RALF AND MAJOR TRIAL AHEAD OF POTENTIAL SELECT STAKES CHALLENGE

Ian Fortune

Both Ballymac Ralf and Magical Major trialed at Nottingham on Monday night ahead of a potential crack at the Select Stakes.

The former was particularly impressive for Garry Dempsey, stopping the clock in a brilliant 29.12.

Speaking to the Racing Post, Dempsey expressed his satisfaction with the trial, while also confirming that it would be the dog’s final start for him before joining Paul Young in the UK.

Said Dempsey, “He came to me when he was bought out of Liam’s kennel and ran in the [Dundalk] International. He ran so well in that the owners decided to have a crack at the Derby.

“He should have gone over after that, but with the heatwaves there weren’t many transporters going to Britain. It’d be great if I can win the Select with him before he goes to Paul [Young]. Hopefully he gets in. And if he runs well in the Select it might lead to me getting some more good dogs. That’s the way it works.”

Meanwhile, Magical Major also trialed. The Pat Guilfoyle trained star posted 29.84 but is likely to come on considerably for the look around. It would have been better if he had gone faster with his inclusion in the line-up not guaranteed. Guilfoyle will hope they take his most recent brilliant Shelbourne Park form into account as well as his 2025 Derby Plate success.