Racing: Hughes takes over on Street

THE ENTERPRISING tactics of Johnny Murtagh in grabbing fourth place in the Derby with the 150-1 chance Sunshine Street have not been rewarded. Murtagh has been claimed to ride Takarian for the John Oxx stable in the Irish Derby on Sunday and the ride on Sunshine Street, a 7-1 shot for the Curragh Classic, will go to Richard Hughes.

Hughes was chosen by Sunshine Street's trainer, Noel Meade, due to his previous experience on the colt. "I rode him twice to be second in his maidens this year and I'm hoping for a big run," Hughes said.

Meanwhile, favourite-backers were assured that soft ground will not hinder the chance of City Honours. Connections are confident that the Derby runner- up will handle the likely testing conditions at the Curragh, where the going is reported as soft after 10.8mm of rain on Tuesday night.

Simon Crisford, Godolphin's racing manager, said: "City Honours has never raced on ground like Sunday's but he gives the impression that he will handle soft and we don't believe it will inconvenience him too much. He is very well and we are very pleased with him."

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