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White Birch to be aimed at Irish Champion Stakes

White Birch and Colin Keane White Birch and Colin Keane
© Healy Racing Photos

Connections of White Birch have been frustrated by the prolonged hot and dry spell of weather and will now look towards some autumn targets with the talented grey.

The John Murphy-trained son of Ulysses won all three starts at the Curragh last year notably beating Auguste Rodin by three lengths in the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup.

The five-year-old didn’t enjoy the clearest of passages behind Los Angeles when bidding for a repeat win this spring in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and hasn’t been seen since due to unsuitable ground conditions.

Murphy’s son and assistant Geoge gave an update on plans saying, “We have slowed up a little bit with him as we've wanted to run but the ground hasn't been coming our way. We won't be going to the Juddmonte and will instead look to the autumn with him.

"He could have a prep run before going for the Irish Champion Stakes.

"We are very, very happy with him but just the weather hasn't been kind to us."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.