Aidan O'Brien, plenty of fancied runners at Tipperary today (Healy Racing Photos)
The going is sure to be testing at Tipperary this evening where an all-Flat card kicks off a two-day meeting.
The ground is described as heavy (soft in places) for the seven-race fixture which gets underway at 5.15pm, while there is a mixed card tomorrow evening.
The going is currently soft (heavy in places) on the hurdle track at Tipperary.
Meanwhile the Curragh hosts a potentially highly-informative meeting next Monday with the prospect of Camelot and Parish Hall meeting in the Mooresbridge Stakes.
There is further Group 3 action on the card with fillies going on trial for the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas in the Athasi Stakes.
The going is currently yielding to soft on the round course and soft on the straight course.
Reply scoring at the Curragh as a juvenile (Healy Racing Photos)
Former Classic-placed colt Reply takes a big drop in class at Tipperary this evening as he seeks his first success in 19 months.
Aidan O'Brien's charge was good enough to finish third behind Power in the Irish 2,000 Guineas last year, but his form tailed off since and he was last seen when last in the Golden Shaheen in Dubai last month.
The Ballydoyle handler is evidently looking for a confidence-boosting win and it will be disappointing if he cannot account for his rivals in the Follow Tipperary Races On Facebook Race
O'Brien also sends Line Drummer to the track for the Fundraising Events At Tipperary Races Handicap, and he will be aiming to pick up where he left off after winning a heavy-ground heat over course and distance at the end of last term.
He may lack the edge over recent Limerick scorer Diesel Ten and Caesaria, who backed up his Curragh triumph with a third placing at Naas.
There could be several duels between O'Brien and Dermot Weld on the card, with choicely bred newcomers Freewheel and Resolute Response locking horns in the Events At Tipperary Racecourse Maiden.
Weld's recent Naas victor Pay Day Kitten tackles the O'Brien-trained Kingdom in the Follow TipperaryRaces On Twitter Handicap.
However, Kingdom was put in his place by Jim Bolger's Morning With Ivan when the pair clashed at Leopardstown, and a 5lb pull in the weights may not be enough for him to gain his revenge.
O'Brien sends two for the Book Online At TipperaryRaces.ie Maiden, with newcomer Victory Song joined by Agreement.
Hurricane Sky and Benalex Park both won at Gowran on Sunday and now clash under 5lb penalties in the TipperaryRaces.com Handicap, while The Four Elms is aiming to supplement a Limerick win in the Youth Raceday On 6th June Handicap.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained Moth has been added to the field for the QIPCO 1000 Guineas at the six-day declaration stage after being supplemented at a cost of £30,000.
Unconsidered for the race at 66/1 before her reappearance victory in a Curragh maiden, that success was evidently enough to see connections decide to throw her into the mix at Newmarket.
Stablemates Magical Dream and Snow Queen have also been left in the contest as possible starters, but it is the Sir Henry Cecil-trained Hot Snap, the winner of the Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket earlier this month, who heads the betting.
Runner-up Sky Lantern and third-home Winning Express are set to re-oppose from that race, while another leading fancy Just The Judge was also in action at the Craven meeting - but only in order to take part in a racecourse gallop.
French-trained possibles What A Name and Celtic Filly are both possible starters among a field of 18.
Indian Chief showed an impressive turn of foot to win the opening race at Leopardstown this evening, the Bulmers Live Summer Racedays 2013 3yo Maiden, for Aidan & Joseph O’Brien.
Sent off the 4/7 favourite, the son of Montjeu, had just one run last year finishing second to subsequent French Group 1 winner Loch Garman at Navan.
His debut run was over a mile and stepped up in trip to one and a quarter miles today he was settled in rear as Dubai Deer attempted to make all under Chris Hayes for Paul Deegan.
Indian Chief made smooth progress as they turned for home and once Joseph O’Brien asked him to go on, he quickly went to the front inside the final furlong, going on to score comfortably by two lengths.
Dubai Deer ran a fine race to finish second at 8/1 while so did the Jessica Harrington trained newcomer Protestant, who finished a further length and a half back in third at 25/1 under Fran Berry.
Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "I was afraid as last year he ran into Jim's horse (Loch Garman) and he emptied out.
"For a Montjeu colt he has plenty of speed. They went a steady gallop and he quickened up well. Being dropped in last in a slowly run race you might think it’s not the right place to be but he picked up easily.
"He might be a Dante (Dante Stakes, York May 16th) horse and the fellow who won here yesterday (Battle Of Marengo) might come back here."
The winner is now 20/1 (from 33's) with Stan James for the Derby.
Aidan O'Brien and his son Joseph completed a treble on a good day's work for the Ballydoyle men at Leopardstown today when St Nicholas Abbey's lead horseJustification landed the concluding Leopardstown Club Members Handicap.
Justification, which cost 550,000Gns as a yearling, had been absent for 233 days but showed no rustiness, wearing down front running Whatuthink in the straight before holding off that rival's renewed effort close home for a three parts of a length win.
O'Brien, earlier successful with top class prospects Declaration Of War and Battle Of Marengo, later revealed “he (Justification) was leading St Nicholas Abbey at home last year so he'd a tough job!
“He was nicely in today and he had to stay (in winning), as the second horse was coming back at him. He'll go for another handicap next.”
Battle Of Marengo enhanced his Epsom Derby prospects with a win in the Group 3 P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown today, scoring a double on the day for trainer Aidan O'Brien and his jockey son Joseph O'Brien.
The son of Galileo stretched his unbeaten record to four when readily giving away 5lbs to four rivals, improving past leader Sugar Boy two furlongs out before passing the post a length and three parts in front of that rival.
Aidan O'Brien Snr stated “it's very heavy ground today and you'd have to be delighted with that - as a start off you couldn't ask him to do any more.”
“He's a lovely mover and you'd have to say he'd prefer good ground. He'll come back here for the Derrinstown Derby Trial next month.”
Boylesports later cut Battle Of Marengo to 8/1 (from 12s) for the Epsom Derby although Paddy Power left him unchanged at 12s for the same race.
The win was completing a double for Ballydoyle having earlier had success withDeclaration Of War.
Testing conditions proved no obstacle forAidan O'Brien trained Declaration Of War in the Listed Heritage Stakes at Leopardstown today, earning his place in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes next month.
The son of War Front, under Joseph O'Brien, drifted markedly in the betting (from odds-on out to 6/4) as the ground became gradually worse but he quickened well to lead a furlong out before readily defeatingBold Thady Quill with 5/6 favourite Sweet Lightening well held in fourth.
Aidan O'Brien stated “we're going to go for the Lockinge at Newbury and that was the plan coming here. He wants fast ground and its a bit surprise that he went on that. He is so strong though - a big powerful horse and I'd imagine he'll come on from that run.”
Aidan O'Brien concedes he is "fighting time" in his bid to get Kingsbarns to the Investec Derby.
Already ruled out of the Qipco 2000 Guineas, it is hoped the winter favourite for the premier Classic could still make a Derby trial but the Ballydoyle trainer revealed any prep race would be left as close to the June 1 Epsom showpiece as possible.
O'Brien told At The Races: "We dreamed he could have been a Triple Crown horse this year, but that wasn't to be.
"He was always the horse we were dreaming about but things haven't gone well with him, we hoped to have him at the Curragh (to gallop) a couple of weeks ago, but he didn't make it and we are just struggling a little bit to get him 100 per cent.
"He's in the pool a lot and we are trying to catch up. He's no chance of making the Guineas, anyway.
"You can never be confident (of getting to the Derby) and I'd imagine it (a Derby trial) will be a late one, because it is time we are fighting with him. It (a trial) will probably be as close to the Derby as we can get because we want to give him as much time to get back as we can really.
"It's far from ideal that we got stopped when we did, he was totally stopped for 10 days. We are forcing as much as we can without risking the horse because we always thought he was very special."
El Salvador completed a hat-trick this year when making all in the mile and a half Summer Twilight Nights Race to complete a double on the day for Aidan and Joseph O’Brien.
Successful on his previous two outings on the polytrack at Dundalk, the Galileo colt coped very well with the much different ground conditions here and dictated matters from the front.
The well-backed evens favourite Voleuse De Coeurs travelled well into the straight but last year’s Cesarewitch winner was unable to make any inroads into the two-length advantage held by the winner.
El Salvador (15/8) stayed on strongly inside the final furlong to record a two and a quarter lengths winning margin, with Chicago another five and a half lengths adrift in third.
The field was reduced to just four runners after Encrypted Message (lame) and Military Bowl (change in ground conditions) were both taken out.
Aidan O’Brien said, “That isn't his ground and he wants it better. There is a big engine in there and I'd say he is a fair horse. He kept picking up and picking up and he'll come back here for the Martin Molony Stakes (on June 21)."
The O’Brien’s earlier initiated their double with 2/7 chance Marchese Marconi in the mile and three furlongs maiden.
Odds-on punters had their fingers burned twice earlier in the evening but Marchese Marconi, who failed when a 1/5 favourite at Dundalk last week, had few worries in justifying odds of 2/7 in the mile and three furlongs maiden.
Trained in Ballydoyle by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by his son Joseph, the Galileo colt was sent to the front off the home turn.
He galloped on strongly in the testing ground to comfortably account for chief market rival Prima Vista (7/2) by four and a quarter lengths, with newcomer Vimkeeping on late to take third another eight lengths adrift.
Aidan O’Brien said, “He was very raw and babyish in Dundalk and the cheek-pieces just helped him to concentrate. He was a long time off before the Dundalk run and the ground might have been an issue - he was staying on to the line then though.”
Joseph O’Brien commented, “He’s a big immature horse who will improve with racing. Hopefully he can progress up through the ranks, and who knows where he’ll wind up. He’s a fine big horse.
“He was a bit lazy and idle last time, and probably a bit green as well. He had the cheek-pieces today and they just helped him to travel.”
Aidan and Joseph O'Brien doubled their tally in the [email protected] Handicap when Count Of Limonade put up a good performance to score, adding to the earlier Ballydoyle gains with Master
Speaker.
The betting wasn't much help to punters in the four runner affair as David Wachman's Love And Cherish was the one for money, contracting into 4/5 from 6/4 this morning.
In the face of that support, Count Of Limonade went in the opposite direction, from 5/4 in the offices first thing out to a starting price of 2/1.
Champion Joseph O'Brien kept things simple from the front on the top-weight and he eventually won going away from Love And Cherish, by two and a half lengths.
Aidan O'Brien summed up things by saying: "I'm delighted with that. Those Dukes (sire Duke Of Marmalade) seem to improve from two to three.
"He won twice last year with good tough performances. The Duke was like that himself – a hardy, tough horse.
"He'll step up to a conditions or a listed race and he wouldn't mind going a mile and a quarter."
Fergal Lynch weighed in 1.9 pounds over-weight on the third placed Eusepio and he received a one day ban as it was his second offence of this nature.(GC & EM)
Master Speaker had to be asked a question or two by Joseph O'Brien but he was nicely on top at the finish to justify odds of 1/5 in the www.dundalkstadium.com Maiden.
Experienced and consistent, In Salutem set out to make all and he had the hot-pot on the stretch from the two furlong pole.
However the once-previously-raced Master Speaker got the message inside the final furlong and he found another gear to prevail by a length and a half.
Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "He won nicely. He was a bit green but the surface was new to him." (GC & EM)
Joseph O'Brien is looking forward to partnering Declaration Of War on his seasonal reappearance in an interesting Heritage Stakes at Leopardstown on Sunday.
A two-time winner as a juvenile when trained in France by Jean-Claude Rouget, the four-year-old was raced sparingly during his first season in Ireland.
Aidan O'Brien's American-bred colt was ultimately well beaten by the admirable Famous Name on his Irish debut at the Curragh in September, but went on to win his next two starts, including the Group Three Diamond Stakes on the all-weather at Dundalk.
He faces five rivals over a mile on his return in this Listed event, with O'Brien also saddling perennial pacemaker Windsor Palace.
"I'm looking forward to riding him," said the champion jockey.
"He's a massive, big horse, who takes plenty of work, so hopefully he's ready enough to do himself justice.
"He won at Dundalk towards the end of last season and although he only won half a length, he did it very easy.
"Hopefully the ground isn't too bad as he's really a good ground horse."
Declaration Of War's biggest threat would appear to be Tommy Carmody's Sweet Lightning, so impressive in the Irish Lincolnshire at the Curragh three weeks ago.
His jockey Johnny Murtagh said: "He was very good at the Curragh and he's stepping back up to Listed class now. We've been very happy with him since his last run and hopefully he'll run another good race.
"There is big talk about Aidan's horse and he looks smart, so he's probably the one we all have to beat."
Aidan O'Brien has mapped out an early-season plan for his dual Derby winner Camelot that will culminate with an appearance at Royal Ascot.
Camelot also won the 2000 Guineas in a stellar three-year-old campaign and was just denied the Triple Crown by Encke in the St Leger, before being unplaced in the Arc.
Shortly after his trip to France he developed colic but has made a full recovery and was seen moving well in a public gallop at the Curragh recently.
"I've been delighted with him since he came back, he's shown all the speed and the class that he always had," O'Brien told At The Races.
"I'm really looking forward to him. I think he'll come back to the Curragh for the Mooresbridge (May 6), if everything then goes well hopefully he'll go to the Tattersalls (Gold Cup) and then he might go to the Prince of Wales's.
