five furlongs will suit as she was pretty keen the other day,” he said. “She’s good enough.”

Robert Cowell is two-handed with Cosmopolitan Girl, the mount of Adam Beschizza, and Shrill, who will be partnered by Franny Norton.

“Cosmopolitan Girl is an improving filly,” Cowell said. “She looks a picture and, while she has a bit to find with Queen Kindly on official ratings, she has the ability to get herself into a good position and can hopefully sneak a bit of black type.

“Shrill has bags of toe as well, and deserves to take her place.”