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Page last updated at 17:38 GMT, Tuesday, 2 June 2009 18:38 UK

Murtagh opts for Rip Van Winkle

INVESTEC DERBY
Venue: Epsom Date: 6 June Time: 1545 BST
Raceday coverage: Live on BBC One and BBC Sport website from 1315 to 1620, and on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Preview programme: 1930-2000, BBC Two and BBC Sport website.


Johnny Murtagh
Murtagh had the choice of Aidan O'Brien's six Derby entries

Johnny Murtagh caused a surprise ahead of Saturday's Epsom Derby by announcing he plans to ride Rip Van Winkle and not possible favourite Fame And Glory.

The three-time Derby winner had the choice of Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien's six runners in the race.

O'Brien has now made his provisional plans with Seamus Heffernan pencilled in to team up with Fame And Glory.

Murtagh had previously hinted he may opt for Rip Van Winkle: "Rip is a great horse and has always shown class."

The jockey also chose Rip Van Winkle over Mastercraftsman in the 2,000 Guineas with the pair finishing fourth and fifth respectively.

606: DEBATE
famouskautostar

Heffernan was aboard Fame And Glory when he won the Derrinstown Derby Trial by an impressive five lengths.

Champion jockey Ryan Moore is due to ride Dante winner Black Bear Island with Pat Smullen the choice for Lingfield Derby Trial winner Age Of Aquarius.

Colm O'Donoghue is set for Chester Vase winner Golden Sword with Richard Hughes on Masterofthehorse, runner-up to his stable companion in the Chester event.


Latest Derby betting: 100-30 Sea The Stars, 4-1 Fame And Glory, 5-1 Rip van Winkle; 8-1 Gan Amhras; 9-1 Black Bear Island; 16-1 Masterofthehorse; 25-1 bar

(Best odds generally available at 1920 BST on 2 June, source oddschecker.com)



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see also
Six Derby entries for Ballydoyle
01 Jun 09 |  Horse Racing
Irish dominate Derby predictions
28 May 09 |  Horse Racing
Mastercraftsman wins at Curragh
23 May 09 |  Horse Racing
Black Bear Island seals Dante win
14 May 09 |  Horse Racing
Age of Aquarius wins Derby Trial
09 May 09 |  Horse Racing
Sea The Stars wins 2,000 Guineas
02 May 09 |  Horse Racing
BBC racing coverage
09 Apr 11 |  Horse Racing


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