THE Irish challenge for the Epsom Derby was strengthened this week when trainer Ken Condon confirmed that Success Days is likely to be supplemented for the race at a cost of £75,000.

A wide-margin winner of two Derby trials at Leopardstown this season, Success Days is owned by Robert Ng, a 63-year-old Hong Kong-based property developer whose family fortune is estimated at more than $11 billion.

Because of business commitments the owner is unable to attend the Derby but he is “very excited” about the colt’s classic prospects, says Condon. “I have spoken to Mr Ng and he has instructed me to prepare Success Days for Epsom. The horse has come out of the Derrinstown in super form; he is gaining weight and maturing all the time. His work is undemonstrative but I know by his demeanour that he is in super form.”

Condon is confident that Success Days has the right temperament for Epsom. “He has a super attitude and a nice, level temperament. The Derby day atmosphere and heat does affect some horses but our horse gives every indication that he will handle it in his stride.”

Aidan O’Brien looks to further strengthen his Epsom Derby team when Giovanni Canaletto runs in the Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday. Ryan Moore’s mount is already as low as 8/1 for the Derby with some bookmakers.

John Gosden has two of the top three in the market - Dante winner Golden Horn (2/1) is to be supplemented for the race and Dante runner-up Jack Hobbs (7/1) looks increasingly likely to join his stable companion at Epsom, having been partly acquired by Godolphin this week.

Dermot Weld’s Zawraq is second favourite for the Derby at around 5/1.