Ed Dunlop feels Sunday’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby may have been one run too many for Native Khan.
The son of Azamour has had a busy time of it this year, winning the Craven Stakes before running third in the 2000 Guineas and fifth in the Derby.
He was beaten just over two lengths in the Epsom Classic, not far behind the likes of Treasure Beach, Carlton House and Memphis Tennessee, but he was well behind the same rivals when seventh of eight at the Curragh on Sunday.
Dunlop now plans to give Native Khan a long break.
“He just didn’t run his race for whatever reason. He actually looked lethargic in the paddock beforehand,” Dunlop said.
“He obviously ran flat as he didn’t run up to anywhere near the same level as he did at Epsom.
“Johnny (Murtagh) said he didn’t feel like the same horse and maybe it was just one race too many.
“I know it sounds a funny thing to say, but we’re just going to put a line through it and he’ll be having a nice, long break now – that was his fourth run of the season.
“We’ll have a good look at him when he arrives home and go from there, but there is no rush as I think he needs a nice rest.”
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