The 2019 shock Irish Derby winner Sovereign will be sent over to Bahrain for next month’s Bahrain International Trophy at Sakhir over 10 furlongs.
The Aidan O'Brien trained four year old suffered an injury after his win in the Curragh Classic event and was not seen again since this season, where he has raced four times and struggled in tough company.
Having been tried over staying trips this term, racing in the Irish St Leger and Long Distance Cup on British Champions day, the son of Galileo will now be dropped down to 1m2f for the Bahrain event.
Shock Irish Derby winner SOVEREIGN has not been seen since his surprise 33/1 upset back in June and AP O'Brien confirmed yesterday he'll be put away until next year 🏇🏻💫
— The Winners Enclosure (@TWEnclosure) September 10, 2019
Were you on the winner that day?! 🤔
🎥 @RacingTV pic.twitter.com/41cqQGcjtm
He has not won since his 33/1 front running performance in the Group One Irish Derby and O'Brien is hoping he can bounce back to form in the £500,000 event.
(Credit ATR) The trainer said: “Sovereign is a strong mile-and-a-quarter horse. He is a very strong galloper who likes to go forward in his races and we think the Bahrain International Trophy will suit him.”
Sovereign will be O’Brien’s first ever runner in the country and he added: “He is a big genuine, sound horse. He’s an Irish Derby winner.
“We saw what he did in the Irish Derby and he ran a massive race in the King George where he was second to Enable, so we think the race will suit him and we are looking forward to seeing him run.”