"If everything goes well that is what we are thinking for the early part of the season."
O'Brien also had news of his two Dubai winners, St Nicholas Abbey and Lines Of Battle.
"Races like the Coronation Cup and the King George are likely for St Nick, we experimented a bit last year with different ways of riding him and different trips but Joseph and Derrick (Smith) were adamant he wants to be ridden handy this year and that's what they did," said O'Brien.
"The plan for Lines Of Battle is the Kentucky Derby, he seems to have come out of the race well, travelled well and in an ideal world he would have preferred a better lead but that was the way the race worked out."
Leopardstown host their renowned 'trial's day' this coming Sunday and it'll be another important afternoon for the Ballydoyle team as they finalise their classic plans.
Talking after Master Speaker scored at Dundalk, Aidan O'Brien outlined plans.
The County Wexford native said: "Battle Of Marengo will run in the Ballysax. He's in good form. We're happy with him and he's ready to start.
"We've always liked him and he's progressed nicely over the winter.
"The United States will run in the trial (the Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial). He's in good form and ready to start as well.
"Snow Queen (a Leopardstown 1,000 Guineas Trial contender) is in good form whilst Declaration Of War will probably run in the stakes race (the Listed Heritage Stakes).
"George Vancouver (a Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial entry) probably won't run." (GC & EM)
The United States bids to build on a narrow debut success last season when he tackles the Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial Stakes at the Dublin track on Sunday.
A half-brother to the classy filly Fire Lily, he is trainer Aidan O'Brien's sole representative from six original entries.
"He's only run once and Sunday will be his first run in a long time," said his jockey Joseph O'Brien.
"We're happy with him, he's ready to start off, but because he hasn't run in so long he might be a little bit rusty. That's why we're putting the cheekpieces on, just to sharpen him up a bit. Hopefully he'll run a nice race."
Dibayani was just a head behind The United States when the pair made their debuts at the Curragh in July.
After winning his second start over the same course and distance, Dibayani was placed behind smart sorts in First Cornerstone and Battle Of Marengo in Listed races after that.
His trainer Michael Halford is looking forward to the Shamardal colt returning to action.
"The United States beat us in a maiden at the Curragh last year, so it will be interesting to see that line of form. We're hoping for a good run from him," said Halford.
"We've been lucky in that we've not been held up. He's had a racecourse gallop so he's pretty forward."
Move To Strike looked a decent type when winning his maiden by nine lengths at the Curragh in May only to run below expectations when fourth in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot.
"The run at Ascot is the only blot on his copybook and he's had a nice break since," said trainer Jim Bolger.
"He's done well (over the winter), he's in good form and I'm happy to let him take his chance."
Fort Knox led home a Richard Hannon-trained one-two-three in a Newbury maiden last October before joining Tommy Carmody's yard in County Kildare.
The Dubawi colt has been doing the right things at home, according to his rider Johnny Murtagh.
"He's a nice horse and won his maiden in Newbury nicely," said the jockey.
"We don't know a lot about him but he seems in good shape, we're happy with him at home and hoping for a good run from him."
Joseph O'Brien is hoping conditions at Leopardstown do not deteriorate ahead of Battle Of Marengo's highly-anticipated return to action in Sunday's PW McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes.
A winner of three of his four juvenile starts, Battle Of Marengo ploughed through the Curragh mud when signing off for the year in the usually-informative Beresford Stakes in late September.
However, O'Brien is sure his mount is far more effective on a sounder surface and he would prefer for the ground not to be too testing for Battle Of Marengo's three-year-old debut.
"He's in good form and he's just ready to start off. If he runs a nice race, we'll be happy," said Ireland's champion Flat jockey.
"I would be a little but worried if the ground went very soft. There's no denying he gets through it all right, but I've always thought he was a better horse on better ground.
"He's a lovely moving horse and the day he won in Leopardstown last year on good ground, my saddle slipped, I couldn't push him at all in the straight and he still broke the track record.
"For his first run back and his first run over a mile and a quarter, you wouldn't want the ground to be too bad."
Battle Of Marengo is one of two runners for the rider's father, Aidan O'Brien.
The master of Ballydoyle has saddled six previous winners of this recognised Derby trial, with subsequent Epsom heroes Galileo and High Chaparral both on the roll of honour, as well as the incredible Yeats.
The second O'Brien runner this weekend is the Seamie Heffernan-ridden Foundry, who created a big impression when making a winning debut at Leopardstown in early November.
Joseph O'Brien said: "He only had the one run towards the back-end of last year, but he couldn't have done it any easier than he did.
"Seamus was very impressed with him and we were all delighted, so hopefully he'll run a nice race on Sunday as well, but Battle Of Marengo is obviously the form horse."
Joseph O'Brien has allayed fears about the well being of leading Investec Derby contender Kingsbarns.
The Galileo colt headed ante-post lists for the Epsom Classic throughout the winter following his thoroughly impressive display in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster, but trainer Aidan O'Brien revealed late last month his three-year-old had suffered a minor setback.
The master of Ballydoyle effectively ruled Kingsbarns out of the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and he has been a notable drifter in the Derby betting in the last 24 hours, with some bookmakers promoting the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Telescope to outright favouritism.
However, the trainer's son Joseph, who rides another of his father's leading Derby hopes in Battle Of Marengo in Sunday's Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown, reports Kingsbarns to be on course to take in one of the Derby trials.
He said: "I don't think there's any change to the situation we were in before. He's back cantering and we're hoping he'll be ready to run in a Derby trial somewhere. He was working very well before he had the setback and he's an exciting horse for this year."
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner George Vancouver is the star name among the 18 entries for the 2,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown on Sunday.
Aidan O'Brien's Henrythenavigator colt - mentioned favourably by the trainer after galloping at the Curragh last month - was third to Dawn Approach in the Dewhurst before travelling to America, where he ran out a decisive winner.
O'Brien has also entered Festive Cheer, Flying The Flag, Francis Of Assisi, Magician and the once-raced The United States.
Jim Bolger has started the season in red-hot fashion and has Trading Leather, Dewhurst runner-up Leitir Mor, Move To Strike and Alpinist to choose from.
Mick Halford's Dibayani, Tommy Carmody's Fort Knox, High Octane from John Murphy's yard and David Wachman's Fighter Squadron are other interesting contenders.
Richard Hannon's Moyglare winner Sky Lantern is one of 14 possibles for the 1,000 Guineas Trial.
O'Brien is again strongly represented, with Snow Queen, Magical Dream and Greek Goddess all entered. Bolger's Bunairgead, John Oxx's What Style and Wachman's Hint Of A Tint all look promising types.
Once the penny dropped Ruler Of The Worldshowed a good turn of foot to wear downManalapan in the three-year-old maiden and give Aidan and Joseph O’Brien a double at the Curragh.
The winning distance at the end of a mile and a quarter was a comfortable three parts of a length and Aidan O’Brien thinks he could be a horse with a future: “I’m delighted with that horse. He had a few little setbacks and that’s why he didn’t run at two.
“He’s lazy and he just does what he has to. We’ll step him up gradually. He’ll go for a conditions race next and we’ll go gently with him.
“He’s a lovely horse, a sleepy horse and there could be anything in there.”
Manalapan had forged on for home and only got caught close to the home. He was returned at 25/1 and was seven and a half lengths clear of St Jean in third also at 25/1.
Hudson’s Bay was the uneasy even money favourite (8/15 in morning trading). He had been fractious in the parade ring and reluctant to load and finished fourth.
There was an on course gamble on John Oxx’s unraced Jumaira Tower – 16/1 to 6/1. However, he was never dangerous in eighth.
Aidan and Joseph O'Brien had a Curragh double with Moth and Ruler Of The World.
Moth propelled herself into the Classic picture when running out an impressive winner of the fillies maiden at the Curragh this afternoon.
Joseph O'Brien settled the Galileo filly behind the leaders in the early stages before pulling wide for a run over a furlong out.
The 11/8 favourite quickened smartly to hit the front inside the final furlong and went away in the closing stages to post a four-and-a-half length winning margin.
The winner had been beaten favourite on two starts last term. She could now be supplemented for the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket.
“She did it well. We thought she was nice last year but she got beat a few times,” said Aidan O'Brien afterwards.
“Obviously I was giving the wrong instructions and instead of making use of her she should have been held up.
“She's able to change gears. It was a slow run race and she came from behind which I imagine wouldn't have suited. She quickened up well.
“She could go for a trial or head straight to Newmarket for the Guineas. It depends on what happens.”
Moth has been introduced at 16/1 for the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket by Stan James.
O'Brien also reported his colts on course for the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket.
“The wheels are still on! Mars is still going that way and I'm very happy with Cristoforo Colombo. We also have George Vancouver and Pedro The Great and they are all still standing so far.”
MAY 13
Aidan O'Brien: aims to run five in the Investec Derby on Saturday
PICTURE: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)
O'Brien reveals jockeys for Epsom Derby quintet
BY TONY O'HEHIR7:56PM 29 MAY 2013
AIDAN O'BRIEN has confirmed riding arrangements for the 2013 Investec Derby and has found berths for Ryan Moore and Richard Hughes but not Frankie Dettori.
O'Brien plans to have five runners in the Epsom Classic on Saturday with son, Joseph, confirmed to ride Battle Of Marengo, the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial winner.
Magician will not be declared at Thursday morning's final stage after connections opted to aim the Irish 2,000 Guineas winner at the St James's Palace Stakes, also over a mile, at Royal Ascot next month.
Moore will be on Ruler Of The World, on whom he won the Chester Vase, with Hughes booked for Mars who finished sixth to red-hot Derby favourite Dawn Approach in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas.
Dettori will not be involved in Ballydoyle's riding arrangements for the Classic in which Seamie Heffernan will partner Festive Cheer with Colm O'Donoghue on Flying The Flag.
O'Brien said: "We discussed plans for Magician and decided to wait a bit longer before running him again. The Derby comes only a week after the Irish Guineas and while he came out of his win at the Curragh very well, it is a long season. We will train him for the St James's Palace Stakes.
"The plan is to have five runners in the Derby subject to all the horses passing their routine tests before declaration time in the morning."
Hughes is a rare accomplice for O'Brien in recent years but did ride for Ireland's champion trainer during the 2012 Breeders' Cup meeting at Santa Anita in November, partnering seventh-placed Lines Of Battle in the Juvenile Turf won by stablemate George Vancouver, who was ridden by Moore.
However, trainer and jockey have teamed up before in the Derby, in 2009, when O'Brien ran six in an attempt to topple Sea The Stars.
The bid proved unsuccessful but Hughes fared second best of the Ballydoyle sextet as Fame And Glory under Heffernan chased home the winner with Hughes next best on Masterofthehorse.
Magician is likely to miss the Epsom Derby (Healy Racing Photos)
Irish 2000 Guineas winner Magician is set to sidestep Saturday's Investec Derby at Epsom, according to owners Coolmore Stud.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien raised the possibility of the Galileo colt bidding for a quickfire Classic double when leaving his Curragh hero in the Derby field at Monday's five-day stage.
However, with Coolmore having a further five runners in the mile-and-a-half contest, including long-time leading fancy Battle Of Marengo, Dee Stakes winner Magician is set to be saved for another day.
Coolmore tweeted: "At the moment Ballydoyle has 5 intended Epsom Derby runners (Battle Of Marengo, Festive Cheer, Flying The Flag, Ruler Of The World & Mars).
"It's possible this could change depending on how the horses are in the morning prior to declaration."
Moth represents Aidan O'Brien
in Friday's Oaks (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien saddles two runners in the Investec Oaks at Epsom on Friday, with son Joseph partnering 1000 Guineas third Moth in preference to runaway Cork maiden scorer Say (Seamie Heffernan).
O'Brien's Snow Queen was the only withdrawal from the confirmation stage. The Ballydoyle handler has saddled four previous Oaks winners, including last year's heroine Was.
Ante-post favourite Secret Gesture features among 11 fillies declared for a superb renewal of the Classic.
The daughter of Galileo shot to prominence for the mile-and-a-half feature with a devastating display in the Lingfield Oaks Trial and will bid to give trainer Ralph Beckett his second win in the race, following Look Here's triumph in five years ago.
Secret Gesture will carry the colours of Qatar Racing for the first time after Sheikh Fahad snapped up a half-share earlier this week, but Jim Crowley keeps the ride.
Beckett has an interesting second string to his bow in Pretty Polly winner Talent, the mount of Richard Hughes.
Hughie Morrison runs Cheshire Oaks winner Banoffee, supplemented at a cost of £30,000, while Sir Michael Stoute's Liber Nauticus was towards the head of the betting even before enhancing her claims with victory in the Musidora Stakes.
Michael Bell runs Madame Defarge and The Lark, with the field completed by Gertrude Versed, Roz and Miss You Too.
King Of The Romans strides clear for Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
King Of the Romans is undoubtedly one of the lesser lights in Ballydoyle but, at the start of a big week for the yard, he got off the mark at the ninth time of asking at Ballinrobe in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden.
The son of Holy Roman Emperor was sent straight to the front on leaving the stalls by Joseph O’Brien in this nine-furlong event but was headed around halfway byMadam Mo.
However the champion jockey got a great run up the inner entering the short straight to take it up again, and the 100/30 chance soon settled the issue to beat the staying on newcomer Modista (16/1) by three and three quarter lengths.
