GODFREY DELIGHTED WITH CORNFLAKE

Ian Fortune

It’s no surprise March On Freddie has taken many of the headlines as perhaps the UK’s best chance of landing the Boylesports Irish Derby since Toms The Best won in 1997.
But it’s worth remembering that his compatriot Arthur Cornflake also ran a huge race in the opening round, chasing home Kirby Memorial winner Knockeen Dazzler.
Of course, it wasn’t his first run at Shelbourne. He had debuted at Shelbourne in 28.79 back in mid-April, while he also won his fourth career start at Shelbourne in some style. Getting loose in the semi-finals of a Dual Distance competition, he posted a rapid 31.06 for the 575yd trip before being purchased by Swindon handler Patrick Godfrey.
Speaking with the Racing Post yesterday, Godfrey told the story of how they ended up back at Shelbourne for a crack at the classic. Said Patrick of the choice, “The decision to run Flakes in the Irish Derby was so spur of the moment that even I’m surprised we’re in it!
“He’d been running in opens at Monmore and I had him entered there but then I had van problems and pulled him out. In the meantime, I was reading how Phil Milner had entered Keefill Maverick, and I suddenly thought I’d have a go.
“But it was so last-minute that the paperwork had to be rushed and, if I’m honest, it was probably our fault the first-round draw was a bit later than advertised as they were waiting on his clearance.”
It was Godfrey’s first time in Shelbourne Park and it sounds like he was impressed by the place, saying: “I’d never been to Shelbourne before, always wanted to and then suddenly I’m running in the Irish Derby, its madness!”
He later said, “Whatever happens it’s been a brilliant experience and Shelbourne has blown me away with how it looks and the atmosphere.”
It’s great to have Patrick and his star still involved in the Derby and with a little luck, he could be there for at least another week. That can only be a good thing for the Derby.
If you wish to read the full story and quotes, you can do so at: https://greyhoundbet.racingpost.com/#news-story/story_id=601629