17 set for Sunday's Phoenix Stakes

The 102st running of the Independent Waterford Wedgwood Phoenix Stakes will take place at the Curragh on Sunday 8th August.

Seventeen horses remain in the 300,000 euro contest following the final forfeit stage today. These include Queen Mary Stakes heroine Damson, who will attempt to become the first filly since Eva Luna in 1994 to win the Group One race.

Trainer Mark Johnson has kept 4 horses in the race including the unbeaten Joseph Henry and impressive Carlisle winner King Of Love, while trainer John Gosden is likely to be represented by recent Richmond Stakes runner up Mystical Land.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien will attempt to win the race for a remarkable 7th successive time following the victories of Lavery, Fasliyev, Minardi, Johannesburg, Spartacus, and One Cool Cat.

The Ballydoyle handler is responsible for five entries including recent Dubai Duty Free Anglesey Stakes winner Oratorio and impressive course and distance winner Carnegie Hall.

Trainer Kevin Prendergast has kept three horses in the race including the Lady O'Reilly owned Yaria, while the Edward Lynam trained Lock and Key may also carry her colours in the race.

An impressive support program starting at 2.15pm includes the 184th running of the Group 2 Royal Whip Stakes with last years Irish 1000 Guineas winner Yesterday and Melbourne Cup winner Media Puzzle among the twenty one entries for the race. 

The Group 3 Phoenix Sprint has attracted fifteen entries including the Aidan O'Brien trained One Cool Cat and leading sprinter Osterhase, who has been supplemented for the race at a cost of 7,500 euro.

Lester Piggott will make a special appearance during the afternoon to sign copies of his new book Lester's Derbys. The legendary jockey rode the winner of the Phoenix Stakes only once during his illustrious career with Getaway in 1958.

Filed by Katie Byrne