Inisherin Ready for Betfair Sprint Cup Challenge at Haydock

Trainer Kevin Ryan is brimming with confidence as his three-year-old star Inisherin prepares to tackle the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday. The colt, who has already demonstrated his class with a course-and-distance win in the Sandy Lane Stakes and an emphatic victory in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, is primed for the challenge, regardless of the underfoot conditions.

Ryan has meticulously prepared Inisherin for this prestigious Group 1 sprint, and the horse’s versatility in handling varying ground conditions has only bolstered his trainer’s optimism. Reflecting on Inisherin’s previous performances, Ryan noted, “He’s in great form. All his fast work is finished now, and he had his last gallop on Saturday. We’ve had an uninterrupted campaign, all his work has gone to plan, and he’s very fresh and well.”

Inisherin’s ability to thrive on both soft and firm ground sets him apart from many of his peers. Earlier in the season, he conquered soft ground at Haydock, and at Royal Ascot, he showed the same tenacity on much firmer conditions. Ryan, who initially had concerns about the Haydock ground, was pleasantly surprised by Inisherin’s adaptability. “When he ran at Haydock before Ascot, I was concerned the ground might be a bit soft for him, but he handled it really, really well,” Ryan explained. “So, no concerns whatsoever going into Haydock.”

However, the July Cup at Newmarket posed a unique challenge for Inisherin, where he finished fifth after appearing to struggle with the slightly loose surface. Ryan speculated that the ground may have played a part in the colt’s below-par performance. “The ground had dried out that day, and I think it was maybe just a little bit loose on top, which some horses just can’t get a handle on,” Ryan observed. “But once he hit the rising ground, he did start to stay on. In those top-class sprints, you just can’t afford to lose a couple of lengths and then try to make it up in a furlong.”

Acknowledging that Inisherin had been through a busy early-season campaign, Ryan made the decision to skip the Maurice de Gheest to allow the colt to rest and recover ahead of the critical autumn sprints at Haydock and Ascot. The extra break appears to have done the trick, with Ryan confident that Inisherin is now at his peak for Saturday’s race.

Ryan is no stranger to success in the Betfair Sprint Cup, having claimed the title with Hello Youmzain in 2019 and Emaraaty Ana in 2021. He sees similarities between those champions and Inisherin, particularly in their proven course form at Haydock. “This horse is very much like Emaraaty Ana; he’s a very, very easy horse to train. Hello Youmzain was also like Inisherin in that they both had good course form going into the race, and I think that always stands you in good stead,” Ryan said.

With the Betfair Sprint Cup on the horizon, Ryan is not only focused on Saturday but also excited about Inisherin’s future. Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, Inisherin’s owner, has already decided that the colt will remain in training next year, giving Ryan the opportunity to continue developing this promising talent. “These top-class races are what gets us up in the morning and through the winter,” Ryan concluded. “We’re looking forward to Saturday and we’re looking forward to next year with him as well.”

As Inisherin lines up at Haydock, all eyes will be on whether this versatile and talented colt can add another prestigious win to his growing list of achievements. With his proven ability to handle any conditions and the confidence of his trainer, Inisherin is set to be a formidable contender in the Betfair Sprint Cup.