The frustrating Cocktail Hour (5/2) held every chance approaching the straight but was again found wanting in third, with 9/4 favourite Madam Mo also weakening to finish fourth.
Joseph O’Brien said afterwards, “I’m happy enough with that. He’d run well before and he was probably just coming up against better horses in those auction maidens.”
Dawn Approach (Kevin Manning) winning the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket (Healy Racing Photos)
Dawn Approach will face a maximum of 14 opponents in Saturday's Investec Derby at Epsom after German raider Chopin was supplemented today.
Jim Bolger's unbeaten Qipco 2000 Guineas winner has stamina questions to answer on the Downs having never run over further than a mile, and even his effervescent trainer has admitted there is no guarantee he will stay a mile and a half.
However, he is a very short-priced favourite to add another Classic to his record.
He could at least face one surprise rival in the shape of Aidan O'Brien's Magician, an easy winner of the Irish 2,000 Guineas on Saturday, while German contender Chopin has been supplemented at a cost of £75,000 by Andreas Wohler.
O'Brien can also call on Derrinstown Trial winner Battle Of Marengo, Newmarket Guineas sixth Mars, unbeaten Chester Vase winner Ruler Of The World, Flying The Flag and Festive Cheer.
Andrew Oliver's First Cornerstone, who ran a pleasing race when fifth in the Irish Guineas on what was his seasonal reappearance, is another possible for Ireland along with David Wachman's Galileo Rock.
Andre Fabre took the spoils two years ago with Pour Moi and has followed a similar route to Epsom with Ocovango.
York's Dante Stakes is usually seen as the best trial in Britain and Elaine Burke's Libertarian won that in good style, beating Trading Leather, who has also been left in by Bolger.
James Tate's Mirsaale and the John Ryan-trained Ocean Applause complete the confirmations.
Leading Light beats Little White Cloud at the Curragh (Healy Racing Photos)
The progressive Leading Light toughed it out well from the front to justify odds of 4/6 in the Group 3 Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes under Joseph O'Brien at the Curragh.
The win, bringing up a double for Ballydoyle after Sir John Hawkins' victory in the first, looked like it mightn't be achieved for a stride or two as Little White Cloud andCount Of Limonade tried their cases from the quarter mile pole.
However, despite left off the rail inside the last, the victorious Montjeu colt was well on top at the finish, prevailing by two and a quarter lengths.
Aidan O'Brien said: "He's a lazy horse. He doesn't mind going along in front and there's always plenty there when you want it.
"He has plenty of pace and he's able to get a position. He's a very straight-forward Montjeu – he can get a position early, travel along and he can be tough at the end.
"He's lazy that's why he wears the cheek-pieces. It helps him from being too lazy early on.
"He's a possible for Ascot or the Irish Derby. He wouldn't mind ten furlongs, a mile and a half or even two miles – I don't think it matters to him." (GC & EM)
Irish 2,000 Guineas hero Magician is to be left in the Investec Derby at the confirmation stage on Monday.
Previously impressive in winning the Dee Stakes at Chester over 10 furlongs, the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt dropped back to a mile on Saturday and ran out a stunning winner of the Curragh Classic.
Afterwards, Coolmore supremo John Magnier suggested - by his own admission "tongue in cheek" - that he could go for the Derby, while conceding that Royal Ascot and the St James's Palace Stakes would be the more obvious route.
However speaking at the Curragh on Sunday, O'Brien said: "He pulled out fine from the race and he'll be left in the Derby tomorrow.
"The lads haven't made a decision yet. They'll get all the information about how he is and then make a decision. It's definitely possible.
"It (a mile and a half) would be a bit of a concern with what he did yesterday as he showed so much speed, but he got a mile and a quarter easily at Chester and he has a relaxed way of galloping."
Of the remainder of his Investec Derby squad, O'Brien added: "They'll all be left in but I'm not sure about Nevis."
Sir John Hawkins (nearside) beat Intensified (middle) and Sudirman at the Curragh (Healy Racing Photos)
Sir John Hawkins lacks nothing on pedigree and despite a little market unease the juvenile made a most pleasing debut when landing the Big Bad Bob European Breeders Fund (C & G) Maiden at the Curragh.
The mating of Henrythenavigator and Peeping Fawn was a match made in heaven and with his tongue lolling out, their son, Sir John Hawkins did them proud when travelling well throughout before prevailing in the six furlong opener under Joseph O'Brien.
When asked for his effort from over a furlong out, Sir John Hawkins quickened well inside the last to eventually see off the fancied pair, Intensified (the second favourite) and the front-runner, Sudirman (10s this morning into 11/2) by three parts of a length and a head.
Aidan O'Brien, the winning trainer, said: "You'd have to be delighted with that. I was afraid he might be a bit babyish but he got a lovely lead and loves the fast ground.
"What can I say – he is by Henry out of Peeping Fawn – all I can do is destroy him after that!
"He'll have learned plenty from that. Whether Royal Ascot would come too quick I'm not sure.
"He has loads of speed. He was a bit green today but he'll learn more by being up there." (GC & EM)
Spellbinding Magician takes another Classic for Galileo
(25th May 2013)
The incredible Galileo was responsible for another Classic winner on Saturday when Magician (3c Galileo-Absolutelyfabulous, by Mozart) took the G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh in fantastic style.
Joseph O’Brien bided his time aboard the G3 Dee Stakes winner before taking the lead two furlongs from home and finishing three and a half lengths clear of stablemate Gale Force Ten.
“The key to him is fast ground. He settles very well and has a great attitude,” O’Brien told irishracing.com.
Magician is trained by O’Brien’s father Aidan, who was winning his 29th Irish Classic, and he suggested a trip to Royal Ascot could be next on the agenda.
“We always thought he was very smart and he has a lot of class. He has the movement and looks and is an exciting horse,” said the trainer. “He’s a beautiful horse and has a lot of options now. I imagine next week (the G1 Epsom Derby) might come too quick for him. We’ll look forward to Ascot. He could go for the G1 St James’s Palace Stakes.
“He’s a very straightforward horse at home. He’s very calm, but very sharp. He’s by Galileo which makes him extra special. He’s uncomplicated which is a great sign of a horse usually. Everybody saw what he did at Chester. A mile and a quarter is no problem to him. He’s built like a miler, but stays further.”
Out of the Mozart mare Absolutelyfabulous, Magician hails from the outstanding family of Henrythenavigator.
Another great day for Galileo continued at Goodwood when Frankel’s brother Noble Mission (4c Galileo-Kind, by Danehill) took the Listed Tapster Stakes by four lengths.
Magician romps home in the Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh (Healy Racing Photos)
Magician showed his magic in the first Irish Classic of the season when decisively winning the 2,000 Guineas by three and a half lengths at 10/3.
Trading Leather and Kevin Manning set out to make the mile a proper test when racing into a clear lead.
He couldn’t keep up the pace though and when Joseph O’Brien sent his charge in pursuit two furlongs out the result was never in doubt.
A furlong and a half out Magician drew alongside Trading Leather and quickened away.
Gale Force Ten tried to chase him down, but could make no impact and had to settle for second at 7/1. He did though give Aidan O’Brien a one-two in the classic.
Trading Leather occupied third at 6/1 for Jim Bolger, beaten five lengths by the winner.
Joseph O’Brien commented: “The key to him fast ground. He settles very well and has a great attitude. You couldn’t say he wouldn’t stay further than a mile and a quarter.”
Aidan O’Brien said: “We always thought he was very smart and he has a lot of class. He has the movement and looks and is an exciting horse. You have to have a lot of speed in Chester [won Dee Stakes].
“Cristoforo Colombo wasn’t 100 per cent, but the owners made the right decision to come here with this horse. Joseph said he went to the line really strongly.
“He’s a beautiful horse and has a lot of options now. I imagine next week [Epsom Derby] might come too quick for him. We’ll look forward to Ascot. He could go for the St James’ Palace Stakes.
“He’s a very straightforward horse at home. He’s very calm, but very sharp. He’s by Galileo which makes him extra special. He’s uncomplicated which is a great sign of a horse usually.
“We are always happy when there’s pace on. It makes it more straightforward for everybody. To win a strongly run race over a mile at the Curragh you have to get a mile and a quarter.
“Everybody saw what he did at Chester. A mile and a quarter is no problem to him. He’s built like a miler, but stays further.”
Aidan O’Brien’s wife Anne Marie added: “He handled the ground very well. He closed the gap on the leader very easily. He has been working very well at home. Aidan had to rethink his plans for this race after Cristoforo Colombo had a setback.”
Owner John Magnier said: “Magician has plenty of pace in his breeding and has Galileo there too. We are really looking forward to Camelot tomorrow. The vets did a good job on him.”
Joseph O’Brien has had three rides in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and incredibly now three winners – Roderic O’Connor (2011), Power (2012) and Magician today. He now has ridden eight Irish classic winners in total.
Aidan O'Brien has admitted Frankie Dettori is in the frame to ride for the stable this season.
The jockey is hoping to get clearance early next week from the French authorities to return to race-riding after his six-month worldwide ban and he has ridden work at Ballydoyle this spring.
Asked at the Curragh today if he would like to use Dettori this season, O'Brien said: "Absolutely, Frankie has always been a great rider, he still is and always will be."
O'Brien added that he hoped to finalise his Derby riding plans in the middle of the week.
He said: "We have a great team of riders and hopefully we will get the team sorted in middle of the week."
Coach House and Joseph O'Brien in winning action at the Curragh (Healy Racing Photos)
Coach House put in a taking performance in the Listed Marble Hill at the Curragh when beating Club Wexford by a length and three parts.
Abbakova showed speed in this small but select field as she blazed a trail in the five furlong contest. However, at the furlong pole she was grabbed by Club Wexford and Coach House.
Joseph O’Brien asked Coach House to go on and the 4/6 favourite readily bounded away to put daylight between himself and Club Wexford (7/2).
Abbakova kept on for third at 16/1 under Pat Smullen, having been 33/1 in the morning.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien said: “We thought he was a nice horse. He won nicely last time. He’s a lovely two-year-old. He has speed enough for five so he has all the options at Royal Ascot.
“Joseph said he showed lots of speed and that he even got there a bit early on him. He’ll maybe get six or seven furlongs in time.”
Owner John Magnier added: “Maybe the five furlong Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot would be a race for him.”
Aidan O’Brien’s Stubbs was also due to contest this race, but was pulled out earlier today due to a stone bruise. This caused a shake-up in the market, but Coach House was still nicely backed down to 4/6.
Coach House improved O’Brien’s record in this race to nine wins from the last 15 renewals.
On his 2,000 Guineas favourite Magician, who runs at 3.20pm, Aidan O’Brien said: “He is in good form. He’s a good moving horse. A mile and a quarter on a sharp track at Chester would be equivalent to a mile here.”
Glassatura, left, shows plenty of dash at the Curragh (Healy Racing Photos)
Bye Bye Birdie was nailed on the line by newcomer Glassatura (33/1) in the six furlong juvenile fillies maiden that got 2,000 Guineas day under way at the Curragh.
Glassatura was switched out to the centre of the track and sprouted wings in the final furlong under Shane Foley to wear down the 1/2 favourite who led throughout on the rail.
Joseph O’Brien on Bye Bye Birdie jumped out smartly from stall 12 and grabbed the stands-side rail in taking the field along.
A furlong and a half out he asked for more and it looked like the daughter of Oasis Dream would improve on her runner-up finish first-time out at Naas.
However, despite hitting 1/50 in-running, she couldn’t hold off Glassatura who was trapped behind horses before being switched out to deliver her challenge.
“She’s a very smart filly. She showed her class when she got out. She appreciated the six furlongs and she’ll improve a lot,” Shane Foley commented.
Trainer Michael Halford said: “She has shown us plenty form the start at home. We do like her and she could go on to better things. She got the trip well. She might go up in trip not back.
“We’ll step her up into a Listed race at Naas [3rd June]. We wanted to get a nice introduction into her and she did well to win from where she was.
“Shane said she was keen going to the start so he dropped her in and she was probably further back than he wanted to be.
“She accelerated well when she got into the clear. I expect her to come on from the run.”
Glassatura won by a neck from Bye Bye Birdie with Tap Dancing (13/2) a further three parts of a length away in third for David Wachman and Wayne Lordan.
The winner paid almost 67/1 on the Tote.
Patty Paige was withdrawn not under orders, after becoming restless in the stalls.
Starspangledbanner on his way to victory in the 2010 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot (Healy Racing Photos)
Starspangledbanner is set to stand at Rosemont Stud in Australia after being retired from racing for the second time.
The seven-year-old was a Group One performer in Australia before being purchased by the Coolmore team and switched to the care of Aidan O'Brien in 2010.
He won the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot that year as well as the July Cup before eventually being retired that autumn.
However, he returned to training last season after suffering fertility problems but failed to recapture his best in six starts, most recently finishing well down the field in Dubai.
Despite Starspangledbanner's previous problems, Rosemont principal Anthony Mithen is optimistic about his chances of a successful career at stud following the resurgence of another stallion, Foreplay, who also suffered fertility issues.
He said: "We will be trying some new fertility techniques that weren't available when Star last stood at stud. He is a little older and more mature and we take some real heart from the job that was done on Foreplay.
"Our bloodstock manager Dean Harvey oversaw the transformation of Foreplay from a sub-fertile stallion to a real commercial option, now batting at close to 80% fertility. Stem cell treatment really helped and from what we understand, Starspangledbanner and Foreplay's areas of concern are very similar," he told www.rosemontstud.com.au.
