The 134th running of the Preakness will see two horses of Irish interest, Musket Man, trained by Thurles native Derek Ryan, and General Quarters, trained by Irish-American Tom McCarthy, go to post.

Both horses are coming off strong efforts at the Kentucky Derby, where Musket man came in third and General Quarters finished 10th.

Musket man, who gets fed Guinness in his feed, has been drawn in post position three and his trainer, Thurles native Derek Ryan, was not fazed by this spot in the least.

“It doesn’t really matter much to us. We’d be happy with anything from 1-8. We just need a decent pace in front of us, and we should get one in this field,” said Ryan.

Meanwhile, Irish-American Tom McCarhty, trainer of General Quarters, feels his post position is a good omen. “I loved it, absolutely loved it. I told my wife what number I’d get – and it was 8. That’s the same post he had in the Blue Grass (his only Grade I win),” the 75-year-old said.

Also in the race is Kentucky Derby winner Mine that Bird, the colt who traces his lineage back to the famous Irish horse Birdcatcher, who is drawn in post position two and third favorite for the race.

Hoping to put one over the boys is filly Rachel Alexandra, the 8-5 favorite who could not compete in the Derby. She’s all set to go in this one and has been drawn in post position 13, on the outside.

Pioneer of the Nile, who finished second at the Derby, is the second favorite at 5-1.