RACING/News and Listowel report : John Oxx confirmed yesterday that Alamshar will be left in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe until the last minute but his next intended target is the Canadian International at Woodbine.
Dalakhani's Prix Niel success at the weekend has propelled that Aga Khan-owned colt to the top of the Arc market leaving Alamshar in a position of first reserve.
"Dalakhani won well enough and the plan as far as I know is that he will be the only Aga Khan runner in the Arc," Oxx said.
"We will keep Alamshar ticking over and ready in case there is a last minute problem with a bruised foot or whatever with Dalakhani.
"But all being well Alamshar will be off the following week for the Canadian International which is run two weeks after the Arc," he added.
The Irish Derby and King George winner was reportedly not suited by going left handed when only fourth in the Irish Champion Stakes but Oxx was inclined yesterday to also blame the quick going.
"He ran a good race but he didn't get a lot of room and maybe he didn't like the good to firm ground. A bit of moisture like he got at Ascot seems to suit him.
"As for going left handed, Woodbine is the widest track in North America and not like Santa Anita where the tight course and the firm ground wouldn't be ideal. It being October in Canada we could get some cut," Oxx said.
Almost three months after the controversial Gowran Park abandonment on June 22nd, the Turf Club's appeals committee has released its report into the incident.
Among its recommendations are that it is in the interests of the Gowran management to visit either Leopardstown or the Curragh and discuss with the management and clerk of the course how they approach the issue of the watering.
The report also says that the Irish Jockeys Association should be asked to nominate a safety officer from among its members to liase with the Turf Club.
Ruby Walsh has more immediate concerns, however, as he was reported "very sore" after his fall at Listowel on Monday.
The jockey had X-rays in Tralee immediately after the race and visited a specialist in Dublin yesterday to look at his hip area. Walsh missed two rides yesterday and also misses out today.
Day Two of Listowel featured an intriguing two-year-old maiden struggle that proved pedigree doesn't always work.
Rock Of Gibraltar's brother Rock Of Cashel was once again lumped on by punters but also once again gave the impression that his heart was less than in it and failed by a head to Forty Grand.
The same cannot be said of Central Billing, declared for today's National, but who will not run after he completed a remarkable sixth success in a row in the handicap chase.
"He was declared for the National in case he fell at the first today, or if Monty's Pass came out, but he won't run," said trainer Michael Hourigan.
"He is a super horse to train. He only just wins and I don't think he would win by two lengths. He is as effective over hurdles and he could go back to them or run in something like the Munster National," he added.
Davy Russell's instructions from David Kiely before the Lartigue Hurdle were to drop Dyrick Daybreak's nose in front on the line without using the whip and he carried them out to perfection to beat Hanorla by a head.
"She's a good mare but moody," said Kiely. "She gives all she has so there's no point hitting her."
The leading jockey Norman Williamson will miss out on today's racing after a frightening experience.
Williamson was stood down for 24 hours after a fall from Active Member in the handicap chase but after returning to the jockey's room he collapsed and had to be carried to the ambulance room.
The doctor on duty, Mr Owen McPolin, said: "It was the humidity and the lack of air in the room that caused the problem and it took 30 minutes to stabilise."
Williamson later walked back to the jockeys room but he misses out on the ride on Putsometnby in today's big race.
Yesterday's bookmaker turnover was down to €921,937 from last year's €1,060,863 despite there being one race more. The Tote figure of €277,245 compared to €226,971.