Starspangledbanner will serve a limited number of mares and his fee has yet to be decided.
Frankie Dettori still hopes to be able to ride at next week's Investec Derby meeting after making some progress towards having his licence reinstated.
The 42-year-old rider had planned to be back in action this week after serving a six-month ban handed out by France Galop after he tested positive for cocaine at Longchamp last September.
However, a "private matter" between Dettori and the Medical Committee of France Galop has so far prevented the French regulator from clearing the jockey to return, with the British Horseracing Authority reciprocating that stance.
Dettori has been in France for the last two days trying to iron out the problem with France Galop and his solicitor Christopher Stewart-Moore believes progress has been made.
He told Press Association Sport: "The latest position is that Frankie Dettori has been in France for the last two days at France Galop.
"The matter has moved forward and we are expecting a positive result.
"We are hopeful that the glitch has been ironed out so that he can get his English licence in time to ride in the Derby."
BHA spokesman Robin Mounsey confirmed they are still awaiting the relevant information from France Galop and there has been no change in the position of racing's rulers.
Champion Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien will rely upon Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial winner Battle Of Marengo and Mars as he bids to win the Investec Derby for a fourth time.
The Ballydoyle handler said his son, Joseph, was "short enough odds" to ride Battle Of Marengo in the Derby, and confirmed only 2000 Guineas sixth Mars alongside him, with plans to be made for the rest.
O'Brien explained that plans for his Derby team had yet to be made final. "It's all a little bit up in the air at the moment, but they are all in good shape so far," he said.
"Obviously Battle Of Marengo was always going to stay home for the two trials and the other horses were going to go for the trials elsewhere.
"We said after Newmarket that Mars would go for the Derby and he probably will end up going there as well. Obviously we have Ruler Of The World and Magician, and there are a few other options apart from that.
"We'll probably get towards the end of the week when they are doing their work, but they've all been together and done their half-speeds
"Joseph has always ridden Battle Of Marengo, I think he's probably short enough odds to ride him. Mars will go if everything else goes well with him between now and then. Whatever else goes, we're not 100% sure."
Although jockey bookings have yet to be firmed up, O'Brien expects that to be a straight forward issue once running plans have been confirmed.
"Obviously there's Seamie (Heffernan) and Colm (O'Donoghue) and Ryan (Moore) has also ridden for us. I don't think that's going to be a problem. All those things usually fall into place."
Aidan O'Brien has declared a team of four as he goes for a ninth triumph in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday.
A field of 10 is set to line up for the colts' Classic, with the Ballydoyle trainer responsible for ante-post favourite Magician, Flying The Flag, George Vancouver and Gale Force Ten.
Johnny Murtagh was aboard three of the eight O'Brien winners and he aims to get his training career off to a flying start when he saddles Ask Dad and Fort Knox in the one-mile showpiece.
This race has so far eluded trainer Jim Bolger and the Coolcullen handler tries this time with Trading Leather, having removed his four other possibles.
First Cornerstone, trained in Northern Ireland by Andy Oliver, is set to make his seasonal debut in the Classic after a slight setback forced him to miss the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial.
Richard Hannon has successfully plundered the Irish 2,000 Guineas three times and the Herridge handler sends a powerful duo in the shape of Van Der Neer, third in the Newmarket equivalent, and Havana Gold, who was fifth in the French version.
Camelot pictured winning at the Curragh earlier this month (Healy Racing Photos)
Last year's dual Derby hero Camelot tops five Aidan O'Brien-trained possibles for Sunday's Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh.
The four-year-old, who also won the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket last season, was struck down by colic after his run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe but reappeared this season with a straightforward win in the Mooresbridge Stakes.
Also in the mix for the Ballydoyle team is last year's Oaks winner Was along with El Salvador, Windsor Palace and Ernest Hemingway.
Al Kazeem has been given the green light to travel over by his trainer Roger Charlton after a good piece of work on Monday.
Dermot Weld's Ribblesdale winner Princess Highway could still run, despite disappointing in the Blue Wind Stakes last week.
David Wachman's Aloof and Joanna Morgan's Negotiate are the other possibles.
Last year's Oaks winner Was could make her seasonal return in the Group Three Abu Dhabi Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday.
Aidan O'Brien's charge failed to win again in four starts after her Epsom victory, although she twice finished third in Group One company.
She is the only Ballydoyle entry in the race, in which David Wachman has the choice of Aloof and Precious Stone, both of which are also owned by the Coolmore team.
Sir Henry Cecil's Dahlia Stakes second Chigun and the Roger Charlton-trained third Thistle Bird could clash again while William Haggas' Sentaril is the other British-trained contender.
The well-regarded Caponata has been entered by Dermot Weld while Ger Lyons' Lily's Angel has already won at Listed and Group Three level this term.
Lady Wingshot, La Collina, Romantic Stroll and Sindjara complete the list of 11 possibles.
Cristoforo Colombo - Guineas favourite (Healy Racing Photos)
The Guineas Spring Racing Festival gets under way at the Curragh next Saturday when the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas is the highlight of an eight race card. There are a total of 19 entries for the Group One Classic, including the Johnny Murtagh trained and ridden Fort Knox and eight from the powerful Aidan O’Brien yard.
Murtagh only received his licence to train from the Turf Club last Friday and the Co Meath-born man is really looking forward to Saturday. “I got the licence on Friday and it’s all systems go,” commented Murtagh today. “Fort Knox is a decent colt and will appreciate a decent bit of ground. We could not be happier with him and he is ready to put up a big showing. We supplemented Ask Dad for the race and he is likely to take his chance too.”
Trainer Richard Hannon has left three in the race, including Newmarket 2000 Guineas third Van Der Neer, along with Olympic Glory (who got no run in the French 2000 Guineas from a bad draw) and Havana Gold. Cristoforo Colombo, Mars and George Vancouver, fifth, sixth and 10th respectively behind Dawn Approach at Newmarket, are the three main Aidan O’Brien hopes, but he also has Flying The Flag, Forester, Magician, Pedro The Great and French 2000 Guineas fourth Gale Force Ten to rely on. Meanwhile, trainer Andy Oliver has also committed First Cornerstone to the race.
Jim Bolger has left four in the race, but the Co Carlow-based trainer is likely to plump for Loch Garman following that horse’s second placing behind Battle Of Marengo at Leopardstown just over a week ago. “He has come out of the Leopardstown race and the plan is to run him in Saturday’s race,” commented Bolger.
Bookmaker Paddy Power have installed Cristoforo Colombo as there 3/1 favourite for the Tattersalls-sponsored race. They then go 100/30 Olympic Glory, 5/1 Van Der Neer, 7/1 Fort Knox, 8/1 Gale Force Ten, Loch Garman, Mars and Trading Leather, 12 George Vancouver, Magician and Havana Gold, 14/1 Pedro The Great, 16/1 Leitir Mor, 20/1 Bar.
The Group Three Abu Dhabi Stakes has attracted 12 quality entries and will be one of the races of the weekend. Dermot Weld, who won this race 12 months ago with Emulous, will rely on Caponata this time around, while Kempton Listed winner Lily’s Angel is also primed to run along with Precious Stone, Sindjara, Was, La Colina and Aloof. There are three British-trained entries in Chigun, Sentaril and Thistle Bird.
Gordon Lord Byron, Maarek, Jimmy Styles, Cape Of Approval, Hitchens, Slade Power and Gale Force Ten are among 20 entries for the Group Three Weatherbys Ireland Greenland Stakes, while there are 11 entries for the Listed Cold Move EBF Marble Hill Stakes.
1st race 1.45pm
Admission 20 euro, Seniors and Under 25s 10 euro, Under 16s Free. Trains to Kildare Town with free shuttle to racecourse. Dublin Coach service from Dublin to Curragh – see dublincoach.ie for details
Entries for Sunday will be published at 12 noon tomorrow. The eight race programme will feature the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas, Tattersalls Gold Cup and President of the UAE Cup, while it is also Ladies Day with spectacular prizes for the Most Stylish Ladies and Men judged by Norah Casey and Aoibhin Garrihy of Fair City fame. Other attractions over both days include a Boutique Shopping and Food Village, Pamper Clinic for ladies with Shades & Shapes and display of the Etihad Formula One Ferrari Car.
Aidan O'Brien's Half Moon to be tested by Mischief N Mayhem and Sharp Crisp Air
Updated: Wednesday, 22 May 2013 13:41 | 0 Comments
Aidan O'Brien
Aidan O'Brien is gearing up for a Classic weekend and warms up with just one runner at Clonmel on Thursday.
Half Moon has a Classic pedigree in her own right, in that she is out of Irish 1000 Guineas and dual Oaks runner-up Quarter Moon, and she was only one place behind subsequent Group Three-winning stablemate Just Pretending on her Dundalk comeback.
She drops back slightly in trip for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden, which kicks off proceedings at 5.55pm, and has most to fear from the slightly more experienced pair of Mischief N Mayhem and Sharp Crisp Air.
The latter's trainer, Dermot Weld, is represented in the Fethard Maiden by Treasure The Ridge.
A Galileo gelding from the family of High Chaparral, he hasn't hit the heights perhaps expected of him so far but a repeat of his latest third at Limerick would be good enough for him to take a hand in this finish, with the step up to a mile and a quarter also in his favour.
Longshadow got off the mark on his handicap debut at Wexford last Saturday and Patrick Prendergast turns him out again quickly under a penalty in the 'Girls Night Out At Clonmel Races' Handicap before the assessor takes his revenge.
Time Travel has been given slightly longer to recover from his surprise Dundalk defeat of The Black Devil, although the runner-up re-opposes on 3lb better terms in the Jossestown Handicap.
The National Hunt action gets under way with the Clonacody (C & G) Maiden Hurdle, in which Elijah Gardner attempts to build on his improved effort to finish third at Kilbeggan at the beginning of the month.
Sulki Rose was just touched off at Down Royal and has a 3lb rise to contend with in the Powerstown Park Handicap Hurdle, while Faustina Pius has let down favourite-backers the last twice and bids for redemption in the Team Tipperary GAA Race Evening June 14th Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Godolphin drugs scandal with St Leger winner Encke casts shadow over Camelot's doomed Triple Crown quest
The 2012 St Leger could have raised one horse to immortality. Instead, the race will forever be tainted
Flashpoint: Encke (right) wins the 2012 St Leger to deny Cameot (left) the Triple CrownPhoto: GETTY IMAGES
A shadow cast by Encke’s positive test is that his victory in last year’s St Leger
prevented Camelot from becoming the first since Nijinsky in 1970 to win Flat racing’s
Triple Crown.
Mahmood Al Zarooni’s winner tested clean that day at Doncaster but the ramifications
are still grave for the racing game.
Encke’s triumph in the sport’s oldest Classic at 25-1 was a shock that foiled a
Corinthian quest by the owners of Camelot, who happen to be the great rival clan to
Godolphin, now reeling again from the discovery that seven more horses from Al
Zarooni’s were shown to have been injected with steroids.
Twenty-two horses in Al Zarooni’s care are known to have been doped by their trainer
in racing’s biggest modern cheating scandal.
Encke’s positive result, though, is a disaster all by itself. It casts doubt on a whole
season of Flat racing and requires an asterisk to be placed next to the final Classic of
2012.
Though the horse was clean in that race, the fact that he had steroids in him at the start of this season will raise valid suspicions about what he might have been given last year.
The so-called Coolmore mafia, whose trainer is Aidan O’Brien, must be tempted to
exact the maximum PR victory from Godolphin’s shame.
Even if there is no clear evidence of skulduggery when Camelot set off for the final leg of the Triple Crown after winning the 2,000 Guineas and Derby, the details of the Doncaster race are under intense scrutiny.
Camelot, the 2-5 favourite, was the standard bearer for the Coolmore operation. John
Magnier, one of his owners, claimed to be motivated by a romantic urge to see
another Nijinsky grace the turf.
Had Camelot prevailed then O’Brien would have become the first trainer to win all five
British Classics in a single season.
In the race Camelot was held at the back of the field by his jockey Joseph O’Brien,
and encountered traffic problems in the home straight. Encke, who ran on the orders
of Sheikh Mohammed, Godolphin’s owner, got first run on Camelot and won by three
quarters of a length: still a narrow margin in a mile and three quarter contest.
Camelot’s defeat was blamed partly on his hard race in swampy conditions in the
Irish Derby.
After the race Al Zarooni said: “I thought Camelot would catch us as I remembered
the way he quickened in the Derby [but] I knew Encke was tough and would keep
going.”
The 2012 Leger is entering the realms of infamy. This was the race that Frankie
Dettori says caused him to dabble with cocaine to lift his spirits after the Encke ride
was assigned to Mickael Barzalona, his rival in the Godolphin camp.
Dettori’s subsequent decision to ride Camelot in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
hastened the end of his relationship with Godolphin. Dettori has yet to ride again
after his six-month ban for testing positive for cocaine in France.
Again there is no evidence of a conspiracy to stop Camelot heaping glory on the
Coolmore operation at Doncaster but the BHA now needs to retrace its steps and re-
examine Encke’s dope tests in 2012.
The BHA says he was tested after two of his four races: at York on Aug 22 and again
after the St Leger on Sept 15. Clarification is needed on the steroids for which Al
Zarooni’s horses tested positive and how long they can stay in a horse’s system.
