Savill hoping for a return to the big time

/ Editor / 29 June 2007 / Leave a Comment

Former BHB chairman Peter Savill, owner of 1995 French Derby hero Celtic Swing, is hopeful that his Royal and Regal will aquit himself well in Sunday's Irish Derby at the Curragh.

The Sadlers Wells three-year-old landed a listed contest in good style last time out and Savill revealed to the Racing Post that trainer Andre Fabre has always held the colt in high regard.

"Andre Fabre has a very high opinion of this horse. He told me last year that he thought he would be a very nice horse and thought he was a Derby horse. It was really a case of trying to find the right Derby.

"The French Derby being at a mile and a quarter would be a bit short. He's convinced that he is a mile-and-a-half horse and I remember him saying last year that he thought the Curragh would be the place for him.

"On his form so far I'm surprised he's as short as he is, but he is a horse with a lot of potential and I think the general view is that he will make an even better four-year-old. The trainer was keen to run him."

Royal and Regal is currently available at 11 in Betfair's market for the Irish classic, behind hot favourite Eagle Mountain 2.26, Boscobel 9, and Shamdinan 9.4.