Inerishin 'stronger than ever' for return

CONNECTIONS of Inisherin are confident the exciting sprinter is stronger than ever ahead of his seasonal reappearance in the 1895 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes on Wednesday.

- By ASHLEY IVESON

One of the most visually impressive winners of the entire week at Royal Ascot last summer when dominating the Commonwealth Cup, Kevin Ryan's charge was subsequently beaten into fifth place in the July Cup at Newmarket before disappointing in Haydock's Sprint Cup in September.

The Shamardal colt will head to York for his first start in seven months on the opening day of the Dante Festival and Adam Ryan, assistant to his father, said: "We're very happy with him and this was the obvious starting point for the year. We're looking forward to seeing him back in action.

"He's a very straightforward horse and he looks a lot more mature and has strengthened up a lot, so we're very excited by him."

Reflecting on last season, Ryan added: "He had a lot of racing in a short space of time last year and was still learning.