That information is vital to assess whether an illegal substance could have been
administered to Encke between Aug 22 and Sept 15 without showing up in the
second of those tests.
This is the kind of rigorous investigation racing needs if it is to restore confidence in an industry that has been shaken by race-fixing and now doping scandals.
The clean bill for Saeed bin Suroor’s yard is the welcome part. It shows the problem to be confined to Al Zarooni’s Moulton Paddocks stable, which Bin Suroor is now clear to add to his existing stock.
But that brings only fleeting relief. The scale of Al Zarooni’s cheating only
accentuates the need to find out who, if anyone, assisted him.
His appeal against an eight-year ban from the sport could yet bring new revelations,
assuming he proceeds with it.
The BHA, whose zero-tolerance policy on performance enhancing drugs is to be
applauded, has acted decisively so far, but must avoid the impression of cosying up
to Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin to stop them fleeing British racing.
Sheikh Mohammed himself should volunteer to be interviewed about Al Zarooni.
Turning on his heels when questioned on television at Newmarket will not repair the
damage to Godolphin’s reputation.
The 2012 St Leger, meanwhile, may be beyond rescue. Camelot’s doomed Triple
Crown mission will always be clouded in doubt. The damage is spreading.
I can't tell you how angry i feel today i have never felt so sad or deflated and i have to admit I cried like a baby after the Leger i never felt so depressed. But now today we find out that the Leger winner has failed a steroid drugs test i feel so sad that CAMELOT he was denied HISTORY because of cheats its just disgraceful.
And although Encke did not fail a drugs test after the Leger the effects of Anabolic Steroids would have been present
muscles + performance long after they have left the system +
it becomes undetectable it all leaves us wondering what might have
been JUSTICE FOR CAMELOT.
Leger winner Encke among seven more Godolphin horses to fail drugs test
Last year's Ladbrokes St Leger winner Encke is one of seven horses to have returned a positive test for an anabolic steroid following further testing at the yard of Mahmood Al Zarooni.
The BHA undertook an extensive testing programme at the yard of the trainer following his eight-year suspension after he admitted adminstering banned drugs to 15 horses in his care.
The BHA testing has now uncovered another seven horses, including the Doncaster winner, who have returned positive results for the steroid stanozolol.
Testing at the other Godolphin yard of Saeed bin Suroor returned no positive results for banned substances, the BHA said.
In the dock: Seven more horses trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni
Joseph talks about the disappointing performance of Declaration of
War - thanks to Jason Doyle
Voleuse gets her revenge on Salvador
By Donal MurphySun 19th May 2013, 16:42
Voleuse De Coeurs is driven out by Pat Smullen to beat Missunited and El Salvador (Healy Racing Photos)
After being beaten by El Salvador at Limerick on her seasonal debut, Voleuse De Coeurs got her revenge this afternoon as she took the Listed Coolmore Vintage Crop Stakes under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld.
The four-year-old daughter of Teofilo won the Cesarewitch at the Curragh last October by an impressive ten lengths but she was beaten into second by El Salvador on her first start of 2013 at Limerick last month, over a mile and a half.
Stepped back up in trip this afternoon to a mile and three quarters, the Lady O’Reilly owned bay was settled behind the leaders and was fourth at the halfway stage.
She travelled well over two furlongs out and she just edged ahead at the furlong pole, staying on well under pressure from there to score by two lengths at the line.
Missunited (10/1) lost little in defeat as she finished a brave second under Seamie Heffernan for Michael Winters while El Salvador (5/4fav) could only manage third, a further four and a half lengths back under Joseph O’Brien for his father Aidan.
Dermot Weld said afterwards: "I see her as being very progressive and possibly an outstanding stayer. I thought she would win and this is a race I wanted to win.
"She was very good over staying distances last year. She is entered in the Ascot Gold Cup but that might be a bit soon for here. She could go for the Curragh Cup and then the Irish St Leger and she could be a Gold Cup horse next year.
"Conditions were perfect for her today, she always wants a little ease in the ground.
"Navan deserve credit for the efforts they made today with the track and facilities for kids are excellent here today."
Plinth sheds hid maiden tag at Navan (Healy Racing Photos)
Jockey Joseph O’Brien brought up a Navan double for his father Aidan and himself when guiding Plinth home by half a length in the mile and five maiden at Navan.
The 5/4 favourite hit the front over a furlong out, but was hard pressed all the way to the line by his market rival Mourani (7/4) on the inside. John Oxx’s Mourani had led throughout and didn’t give best until late on.
Jim Bolger’s Teocht kept on well into third to be beaten a length by the winner at odds of 12/1.
Plinth was nicely backed this morning from 9/4 to 6/4. Joseph O’Brien commented: “He’s improving with racing and got to the front a bit soon.”
Plinth holds an entry in the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Ascot.
Stubbs & Joseph O'Brien on their way to victory (Healy Racing Photos)
The well-bred Stubbs got off the mark on the second time of asking as he ran out a comfortable winner of the Requinto EBF Maiden over five furlongs.
The Aidan O’Brien trained son of Danehill Dancer (quick double for the sire after True Verdict took the first), finished third on his debut at the Curragh in March in the first 2yo maiden of the year.
He was sent off the 4/5 favourite to oblige this afternoon and he hit the front over a furlong from home, stretching clear from there to win by four and a half lengths at the line.
Treadstone kept to take second under Wayne Lordan for Tommy Stack at 16/1 while The Organ Grinder was a length and a half back in third at 11/4 for Chris Hayes and Kevin Prendergast.
Winning rider Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "He travelled well and quickened up well. He is bred to get further so he’ll be a nice horse for next year over a trip".
The winner, who holds an entry in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh in August, is out of Moonstone who won the Irish Oaks back in 2008 for Aidan O’Brien.
He is also a half-brother to Nevis, who is Epsom Derby bound after his easy win in the Betfred Derby Trial Stakes at Lingfield last weekend.
Bet Victor
Open an account with BetVictor and we'll match the value of your first bet with a free bet up to £50. Best odds Guaranteed on all UK & Irish Racing, Bet now with BetVictor.
Joseph O'Brien admits Declaration Of War faces by far the stiffest test of his career in Saturday's JLT Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.
The winner of five of his six starts to date, the four-year-old is jumping up in class from winning a Listed race on his reappearance, although he did win a Group Three contest at Dundalk last October. That leaves him with plenty to find on the figures for this prestigious race but he has been heavily backed all week with the expectancy that he will handle the rise in grade in his stride.
Aidan O'Brien has several options in all the middle-distance Group Ones this summer, but a victory for Declaration Of War could make him the go-to horse for the main events.
His jockey said: "He's progressed through the ranks steadily since he joined us and he's been very good. This is his biggest test by far, though.
"He won over one-mile-three at Dundalk but he won over a mile in France before he joined us and then won over a mile at Leopardstown last time out, he's very versatile regarding his trip.
"The quicker the ground the better for him, I think, because his best performance for us was at Dundalk. He met plenty of trouble that day and did really well to win. If he were to win this he'd have plenty of options for the rest of the season because he's already shown he stays further than this."
Declaration Of War runs in the Lockinge (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien's Declaration Of War, a midweek gamble for the JLT Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday, heads a field of 13 for the first Group One of the season for older horses.
The former Jean-Claude Rouget-trained colt was available at 7-2 on Monday but sustained support now has him as the clear favourite around the 7-4 mark.
O'Brien also runs Reply.
Saeed bin Suroor's Farhh, second in four Group Ones last season, twice behind Frankel, makes his eagerly-awaited reappearance in a race his trainer has won four times.
Roger Charlton's Cityscape avoided Frankel last season as he was in the same Khalid Abdullah ownership but he suffered his own near-misses behind Excelebration.
This year he is likely to stay at home rather than travelling around Europe.
John Gosden supplemented Fencing after an impressive display at Ascot on his first run as a gelding.
Beauty Parlour is an intriguing runner for Sir Henry Cecil.
Last year's French 1000 Guineas winner and Oaks runner-up has only had one prior run for Cecil when she disappointed in the Sun Chariot Stakes.
Roger Varian has always highly rated Aljamaaheer but so far he was been found wanting when upped in class.
Richard Hannon won the race in 2010 and 2011 with Paco Boy and Canford Cliffs respectively but his representative this year, Trumpet Major, will need a career-best here.
Hannon also runs Libranno, the mount of Kieren Fallon.
Connections of David O'Meara's Penitent, last seen in Hong Kong at Sha Tin, will be hoping for rain.
Chil The Kite, Sovereign Debt and German raider Amaron complete the field.
Hanky Panky & Joseph O'Brien on their way to victory (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O’Brien won this race, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden, in 2007 with subsequent four time Group 1 winner Peeping Fawn and the Ballydoyle maestro could have another Group 1 winner on his hands as Hanky Panky showed an impressive turn of foot to get off the mark on the fifth time of asking.
The daughter of Galileo is a half-sister to the mighty Giant’s Causeway and it has been well publicised that she needs a sound surface to be seen at her best.
She disappointed in the past on soft and heavy ground but on yielding to soft this evening she quickened up well to hit the front a furlong out, going on to score by a length and a quarter at the line.
The Kevin Prendergast trained Nabat Sultan (12/1) travelled strongly two furlongs from home but she couldn't match Hanky Panky and had to settle for second.
Sharp Crisp Air, who was backed from 7/2 to 5/2 on-course, finished three and three parts of a length back in third under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld.
Joseph O'Brien said afterwards; "She relaxed well and she quickened up nicely. She is a nice filly but she needs good ground and that’s the best she’s had for a while even though it’s quite dead.
"The hood relaxed her a bit. She has been unlucky and we thought she’d win her maiden on slow ground even though she wants it better. A couple of things didn’t go right for her."
St Nicholas Abbey will be bidding for his third straight Coronation Cup win (Healy Racing Photos)
St Nicholas Abbey is on course to attempt to become the first horse to win the Investec Coronation Cup three times.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained six-year-old heads the 12 entries for the mile-and-a-half Group One at Epsom on June 1st following the latest scratchings deadline.
St Nicholas Abbey, who beat Midday in 2011 and swept to victory from Red Cadeaux last year, took his Group One tally to five when lifting the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan in March.
O'Brien has a strong back-up squad in Chamonix, El Salvador, Ernest Hemingway and Imperial Monarch.
Connections of Dandino will look at this race for the Group Two winner, whose main target in 2013 is the Melbourne Cup.
The six-year-old, fourth in this race in 2011, shaped with promise on his first run for trainer Marco Botti when runner-up in the Qipco Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket.
"We are considering the Coronation Cup for Dandino. The owners have told me to leave him in the race and we will just monitor the ground because he is a fast-ground horse," said Botti.
"The long-term plan is the Melbourne Cup and, although it would be good to win the Coronation Cup, we have to be mindful of his handicap mark for Australia.
"If the race cut up and the ground is fine we might just have a look because the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, which is also an option, can be just a tough as a Group One now it has no penalties."
International interest is provided by 2011 Melbourne Cup victor Dunaden, trained in France by Mikel Delzangles, and Very Nice Name, who has been left in by Qatari-based Alban de Mieulle and was last seen when third behind St Nicholas Abbey at Meydan.
The list of possibles is completed by 2012 Derby second Main Sequence, Chapter Seven, Joshua Tree and Sir Graham Wade.
Joseph O'Brien rode a winner for his mum Anne-Marie (Healy Racing Photos)
It looked only a matter of time before Marchese Marconi swallowed up frontrunner Baltiman in the finale at Killarney and so it proved as Joseph O’Brien pressed the button in the home straight and away the pair went went.
The top weight coasted home by six lengths to justify 4/6 favouritism in the one mile six race. Nouveau Moulin (5/1) hung right in the home straight, but the six-year-old mare ran a creditable race to come in second on her first outing on the ‘flat’ after running in bumpers.
Aidan O’Brien trains the four-year-old son of Galileo for his wife Anne-Marie. His son Joseph commented after dismounting: “He did what he was entitled to do and he stays well. He won a middling race nicely and I’m hoping he’ll handle nice ground.
Indian Chief runs in the Dante at York (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien's Indian Chief heads a field of eight for the Betfred Dante Stakes at York on Thursday.
O'Brien has carried all before him recently on the Derby trials front and his latest candidate was impressive in winning a Leopardstown maiden last month.
In the shock absence of Telescope, the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing operation rely solely on the Luca Cumani-trained Greatwood, who missed the Lingfield Derby Trial on Saturday due to rain-softened ground.
Kieren Falllon would not have been able to ride at the weekend due to suspension but is back in action on the Knavesmire.
Saeed bin Suroor seeks a third Dante success with Secret Number, who lost his unbeaten record when third to O'Brien's Lines Of Battle in the UAE Derby. He will be ridden by Silvestre de Sousa.
Mark Johnston's Windhoek (Joe Fanning) has already run twice this season, picking up a valuable sales prize at Newmarket - where he edged Greatwood - and following up back on the Rowley Mile in a Listed event.
Ghurair for John Gosden further represents that sales race at Newmarket as he was third that day, while Jim Bolger runs an interesting contender in Trading Leather, last seen finishing fifth in the Racing Post Trophy to Kingsbarns.
David Elsworth's Dashing Star and the Elaine Burke-trained Libertarian complete the line-up.
One of Ballydoyle's biggest Derby Rivals Telescope Derby Run In Doubt.
