‘Little setback’ could delay return of Falling Snow

Donnacha O’Brien’s regally-bred filly Falling Snow has had a minor setback which may delay her return to action.

The grey is by Justify, sire of last year’s horse of the year City Of Troy, and out of Winter, who won four Group Ones for O’Brien’s father, Aidan.

On her only outing last year, Falling Snow beat Ballet Slippers, who is trained by O’Brien snr and won her next start at Ascot before finishing a fine third in the Fillies’ Mile behind 1000 Guineas favourite Desert Flower.

“She had a little setback last month, not a big thing, so I’m hoping she’ll still make the Athasi Stakes (Curragh, May 5) but there is a chance she might not,” said O’Brien.

“We’ll feel our way with her. It’s nothing serious but just a little bit of a delay.

“I think she’s a good filly but is a big frame of a girl, so we’ll take our time and make sure we get her right.”