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Joseph O'Brien will miss the opening day of the Irish Flat season

Gleneagles is first past the post in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardiere
Image: Joseph O'Brien will be riding over hurdles

Joseph O'Brien will miss the opening day of the Irish Flat season and is booked to ride over hurdles at Limerick instead.

The 21-year-old has twice been crowned champion jockey on the level but he will bypass the first card of the new season in favour of riding Egyptian Warrior in the Family Fun Day Rated Novice Hurdle.

O'Brien's mount is trained by his father Aidan for owner JP McManus and has won two of his four outings over obstacles.

O'Brien is due to be at the Curragh after racing to ride some of his father's illustrious Flat string in now-traditional post-race gallops, and it is understood he will continue to ride on the Flat this season.

"Joseph told me earlier in the week he was going to ride at the weekend so we're looking forward to it," said Frank Berry, McManus' racing manager.

"He's had a lot of experience at eventing and everything like that. It will come naturally to him and we wish him the best of luck.

"He has loads of experience and has been riding over jumps since he was a child. It will come easy to him."

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Aidan O'Brien confirmed his son's plans to return to the Flat in due course.

In a statement to Press Association Sport, O'Brien said: "Joseph is a little heavy at the moment but plans to be back riding on the Flat shortly.

"He has his first ride over hurdles on Egyptian Warrior at Limerick on Sunday after which he will travel to the Curragh to ride work after racing.

"Ryan (Moore) will ride all of our first-string horses at the Curragh on Sunday."

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