Second Empire was last night confirmed a runner in tomorrow's Hibernia Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh. Christy Roche will ride.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien will also run Bianconi and Coconut Creek in the race, but King Of Kings and Saratoga Springs will be given different targets.

According to O'Brien, King Of Kings has "certainly not been ruled out of the Epsom Derby". As for Saratoga Springs, the French Derby has been described as a "strong possibility" for him.

Saturday week's Italian Derby may also have a Ballydoyle representative, with last night's winner, Desert Fox, and Chateau Royal described as possibles for the race.

Norman Williamson, out of action since last Wednesday, will return to the saddle on Monday. The jumps jockey sustained torn ligaments in his left knee after a fall at Chepstow.