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Ed Dunlop with John Leeper at La Grange Stables. Photo credit: Ed Whitaker
The excitement amongst the team at La Grange Stables is beginning to build as the finishing touches are being applied to Derby hopeful, John Leeper.
Last seen storming to a clear length and three-quarter victory in the Listed Fairway Stakes at Newmarket, under a positive ride from William Buick, John Leeper has come out of his race feeling fresh and well.
Adam Kirby, who received the call up last week to partner the son of Frankel in his Epsom assignment, has since had the opportunity to sit on him both at home and at Epsom during a racecourse gallop. Although John Leeper is very lightly raced, it was a delight to see him handle the undulations of Epsom with ease.
With five days and counting until the big day, our job now is to keep the horse fit, healthy and sound leading up to the race. We would like to wish owner breeder, Mrs Patino, the very best of luck as John Leeper is sent out to emulate his dam’s Classic performance.