New twist in Diore drama

THE drama surrounding Investec Derby outsider Diore Lia took another twist when owner Richard Aylward backed down on his threat to withdraw the filly and booked apprentice Paddy Pilley to ride her. On Wednesday evening, Aylward said he would not run the 1,000-1 shot because the BHA had invoked Rule 83 allowing them to refuse the booking of Gina Mangan (right) on safety reasons. Mangan, 25, has one career win and has never ridden at Epsom. Pilley is based with Roger Charlton and has ridden 34 winners and had four rides at Epsom. The BHA’s stance gained support from dual Derby winning jockey Ryan Moore and the Professional Jockeys Association said it was the correct decision. But an aggrieved Aylward, who has tried to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital on the back of Diore Lia’s run, said he intended speaking to the Queen about the matter when she inspects the Derby runners in the paddock. Given the heightened security, such a move would be ill-advised and have as little a chance of happening as Diore Lia finishing in the first three. There will be a female apprentice in the Derby after Aidan O’Brien booked daughter Ana for his outsider The Anvil. Ana has ridden 58 winners. O’Brien has six of the 19-strong field. Ryan Moore rides O’Brien’s Cliffs of Moher. YORKSHIRE trainer Kevin Ryan may have no runners at Royal Ascot this month after a case of equine herpes was found in one of his horses. The BHA have placed a temporary stop on Ryan’s entries, which has been extended to neighbouring trainers Michael Herrington and Bryan Smart.