Coolmore Attempting to Buy Epsom Derby Contender Golan

Ireland's Coolmore Stud reportedly is attempting to purchase all or part of Golan, the Sagitta Two Thousand Guineas winner who is expected to go off as one of the favorites in Saturday's Vodafone Epsom Derby (Eng-I) in England.

According to the reports, first disclosed by the Daily Mail, Coolmore's interest is in sewing up a deal so that Golan can eventually go to stud at Coolmore. The official Website for the Epsom Derby reported that several options are being explored. Under one scenario, Coolmore would pay between £3- to £3.5-million for half-interest in the colt or would acquire sole interest in him for about £10-million. The Website noted, however, that it is unlikely present owner Lord Weinstock would relinquish all breeding rights to the colt, so a leaseback arrangement could also be a possibility. Either way, Weinstock would continue to race Golan in his colors and any deal with Coolmore would be concluded before Saturday's classic.

Meanwhile, the Derby was left with its smallest field in 12 years after the withdrawal Thursday of Wareed and Ice Dancers.

The 12 entries (in alphabetical order), with trainer and jockey, are as follows:
1. Cashel Bay, Luke Comer, J. Carroll
- Ky-bred son of Nureyev, one win in eight starts
2. Chancellor, Barry Hills, T Quinn
- group III-winning son of Halling
3. Dilshaan, Sir Michael Stoute, J. P. Murtagh
- Group I winner at age two, winner of a group II race this year
4. Galileo, Aidan O'Brien, M. J. Kinane
- Irish homebred for John Magnier. Winner of group III and listed stakes this year
5. Golan, Sir Michael Stoute, Pat Eddery
- Won the English Two Thousand Guineas in last out
6. King Carew, M.C. Channon, Craig Williams
- This will be the first start this year for the son of Fairy King
7. Mr Combustible, Barry Hills, Richard Hills
- Irish-bred, group III winner this year
8. Perfect Sunday, Barry Hills, Richard Hughes
- Ky-bred Juddmonte horse, group III winner
9. Putra Sandhurst, Michael Jarvis, Philip Robinson
- Maiden son of Royal Academy
10. Storming Home, Barry Hills, Michael Hills
- Stakes-placed horse from the Maktoum stables
11. Sunny Glen, Nick Littmoden, J. Weaver
- Stakes-placed homebred racing for Helen Mahr
12. Tobougg, Saeed bin Suroor, Frankie Dettori
- Irish-bred son of Barathea, winner of two group I races