Racing: High Chaparral back in action at Curragh

Last year's Epsom Derby winner High Chaparral makes a belated first appearance of the season tomorrow in the Royal Whip Stakes (2.25) over a mile and a quarter at the Curragh.

However, trainer Aidan O'Brien has warned that High Chaparral, who will be ridden by Mick Kinane, will need the run as the Sadler's Wells colt has not been seen on the racecourse since winning the Breeders' Cup Turf at Arlington at the end of October.

A bruised shoulder muscle has kept him off the course so far this season. O'Brien said: "We've had to go very slowly with him because if he got held up again he wouldn't make it back, and there is no doubt that he is a long way off his peak."

High Chaparral has to give weight all round to his five rivals, including Mick Channon's Imperial Dancer.

There is a strong British challenge for the Group Three Phoenix Sprint Stakes (3.25) consisting of the Jim Goldie pair Orientor and Indian Spark, Kevin Ryan's Endless Summer and the Richard Hannon-trained Bonus.