Hills to partner Grandera at Curragh

Michael Hills will stay loyal to Grandera in next Sunday`s Budweiser Irish Derby, it was announced today.

He is to maintain his partnership with the French Derby third at the Curragh, rather than ride Epsom fourth Mr Combustible for his father Barry - who is set to turn to his other jockey son Richard instead.

Grandera was widely regarded as unlucky when beaten just over half a length behind Anabaa Blue at Chantilly, finishing strongly after being checked twice in the latter stages.

And he showed himself in good shape for his showdown with Epsom winner Galileo in a workout at Newmarket today.

'He worked this morning and he worked well,' trainer James Fanshawe said.

'I hope the ground stays good or good to firm but he is an intended runner unless the ground gets soft. Michael rides - he has cleared it with his father.

'Galileo was very impressive in the Derby and it is difficult to evaluate the form of the French race but Grandera was a bit unlucky in running. He has come out of the race well and seems in good form.'

Barry Hills has yet to finalise plans for the Irish Derby, in which he also has Epsom sixth Perfect Sunday engaged.

'At the moment I am going to leave Perfect Sunday and Mr Combustible in,' the trainer said.

'Mr Combustible is the more likely to run, and I think Richard Hills would ride, but there is also the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.'