Derby entries up for 2011

The 2011 Investec Derby, carrying a prize fund of at least £1.25 million, has received 444 entries at the yearling stage which is an increase of 56 on the 2010 entry of 388.

Run over a mile and a half at Epsom Downs, the 232nd Investec Derby takes place on Saturday, June 4, 2011.

The Coolmore team, successful in 2001 and 2002 with Galileo and High Chaparral, have a combined entry of 65 through owners Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith.

Among those currently registered to Derrick Smith is an Oasis Dream colt out of Maganda, who topped the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale at 700,000 guineas, while among the Tabor-owned entries are a 550,000 guineas Galileo colt out of Tadkiyra and a Montjeu colt out of Welsh Love, who topped the Goffs Orby Sale at 420,000 guineas.

The Magnier-owned entries include a Galileo colt out of the 1986 Irish Oaks heroine Colorspin (the dam of Kayf Tara and Opera House), who cost 550,000 guineas at Tattersalls and a Galileo colt out of Kitza, who made 600,000 guineas at Tattersalls.

The most successful current owner in the Investec Derby is the Aga Khan, who has enjoyed a quartet of victories courtesy of Shergar (1981), Shahrastani (1986), Kahyasi (1988) and Sinndar (2000).

For the 2011 Investec Derby, the Aga Khan has 26 initial entries, split between French handler Alain de Royer-Dupre and Sinndar's trainer John Oxx, who also of course landed this years race with Sea The Stars.

For any horse not entered at the yearling stage, connections have the opportunity to enter as a three-year-old for £8,000. That second entry stage closes on Tuesday, April 5, 2011.

Any late-developing types that might burst onto the scene can be supplemented at the final stage on Monday, May 30, 2011, at a cost of £75,000.

Andrew Cooper, Director of Racing at Epsom Downs, commented: "We are pleased to see an upturn in the number of yearling entries for the 2011 Investec Derby from last December's low and are extremely grateful for the support of owners and trainers at this stage."

"The value of the 2011 Investec Derby has been held at £1.25 million, which is an achievement in these challenging times and is due in no small part to the yearling entry. This remains the cheapest route to Epsom Downs in June, 2011."