Telescope put on antibiotics after grazing legs. If run in Derby, will have to go straight there without prep race it is confirmed that he will now bypass the Dante
Battle Of Marengo & Joseph O'Brien on their way to victory from Loch Garman in second (Healy Racing Photos)
Battle Of Marengo underlined his Epsom Derby credentials as he eased to victory in the feature race at Leopardstown this afternoon, the Group 2 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Joseph (double on the day for them), the son of Galileo was completing a five timer today as he went off the 2/13 favourite (was 1/3 this morning and opened at 1/5 on-course).
Having settled in second behind Dont Bother Me he took over in front four furlongs out. He was ridden a furlong from home and he kept on strongly in the final furlong to come home a comfortable length and three parts in front of Loch Garman (9/2) in second for Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning.
Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "That all went to plan. We had to go on with him or it would have been a very steady pace.
"He has just ticked over since the last day. You would have to be happy with him. He is lazy in front but he gave a good blow afterwards.
"He loves fast ground as he is a great mover.
"The three owners will decide where he goes next. It’s going to be an interesting Dante now (Dante Stakes at York on May 16th, Indian Chief the likely O’Brien runner).
Boylesports shortened Dawn Approach for the Derby after the win to 6/4 from 7/4. They also shortened Battle Of Marengo from 5/1 to 4/1.
Joseph O'Brien drives out Just Pretending to beat Hint Of A Tint on the outside
After winning her maiden at Navan last Tuesday, the Aidan O’Brien trained Just Pretending (6/1) followed up in the Group 3 Derrinstown Stud 1000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown this afternoon.
Ridden by Joseph O’Brien, the daughter of Giant’s Causeway raced in third in the early stages behind the 13/8 favourite We’ll Go Walking.
The Jim Bolger trained favourite was headed two furlongs out and she quickly faded eventually finishing last under Kevin Manning.
Just Pretending took over in front two furlongs out and she kept on well from there to hold off the challenge of the David Wachman trained, Fran Berry ridden, Hint Of A Tint (6/1) by a neck at the line.
The Mick Halford trained Mizzava was a further two and a quarter lengths back in third under Shane Foley at the odds of 14/1.
Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "She is a funny lady. She gives trouble at the stalls and needs to be loaded early.
"She has loads of ability and she showed that at Navan. She could go for the Guineas now and she might step up to a mile and a quarter. She is a fine big filly."
The winner is a half-sister to the Grade 3 winner in the US called The Leopard, who cost $2,500,000 as a two-year-old.
Maarek will be ridden by Jamie Spencer in the Group 3 Prix St George (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien is double-handed in the Poule D'essai Poulains (French 1000 Guineas) at Longchamp this afternoon, with Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag.
Ryan Moore will be on Dundalk Listed winner Gale Force Ten while Colm O'Donoghue will be in the plate on Flying The Flag, who will be making his seasonal bow.
Joseph O'Brien has ridden both horses in the past but will have to forgo a trip to France in order to ride leading Derby hopeBattle Of Marengo at Leopardstown.
He said: "Gale Force Ten is a good horse and won nicely in Dundalk over seven furlongs.
"He's stepping up to a mile now and there is a bit of a question mark, but hopefully he'll run a good race. Flying The Flag won his maiden and was second to First Cornerstone in the Futurity, but disappointed after that. Hopefully he'll come back and run a nice race."
Elsewhere on the card the David Nagle trained Maarek takes his chance in the Group 3 Prix St George.
Jamie Spencer will ride the ultra consistent six-year-old who will be bidding for a hat-trick of wins having scored at Ascot and Naas on his last two outings.
Jockey Joseph O'Brien is hoping the rain stays away from Leopardstown to allow Battle Of Marengo to show his full potential in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial this afternoon.
The Galileo colt moved to the top of Ballydoyle's Derby pecking order with a most impressive performance in the Ballysax Stakes on his seasonal return.
He now follows a tried-and-tested route by aiming to follow up in the Derrinstown, a race Aidan O'Brien has won nine times, including with subsequent Epsom Derby heroes Galileo (2001) and High Chaparral (2002).
Battle Of Marengo is currently second in the Epsom betting, behind Jim Bolger's 2000 Guineas victor Dawn Approach, and although he has shown an ability to handle testing ground, O'Brien jnr feels Ballydoyle's inmate will be even more potent on a sound surface.
He said: "I'd be hoping the rain stays away as, although he has run very well on heavy ground, he is definitely a better horse on better ground.
"One of his best performances was when he won in Leopardstown last year on good ground. The saddle slipped that day and he still broke the track record.
"I'd love to get him on a bit of nicer ground again and, hopefully, he'll get that on Sunday. He was good in the Ballysax, it was his first run of the year and hopefully he'll have come on for that.
"This isn't the be all and end all, it's his second run, and hopefully he'll come on again. I think it looks a better Derrinstown than it has for the last couple of seasons - hopefully we get some nice ground."
Just five runners go to post and the chief opponent to Battle Of Marengo appears to be the Bolger-trained Loch Garman.
The son of Teofilo did not make his debut until winning at Navan last October, the form of which has worked out well, and he was turned out just a week later to land the Group One Criterium International at Saint-Cloud.
While he makes his reappearance over a mile and a quarter, Bolger is considering dropping his charge in trip after this weekend for a tilt at the Irish 2,000 Guineas.
Bolger said: "All is good with him and he doesn't mind about the ground. He's a horse with plenty of toe and he could come back (in trip) for the Irish 2,000 Guineas. He's in the Irish Derby later on."
Andrew Oliver expects First Cornerstone to benefit from his first outing since he finished fourth to the O'Brien-trained Kingsbarns in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster last October.
"He has developed physically and we are very happy with him," the County Tyrone trainer told At The Races.
"We had a hold-up with our gallops earlier in the year so all of my horses were quite behind and are taking a run anyway. Having said that I'm fairly happy with his preparation but I expect him to come on for the run.
"We hope he is well equipped with both speed and stamina to deal with stepping up in trip and being able to travel well and quicken."
The quintet is completed by Dont Bother Me, who makes a swift return for Niall Moran having finished eighth in the 2000 Guineas, and John Oxx's Dundalk maiden winner Little White Cloud.
Nevis, seen here winning at Leopardstown (Healy Racing Photos)
Nevis (4/9f) made light work of his rivals following the late withdrawal of Greatwood ahead of the Lingfield Derby trial.
With the ground officially changed to soft, the decision to withdraw the likely market leader was made but Aidan O'Brien's colt wasn't aware of the circumstances and he duly slammed his three rivals by an easy nine lengths.
Elidor plugged to be a remote second with Pasaka third.
Kevin Buckley, Coolmore's UK representative, said of the winner: "The ground changing wasn't ideal, but he had travelled a long way and there was no point not running.
"He handled it OK, and he won decisively.
"It will be up to Aidan what he does once he has seen the rest of the trials."
Luca Cumani said of Greatwood: "We didn't run because of the ground and he will either go for the Dante and then the Derby, or the old Predominate at Goodwood then miss the Derby and go to Royal Ascot."
Sky Bet cut the winnner into 25/1 from 40/1 for the Investec Derby.
Sky Bet's Richard Horner said: "After the defection of Greatwood, Nevis was left with little to beat but he did it will and may well be one of the Ballydoyle battalion heading to Epsom to take on Dawn Approach. However, he's unlikely to be the first string if Battle of Marengo does his stuff tomorrow and a place may be his best hope."
Aidan O'Brien has enjoyed plenty of success across the Irish Sea this week and Battle Of Marengo attempts to put himself at the top of the Ballydoyle Epsom contenders in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown on Sunday.
The Galileo colt signed off his juvenile campaign with victory in the Beresford Stakes and picked up where he left off, defying his Group Two penalty at the expense of subsequent Sandown winner Sugar Boy in the Ballysax.
He now crosses swords with Jim Bolger's unbeaten Group One winner Loch Garman, as well as Futurity hero First Cornerstone, with Dont Bother Me and Little White Cloud rounding out the field.
There are further Classic clues on offer in the Derrinstown Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial and Rawaaq tries to repeat last month's success, stepping up from seven furlongs.
Standing in her way is We'll Go Walking, who lost little in defeat against the year-older Caponata at Gowran Park but may need further than this mile.
Ralston Road was second to We'll Go Walking at the start of April and that form sets the standard in the FM104 Strawberry Alarm Clock Family Days Maiden, while Shadow Eile reverts to the level for the Horse Racing Ireland Pensioners Handicap on the back of a Grade One second at the Punchestown Festival.
Duntle hasn't been seen in public since losing the Matron Stakes in the stewards' room, but David Wachman has spotted a nice point of return for her in the Amethyst Stakes.
She has four rivals to beat, including Bold Thady Quill, who had the re opposing Sweet Lightning a couple of places behind when chasing home Declaration Of War in the Heritage Stakes.
Heart Focus and Ealain Aibrean both hit the crossbar on their racecourse introductions and lock horns in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Maiden, which starts the fixture off at 2.25pm.
Runaway victory for favourite Aiden O'Brien's Say in Cork
Updated: Friday, 10 May 2013 21:24 | 0 Comments
The O'Brien's scored with favourite Say in Cork
Say opened her account at the third attempt with a runaway victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden at Cork.
Joseph O'Brien never had a moment's worry on the 1-6 favourite, trained by his father Aidan, and she simply pulled further and further clear, beating Silky Pyrus by nine lengths.
Ghaamer opened his account at the third attempt with an accomplished display from the front in the Follow Us On Facebook Maiden.
Pat Smullen was happy to bowl along in front on the 1-3 favourite and though Point Piper made sure he had to work for the win, Ghaamer came home two and a quarter lengths in front.
Cape Of Approval shrugged off a welter burden to land the Corkracecourse.ie Race for Tommy Stack.
Favourite Parliament Square cut out the early running, but once Wayne Lordan pushed the 2-1 winner into the lead on the home straight, the race was never in doubt, with Bracing breeze plugging on for third, a length and three-quarters back.
The Four Elms produced a taking effort to land the valuable Follow corkracecourse On Twitter Handicap.
Held up off the pace by Connor King, the 11-4 chance swept into the lead over a furlong out and went on to beat Gunner Lindley by two lengths.
Willie McCreery continued his rich vein of form when September Lily stayed on well to land the first division of the Social package Handicap.
Shane Kelly was on board the 6-4 favourite as she made it four wins in a week for McCreery, finishing her race well to beat Great Ability by two and a quarter lengths.
The second division produced a stunning effort from Conor O'Dwyer's College Boy.
Out with the washing on four previous starts on the level, the 10-1 chance burst through a gap a furlong out and sped clear under Fran Berry, eventually recording a two and a half-length verdict over Cookie Crumbles.
Magician (left) under Ryan Moore was an impressive winner of the Dee Stakes at Chester
Little is given away by the Coolmore camp but the hints were there that Magician could well be the superior of their two Chester Derby trial winners this week.
Although he landed the BetVictor.com Dee Stakes by four lengths, compared with the six managed by Ruler Of The World in Thursday's MBNA Chester Vase, Magician was achieving more on pure form as he defeated a higher-rated runner-up in Contributer.
Both are by Galileo but 13-8 favourite Magician, a winner of one of his four juvenile starts, is out of a Listed-class sprinter in Absolutelyfabulous and Ryan Moore used his inherited speed to disappear into the distance in the final furlong.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien was securing a fourth running of the Group Three and two in a row following subsequent Derby third Astrology last year.
The team's challenge against hot favourite Dawn Approach will not be finalised until Battle Of Marengo has appeared in Sunday's Derrinstown and probably Mars and/or Indian Chief in the Dante.
Kevin Buckley, Coolmore's UK representative, was asked about the Chester winners and said: "I suppose, to be fair, we were equally impressed with both horses.
"Ryan did have quite a smile on his face today. He said he got a good feel from him and was really impressed when he pushed the button.
"Ruler Of The World is destined for mile-and-a-half races but this horse handles a mile and a quarter very well and has a bit of speed in his pedigree."
Magician is 20-1 with Coral, 14s with Ladbrokes, for Epsom and Buckley said later: "It's all about the Derby, it's the race the whole team want to win."
Moore was impressed and said: "He's a very nice horse. He felt relaxed going round there and when you asked he really quickened very well.
"He's got plenty of pace. They are different types (Ruler Of The World and Magician), but both are good ones."
Adding a little context was Ed Dunlop, whose Contributer arrived on the back of a victory at Newbury and was unable to make enough impact with jockey Graham Lee attempting to squeeze up the inside of the field.
"Graham blames himself for getting behind in a slowly-run race. The winner could be very good but it was an unsatisfactory race," said Dunlop.
"The vibes we got were that today's winner was better than yesterday's and I suppose we come away from today not having learnt very much."
Owner Dr Marwan Koukash achieved one of his two racing ambitions for the second time this week by winning the Chester Cup, and it will be up to Luca Cumani and Mount Athos to attempt to swing the other.
Both trainer and owner are hell-bent on a victory in the Emirates Melbourne Cup, and Cumani must now preserve a realistic handicap rating after Mount Athos (13-8) savaged his opponents in the Boodles Diamond Ormonde Stakes.
With O'Brien's 6-5 favourite Memphis Tennessee never looking settled on the tight Roodee, Mount Athos was alone in front and cruised home by nine lengths, with Jamie Spencer searching for virgin ground along the stands rail in the home straight.
Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Magician ran out an easy winner at Chester to land back-to-back renewals of the BetVictor.com Dee Stakes for Aidan O'Brien.
