RACING: Aidan O'Brien yesterday ruled out a comeback this season for Milan. However the St Leger winner will remain in training next year. Milan was a rare four-year-old starter for the Ballydoyle trainer but injured himself badly in April's Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh.
Yesterday, O'Brien said: "We have decided to take the cautious route with him and not take any chances. He is very well and sound and will come back next year." Milan, who also ran second to Fantastic Light in the Breeders Cup Turf last year, is not the only one remaining on the Ballydoyle holiday list.
No plans have been made for Johannesburg who remains on a break following his Royal Ascot flop. Asked if the colt will race again, O'Brien replied: "It will really come down to how much mental damage has been done. And we won't know that until we get him working again. That still looks like being a good bit away."
Tendulkar, runner up in the Greenlands Stakes, is also on a break and his trainer reported: "We are looking at the second half of the season with him."
More immediately, O'Brien indicated the four-year-old Juniper could be the one to join the French 2,000 Guineas hero Landseer in Thursday's Darley July Cup. Juniper hasn't started since July of last year at Sandown.
An inspection yesterday morning resulted in both of the scheduled Roscommon dates being abandoned but there are no such problems expected for Naas tomorrow. Navan has the first of two days on Thursday.
The Epsom Oaks runner up Quarter Moon is already a 5 to 4 favourite with the Cork firm Cashmans for Sunday's Darley Irish Oaks. The nearest danger to the Aidan O'Brien-trained filly in the market is the Ribblesdale-winner Irresistible Jewel but there will be a lot of interest in the possible French contender Dance Routine.
