Kentucky Derby: Master of Hounds being strongly considered to run

There very well could be a European representative in this year's Kentucky Derby. Master of Hounds is being strongly considered for the race, according Monday to an Irish-based spokesman for Coolmore Stud's John Magnier, who owns Master of Hounds.

"At the moment, the plan is for Master of Hounds to run in the Derby," said the spokesman, who asked not to be identified but has spoken with authority on Coolmore-related matters in the past. "He still has a few pieces of work. After that, the trainer will decide."

Master of Hounds, a son of Kingmambo, is trained by Aidan O'Brien, whose last Derby representative was Johannesburg, who finished eighth in the 2002 Derby.

Master of Hounds was second in the United Arab Emirates Derby in his lone start this year. He is currently at Ballydoyle in Ireland. No decision has been made on when Master of Hounds would ship to the United States, or who would ride him in the Derby, the spokesman said.

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