In what was almost an action replay of yesterday's Chester Vase victory, Ryan Moore settled his colt in a close second before quickening on the home turn to put the race to bed in a matter of strides.
Moore brought Magician towards the stands' side rail in the straight in search of the better ground and the Galileo colt stretched clear in good style to earn a quote of 16/1 from 40s for the Investec Derby from Sky Bet.
The 13/8 favourite pulled four lengths clear of Contributer who cut through the field from last place to give chase.
He never looked capable of matching the winner although he did readily account for the remainder.
O'Brien's charge was a disappointing last in a Group Three on his final start of 2012 but Moore was impressed with the manner of his victory on his seasonal reappearance.
"He's a very nice horse. He felt relaxed going round there and when you asked he really quickened very well. He's got plenty of pace. They are different types (Ruler Of The World and Magician), but both are good ones."
Jockey Joseph O'Brien is hoping the rain stays away from Leopardstown to allow Battle Of Marengo to show his full potential in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial on Sunday.
The Galileo colt moved to the top of Ballydoyle's Derby pecking order with a most impressive performance in the Ballysax Stakes on his seasonal return.
He now follows a tried-and-tested route by aiming to follow up in the Derrinstown, a race Aidan O'Brien has won nine times, including with subsequent Epsom Derby heroes Galileo (2001) and High Chaparral (2002).
Battle Of Marengo is currently second in the Epsom betting, behind Jim Bolger's 2000 Guineas victor Dawn Approach, and although he has shown an ability to handle testing ground, O'Brien jnr feels Ballydoyle's inmate will be even more potent on a sound surface.
He said: "I'd be hoping the rain stays away as, although he has run very well on heavy ground, he is definitely a better horse on better ground.
"One of his best performances was when he won in Leopardstown last year on good ground. The saddle slipped that day and he still broke the track record.
"I'd love to get him on a bit of nicer ground again and, hopefully, he'll get that on Sunday. He was good in the Ballysax, it was his first run of the year and hopefully he'll have come on for that.
"This isn't the be all and end all, it's his second run, and hopefully he'll come on again. I think it looks a better Derrinstown than it has for the last couple of seasons - hopefully we get some nice ground."
Just five runners go to post and the chief opponent to Battle Of Marengo appears to be the Bolger-trained Loch Garman.
The son of Teofilo did not make his debut until winning at Navan last October, the form of which has worked out well, and he was turned out just a week later to land the Group One Criterium International at Saint-Cloud.
While he makes his reappearance over a mile and a quarter, Bolger is considering dropping his charge in trip after this weekend for a tilt at the Irish 2,000 Guineas.
Bolger said: "All is good with him and he doesn't mind about the ground. He's a horse with plenty of toe and he could come back (in trip) for the Irish 2,000 Guineas. He's in the Irish Derby later on."
Andrew Oliver expects First Cornerstone to benefit from his first outing since he finished fourth to the O'Brien-trained Kingsbarns in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster last October.
"He has developed physically and we are very happy with him," the County Tyrone trainer told At The Races.
"We had a hold-up with our gallops earlier in the year so all of my horses were quite behind and are taking a run anyway. Having said that I'm fairly happy with his preparation but I expect him to come on for the run.
"We hope he is well equipped with both speed and stamina to deal with stepping up in trip and being able to travel well and quicken."
The quintet is completed by Dont Bother Me, who makes a swift return for Niall Moran having finished eighth in the 2000 Guineas, and John Oxx's Dundalk maiden winner Little White Cloud.
The well-regarded Mars is one of four Aidan O'Brien runners still in contention for next week's Betfred Dante Stakes at York.
Sent off at long odds-on when readily winning a Dundalk maiden on his sole start at two, he was asked to contest the QIPCO 2000 Guineas on his next outing and was far from disgraced in the circumstances.
He could attempt to build on that over a more suitable trip on the Knavesmire although O'Brien does have other options.
Battle Of Marengo still holds an entry but has been declared to run at Leopardstown on Sunday leaving Indian Chief and Festive Cheer as other possible runners.
Sir Michael Stoute is set to give a seasonal reappearance to Telescope, a general second favourite for the Investec Derby, who has been the subject of positive reports this spring.
Greatwood is another entry set to be in action this weekend but the progressive Windhoek could be seen at York along with stablemate Maputo and Godolphin's Secret Number.
The entries are completed by Contributer, Dashing Star, Ghurair, Libertarian and Jim Bolger's pair Loch Garman and Trading Leather.
Memphis Tennessee winning last year (Healy Racing Photos)
Memphis Tennessee bids to become the first horse since St Expedit in 2001 and 2002 to land back-to-back victories in the Boodles Diamond Ormonde Stakes when he lines up at Chester on Friday.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained five-year-old duly justified favouritism 12 months ago only to disappoint on his only start last season, when he was tailed off in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.
His main stumbling block is expected to be Mount Athos, who has his first run back in Britain since taking in the Melbourne Cup and Japan Cup at the end of last year.
His trainer Luca Cumani is praying the ground stays on the quick side for the Dr Marwan Koukash-owned six-year-old.
"Mount Athos is in very good form. I just hope the rain stays away because he likes a fast surface," said Cumani. "If he gets a fast surface I'm sure he will run a good race."
Communicator has finished first and second in two starts on the Roodee and his trainer Andrew Balding believes that is an advantage as the five-year-old tries his hand in Group Three company.
"He likes the track and has run very well there twice in the past," said the Kingsclere handler. "He's got a fair bit to find to trouble the two principals (Memphis Tennessee and Mount Athos), but he's in good form and because he likes the track he does have place prospects at least."
Mad Moose had refused to race on his last two starts over fences but he was a revelation on his belated Flat debut at Doncaster.
Jumping kindly out of the stalls the nine-year-old, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, had far too much toe for his younger rivals as he sprang a 28-1 surprise in a mile-and-a-half maiden.
"He was due a performance as he hadn't started in his last two runs so we were getting a bit frustrated with him," said Nick Bradley bloodstock manager to owners Middleham Park Racing.
"Nigel was sure he would jump out of the stalls and he did. Nigel said there was no horse at home that could go with him, but we never expected him to win.
"We put him in this in the hope that it would be a small field, which it is. We're not sure how we will ride him, but it will certainly be a sight - Mad Moose running around Chester. We will try to come up with a plan to nick a bit of prize money.
"We've put Danny (Tudhope) on board, it's the first time he's ridden for Nigel as his son Willy was unavailable. Danny's a good jockey and he will think about the ride, about trying to win some prize money and getting a few off the bridle turning in."
Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Ruler Of The World ran out a facile winner to secure the MBNA Chester Vase for Aidan O'Brien for the fourth time in seven years.
The Curragh maiden winner was fitted with cheekpieces for this second racecourse outing as he stepped up to Group Three company but showed no unwelcome traits en route to a straightforward success.
Settled in a close second by Ryan Moore, he tracked leader Mister Impatience until the quartet started turning for home when the Galileo colt was asked to go and win his race.
He settled the issue in a matter of strides with a six length winning margin scant reflection of his superiority.
Mister Impatience held on for second with Havana Beat and Feel Like Dancing occupying the last two places throughout the 12 furlong contest.
The winner was cut to 10/1 from 20s by Sky Bet to follow up in the Investec Derby at Epsom next month.
Moore said: "He did it nicely. The race worked out well for him as he got a nice lead. He's still a bit green running round here, but once I grabbed hold of him he lengthened really well. He'll learn a lot. Going round here will have done him good."
Aidan O'Brien gives Nevis the chance to prove his Classic credentials when the colt makes his seasonal reappearance in the Betfred Derby Trial at Lingfield on Saturday.
Nevis holds a host of big-race entries, including the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas and the Investec Derby.
However, he is on a retrieval mission after finishing sixth behind 2000 Guineas hero Dawn Approach in the Vincent O'Brien Stakes on his final start last term.
He faces just four rivals headed by the Luca Cumani-trained Greatwood, who made a promising seasonal debut when short headed by Windhoek at Newmarket last month.
Hughie Morrison's Another Cocktail and Paska Boy, trained by Jonathan Portman, are also in the mix while the other runner, the Mick Channon-trained Elidor, is the only one of the quintet not to hold an entry in the Derby.
O'Brien will not be represented in the Betfred "The Bonus King" Oaks Trial as he withdrew Half Moon at the final declaration stage. She was the only filly taken out of the Listed contest, leaving a field of seven in the race.
Ralph Beckett has used this test as a stepping stone for the Oaks itself in the past and will be hoping Secret Gesture can book her place in the fillies' Classic at Epsom on May 31.
All the Trial entrants are in the Oaks except for the Marco Botti-trained Whippy Cream. The rest who are seeking their ticket to Classic stardom are Alta Lilea, Enaitch, Heroine Required, Miss You Too and Northern Star.
Leading Light and Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Leading Light produced a smart front-running performance to claim the conditions race at Navan on his seasonal debut.
Joseph O'Brien was keen to lead on the Montjeu colt and he asked him to stretch two furlongs out as he was tackled by Canary Row.
9/4 favourite Dibayani had to wait for a gap in the straight but got his run two furlongs out. He tried to throw down a challenged over a furlong out as Canary Row cried enough.
Leading Light had hit top gear, however, and pulled away in impressive style in the closing stages to post a seven-length success over the market leader.
The winner had two starts as a juvenile, winning the second of those at Tipperary.
“He's very lazy and he was off the bridle when he won his maiden at Tipperary,” said Joseph O'Brien afterwards.
“I wanted to get him to the front and when you ask him he gives it to you. I think he'll stay a mile-and-a-half well.”
It was a double on the card for Aidan and Joseph O'Brien following the earlier maiden victory of Just Pretending.
Just Pretending was friendless before the off in the Slane Fillies Maiden at Navan but ran out an impressive winner none-the-less.
The Ballydoyle filly opened up at 11/10 on course but was returned 7/4 as they jumped in the mile contest.
She tracked Cocktail Hour throughout before tackling the front-runner a furlong and a half out.
The daughter of Giant's Causeway soon hit the lead and quickened clear inside the final furlong to post a four-and-a-half length victory.
The winner had been a big eye-catcher at Dundalk last month when staying on late into third.
“She's a very difficult mare. Seamie (Heffernan) rode her the last day and said to try her in a hood and it seems to have helped her,” said Joseph O'Brien afterwards.
“He also said whatever you do don't hit her. She showed today that there is a bit of ability there and hopefully she can progress. She's a very well-bred filly.”
The winner is a half-sister to the Grade 3 winner in the US called The Leopard, who cost $2,500,000 as a two-year-old.
Festive Cheer in French 2000 (Healy Racing Photos)
There are seven Irish possibles among the 30 colts still in the reckoning for the French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp on Sunday.
Jim Bolger and Aidan O'Brien are each responsible for three entries.
Bolger has Leitir Mor, Loch Garman and Trading Leather engaged, while Ballydoyle trainer O'Brien has Festive Cheer, Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag.
The only other potential Irish challenger is Tommy Carmody's Fort Knox.
Richard Hannon's Olympic Glory is the leading British challenger.
The three-year-old won all but one of five starts as a juvenile and already has successful form across the Channel after claiming the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp's Arc meeting last October.
Olympic Glory made a winning return to action in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury and will return to France aiming to complete a memorable week for the Hannon camp following the 1000 Guineas victory of Sky Lantern at Newmarket on Sunday.
Hannon could also saddle Havana Gold, while there are plenty of other British-trained contenders.
Charlie Hills has Ebn Arab in the mix following his comeback victory at Doncaster, while Marco Botti could send runaway Kempton scorer String Theory to France.
Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor has left in Tawhid, Brian Meehan could run Mujazif, and John Gosden has Bright Strike.
Of the home contenders, Andre Fabre's Newmarket winner Intello and Freddie Head's Anodin are a two of the more interesting possible runners.
Battle Of Marengo is the star name among six Aidan O'Brien-trained entries for the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown on Sunday.
The master of Ballydoyle has saddled nine previous winners of this 10-furlong Group Two, including subsequent Epsom Derby heroes Galileo (2001) and High Chaparral (2002).
Battle Of Marengo is following a tried-and-tested route after he won the Ballysax Stakes on his three-year-old debut.
He is the general second favourite for Epsom's premier Classic, behind 2000 Guineas hero Dawn Approach, on June 1.
O'Brien also has Indian Chief, Kingdom, League Of Nations, Magician and Nevis engaged in the Derrinstown at the confirmation stage.
Dawn Approach's trainer, Jim Bolger, has a formidable pair in Loch Garman and Trading Leather.
The entries are completed by First Cornerstone, Canary Row, Dont Bother Me and Little White Cloud from John Oxx's stable.
The Group Three Derrinstown Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial has attracted 17 contenders, including the Dermot Weld-trained Rawaaq and Oxx's Harasiya.
Fifteen horses are currently engaged for the Group Three Amethyst Stakes on the same card.
David Wachman's Duntle is one of the more intriguing participants, along with Weld's Caponata and Ger Lyons' stable star Lily's Angel.
Ryan Moore revealed his delight at riding in the Kentucky Derby
Last Updated: May 7, 2013 11:46am
Share:
0
0
Ryan Moore: Loved the Kentucky Derby
Sky Bet
Claim your free bet now
Ryan Moore says riding in Saturday's Kentucky Derby "was the best day's racing I have ever experienced".
