10 runners to line up in Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas this Saturday

A top quality field of 10 runners will face the starter in the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas, the first Irish Classic race of 2013, taking place this Saturday at the Curragh following today’s declaration of runners.

Johnny Murtagh will attempt to win his first Irish Classic as a trainer when Fort Knox and Ask Dad (purchased for 115,000 guineas at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sales) will represent his Curragh based Stable.

A strong British trained challenge features the Richard Hannon trained pair Van Der Neer and Havana Gold, both graduates of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale in 2011 having been purchased for 55,000 guineas and 80,000 guineas respectively.

Aidan O’Brien, who will be hoping to gain his 9th success in the race, will be represented by Magician, Flying The Flag, George Vancouver and Gale Force Ten, while Jim Bolger has recent York runner up Trading Leather in the 300,000 euro contest and the Andy Oliver trained First Cornerstone will ensure that Ireland has one of the strongest home trained teams in recent history.