Al Wukair set for French Derby date

The French Derby at the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly on June 4 has been pinpointed for Al Wukair’s next race.

The three-year-old had to settle for third place behind Churchill and Barney Roy in Saturday’s Qipco 2000 Guineas despite a strong finish to the race.

Plans are in place for the Andre Fabre-trained colt to return to the track in just under a month’s time in France.

Owners Al Shaqab Racing‘s manager, Harry Herbert, said: “After the race Andre mentioned the French Derby and that would look the obvious place to go with him.

“I think that should suit – just looking at his stride and his running style, you’d think 10 furlongs would be no problem and he might even be better.

“He ran a very good race, it was always going to be hard having to come wide and from behind, but on reflection the winner won well.

“When I watched the race again he was even more impressive than when I watched it live, Ryan (Moore) always had him (Churchill) in the right place.

“There are plenty of exciting races to look forward to with Al Wukair, but it does look a very good crop of three-year-olds.”