Mr McCann: the horse that has Liverpool’s players dreaming of Epsom Derby glory

Liverpool’s players have won the biggest prizes in football in recent years.

But now five Reds and one of their former team-mates are dreaming of claiming one of the most prestigious titles in horse racing.

Who is involved?

Captain Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - along with Brighton’s Adam Lallana - all played key roles when Jurgen Klopp’s side claimed the Champions League and Club World Cup in 2019 and then the Premier League in 2020.

They’ve also helped Liverpool to several wins in the Merseyside derby against Everton.

However, it’s the Epsom Derby that they’re now eyeing as their latest gong.

The players all own a share in flat racehorse Mr McCann.

He is trained by Tom Dascombe, whose Manor House Stables yard in Cheshire is owned by ex-Anfield striker Michael Owen.

Mr McCann was purchased for £65,000 in April and is named after Liverpool’s head of press, Matt McCann.

Win and you’re in

On Sunday, the two-year-old ran in the Cazoo Derby “Wild Card” EBF Conditions Stakes at Epsom.

Mr McCann was a comfortable five-and-a-half length winner of the affair under a fine ride from jockey Richard Kingscote.

It was the son of Kodiac’s third victory in his seventh career start.

And if that wasn’t good enough, the success means it gives Mr McCann and his owners an automatic entry into the 2022 Epsom Derby - the premier Classic of the season.

What do the bookies make of Mr McCann’s chances?

It’s not a guarantee that Mr McCann will in fact line up in the Derby, which takes place on June 4, 2022.

And, as things stand, the bookmakers don’t fancy Henderson and Co’s chances if the colt did run.

Paddy Power have installed Mr McCann as a 66/1 outsider, with Luxembourg the current 8/1 favourite.