He headed over to Churchill Downs to partner Lines Of Battle for Aidan O'Brien who finished seventh behind Orb.
Writing in his exclusive Betfair column Moore said: "I can honestly say that the Kentucky Derby at the weekend was the best day's racing I have ever experienced; it was different class, on another level to what I have seen, or been involved in, anywhere else around the globe.
"They say that the Melbourne Cup is the race that stops a nation, and it's obviously a very big deal in Australia, but this was something else I can assure you. No comparison at all."
The race took place on a sloppy track after heavy rain in Louisville and Moore admitted it was a real challenge.
"Riding at the meeting - and it was the first time I have ridden in the race - was a real eye-opener, I can tell you. And I loved it.
"Talking of eye-openers, I must have broken my own personal record as I wore seven pairs of goggles in the Derby, with a couple of layers of clingfilm for extra protection thrown in on two pairs for good measure, and used them all.
"In truth, it probably wasn't as bad as I would feared it would be, but it was still fairly horrific out there. But all credit to Lines Of Battle, as he ran a very brave race to finish seventh.
"You obviously prepare horses for the kickback at home, but you just can't replicate those kind of conditions."
Ryan Moore rides Ruler Of The World (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien's Curragh maiden scorer Ruler Of The World faces four opponents in the MBNA Chester Vase on Thursday.
The Ballydoyle handler has saddled three of the last six Chester Vase winners in Soldier Of Fortune (2007), Golden Sword (2009) and Treasure Beach (2011).
This son of Galileo is a half-brother to multiple Group One winner Duke Of Marmalade and looked the part when making a winning debut in early April.
He now tests his Derby claims in this mile-and-a-half Group Three, with Ryan Moore taking the ride.
The highest-rated horse in the line-up is the Andrew Balding-trained Havana Beat, fourth in a valuable sales race at Newmarket three weeks ago.
Champion trainer John Gosden is represented by Newbury winner Feel Like Dancing, while Richard Fahey, who struck gold 12 months ago with Mickdaam, runs Gabrial's Kaka.
The small field is completed by Mark Johnston's Mister Impatience.
Frankie Dettori aboard Camelot talks to Aidan O'Brien before the 2012 Arc
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
Frankie Dettori riding work at Ballydoyle
BY RACING POST STAFF7:34PM 6 MAY 2013
FRANKIE DETTORI was on Monday part of Aidan O'Brien's work-riding team as the world's most famous jockey continued preparations for his May 20 comeback.
Camelot is driven out by Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Four time Group 1 winner Camelot made a winning return to action at the Curragh this afternoon as he took the Group 3 High Chaparral EBF Mooresbridge Stakes for Aidan and Joseph O'Brien.
The four-year-old son of Montjeu won the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Derby at Epsom last season but failed to complete the Triple Crown as he finished second in the final leg, the St Leger at Doncaster in September.
He rounded off his three-year-old campaign by finishing a disappointing seventh in the Prix De L'arc De Triomphe but he lost shoes during that race and was found to be suffering from colic afterwards.
Sent off the 1/3 favourite this afternoon he was settled in rear off the pace but he closed into fourth entering the straight.
He was ridden a furlong and a half from home, making headway to lead a furlong out and he was pushed out from there to score by a length and three parts.
His front running stablemate Triumphant (20/1) kept on well to just beat Parish Hall(5/2) for the runner-up spot by a head.
Aidan O’Brien said after the success; "I'm delighted with that. He had big colic surgery during the winter and you never really know what way they will back from that.
"He is all class and he has great speed. I know he got a mile and a half last year but he has a lot of speed.
"Joseph said that he was seventy per cent fit today and the Tattersalls Gold Cup remains the plan.
"It was major open surgery that he had and after it he wasn’t with us for months. He was in Coolmore and I was surprised the shape he came back to us in.
"That type of surgery is massive and we are lucky to have him back.”
Camelot remains unchanged at 14/1 with Stan James for the Prix De L'Arc in October.
Aidan O'Brien revealed today that he thinks it's unlikely that Kingsbarns will make the Derby at Epsom on June 1st.
The Racing Post Trophy winner had been winter favourite for the classic but met with a setback earlier in the year which forced him to miss the 2,000 Guineas.
O'Brien said today that he wouldn't be fit for a trial race and that it might not be fair on the horse to push him to make the Derby line-up.
"Were struggling and I don't think he'll be fit for Leopardstown or Chester. He's grand and sound now but he's done so little for so long that he's like a sprinter.
"To be fair on the horse it's probably not fair (going for the Derby). We'll keep going and see but we're probably not going to have him there.
"For those races you have to have everything smooth. He's 20kg up on his racing weight but is sound and perfect. It's a pity but we'll wait and see."
Lines Of Battle pictured on his way to victory at Dundalk last year (Healy Racing Photos)
Co-favourite Orb gave trainer Shug McGaughey his first success in the Kentucky Derby at a muddy Churchill Downs on Saturday night.
Ridden by Dubai World Cup-winning jockey Joel Rosario, Orb made light of the sloppy track at Churchill Downs to win the first leg of the American Triple Crown in style.
He powered clear to beat Golden Soul with fellow market leader Revolutionary back in third after heavy rain in Louisville turned the Run for the Roses into a real slog.
Aidan O'Brien's Lines Of Battle kept on well to finish seventh without ever landing a telling blow.
Coach House has his rivals well beaten at Tipperary (Healy Racing Photos)
The Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden looked Coach House's for the taking and the Ballydoyle juvenile certainly didn't fluff his lines in the Tipperary opener.
Anyone that invested at 2/5 (from 4/7) never really had any cause for concern as the Curragh runner-up jumped out with a catch me if you can approach against five opponents having their first tastes of racecourse action.
Coach House stretched on under Joseph O'Brien from over a furlong out to beat his only serious market-rival, Heart Focus (a 7/2 shot, 9s bar the two) by six and a half lengths.
Joseph O'Brien said: "He improved plenty and he's a lovely horse with plenty of pace. He'll get six furlongs and he's got a really good attitude."
Coach House is a Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes entrant for the Curragh in August. He is also in at the Curragh next Monday as well as races cross-channel at Doncaster and Redcar in the autumn. (TW & EM)
Joseph O'Brien is hoping Moth can justify being supplemented for the QIPCO 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on Sunday.
Connections of the Aidan O'Brien-trained filly paid £30,000 to add her to the field at the confirmation stage on the strength of the promise she showed when easily winning a Curragh maiden four weeks ago.
"She's a lovely filly. I really fancied her first time out last year but she only finished fifth and I was terribly disappointed," the jockey told At The Races.
"She came back and ran over six in a maiden and I got to the front too soon and she got a bit tired and was nailed by horses late on.
"She went to the Curragh and she showed on the track for the first time what she had been showing at home and she goes there with a live chance in an open-enough Guineas.
"Her pedigree suggests she will stay much further, at least a mile and a half. To do that over seven was very special and we're hoping she will progress with racing."
The jockey's father also has Snow Queen and Magical Dream left in the race, which he will be bidding to win for a third time, although the latter is not a certain runner.
"Snow Queen has a lot of ability and might be a bit better on a straight track. On her run this year she might struggle, but I wouldn't be surprised if she ran a big race," said O'Brien jnr.
Aidan O'Brien's Lines Of Battle will race from stall 11 in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday night.
The colt, who enjoyed a solid juvenile campaign, booked his ticket to the 'run for the roses' with victory in the UAE Derby at Meydan on his reappearance.
A son of War Front, he arrived on Wednesday morning and will be ridden by Ryan Moore.
O'Brien's assistant TJ Comerford said: "Aidan tries to have a go every year. Every horse we've brought here has won the same race in Dubai. Aidan would like to win it because it's a major race, one of the biggest races."
Of the leading contenders, Todd Pletcher's Wood Memorial winner Verrazano was drawn in gate 14, with Shug McGaughey's Florida Derby victor Orb in 16.
Orb has been installed as favourite on the local morning line, and McGaughey said on www.bloodhorse.com: "Well, I'm fine with that. I heard a little rumour this morning that Mike (Battaglia, oddsmaker) was a little confused on who it was, but I think that just because of the way (Orb's) doing here.
"Verrazano, as we all know, is a very talented horse, and we'll see what the public does on Saturday, but I think he will probably still be the favourite.
"I think from where he is (in 16), we'll just kind of hold our position, maybe try to creep in a little bit going around the first turn, and then Joel (Rosario) can kind of watch what's going on down on the inside of him, and see what Johnny (Velazquez) is doing on Verazzano."
Joseph O'Brien doubled up on Freewheel (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan and Joseph O’Brien completed a quick double as Freewheel showed a very likeable attitude when successful on his debut in the nine-furlong maiden at Tipperary.
The Galileo colt was well-supported on track from 7/4 into 11/8 favourite but punters were not on good terms with themselves as Joseph was hard at work turning into the straight with Pat Smullen appearing to have plenty in hand on fellow newcomer Resolute Response.
However the latter didn’t quite live up to his name, and found little under pressure asFreewheel stayed on well inside the final furlong to beat Teoirim (3/1) by two and a half lengths.
Resolute Response (7/4) was just denied by a nose for the runner-up spot.
Aidan O’Brien said, “He won nicely. Joseph said he could go further and he was a bit green. Hopefully he can progress and he’s a grand big horse. I was at the furlong pole and he seemed to win going away but the second was only rated 76.”
The Ballydoyle team were also on the mark in the previous seven-furlong handicap with Line Drummer.
Line Drummer strides clear for Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Line Drummer, off the course over eight months since making all to take a maiden over this course and distance, followed up under contrasting tactics in the seven-furlong handicap.
Joseph O’Brien elected to settle the son of Galileo off the pace set by 5/2 favourite Caesaria before getting a lovely run up the inner entering the straight.
The easy-to-back 6/1 chance quickly made up ground to lead just over a furlong out, and stretched right away to beat the “jolly” by five and a half lengths.
Janna’s Jingle (12/1) kept on onepaced to finish another neck away in third.
Winning trainer Aidan O’Brien said, “I’m delighted with that. He’s a bit keen at home but shows lots of speed and we’ve been trying to relax him.
“Even though he’s by Galileo he has lots of speed and travelled well today. He looks like he’s better than a handicapper, and Joseph said he should step up to a mile.”
The Ballydoyle maestro also indicated riding arrangements for his powerful team in the Qipco-sponsored 1000 and 2000 Guineas at Newmarket this weekend.
Joseph O’Brien will be on Cristoforo Colombo in the 2000 Guineas, with Seamie Heffernan riding Mars and Colm O’Donoghue on George Vancouver in Saturday's classic.
Meanwhile on Sunday, Joseph will ride impressive Curragh maiden winner Moth in the 1000, with Ryan Moore making a swift return from the Kentucky Derby, where he rides O’Brien’s Lines Of Battle, to take the mount on Snow Queen.
Camelot is the clear winner of the Investec Derby at Epsom last June (Healy Racing Photos)
Camelot will face a maximum of seven rivals should he make his highly-anticipated return to action in the High Chaparral EBF Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh on Monday.
Aidan O'Brien's colt enjoyed a superb Classic campaign, winning the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, both the English and Irish Derbies and only narrowly missed out on Triple Crown glory when runner-up in the St Leger.
The son of Montjeu was found to be suffering from colic just days after his disappointing showing in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp, but is set to return as a four-year-old in this Group 3 test.
O'Brien also has El Salvador, Ernest Hemingway and Triumphant in the ten-furlong event.
Seemingly the biggest threat to Camelot is the Jim Bolger-trained Parish Hall.
Winner of the 2011 Dewhurst Stakes, the Teofilo colt was sidelined for well over a year by injury, but made a winning return in the Listed Alleged Stakes over this course and distance last month.
Bolger could be double-handed, with Light Heavy also in the mix.
The field is completed by Ken Condon's Macbeth and Negotiate from Joanna Morgan's stable.
On an intriguing eight-race card, the Listed Power EBF Tetrarch Stakes has attracted 16 entries, including O'Brien's Forester and Eddie Lynam's classy filly Viztoria.
Viztoria also features among 21 fillies engaged in the Canford Cliffs EBF Athasi Stakes, with the Ger Lyons-trained Lily's Angel another major contender for the Group 3 prize.
JUNE 13
Limonade takes Listed honours
By Donal MurphySat 29th Jun 2013, 16:15
Count Of Limonade is driven out to score by Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
After finishing second in a Listed contest on his last start at Leopardstown, Count Of Limonade went one place better this afternoon, as he took the Dubai Duty Free Millenium Millionaire Celebration Stakes under Joseph O’Brien (a pound overweight) for his father Aidan.
The three-year-old son of Duke Of Marmalade won a handicap at Dundalk in April over today’s trip of a mile but he was stepped up in distance on his last two outings.
Dropped back to a mile this afternoon he raced in second behind the front-runningScintillula (5/1), edging ahead two furlongs out and keeping on best from there to hold off the aforementioned Jim Bolger trained runner by half a length.
Captain Joy (8/1) finished best of all, half a length back in third under Ronan Whelan for Tracey Collins, while the 2/1 favourite Caponata could only manage a disappointing fourth under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld.
The winner was well-supported on track, going from 9/2 to his starting price of 7/2.
Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "He is tough and very like his daddy. He is getting better with age. He likes fast ground and a mile and a quarter is no problem for him. We will look for a Group race for him now."
Camelot pictured on his way to victory at the Curragh in May (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien has revealed last year's 2000 Guineas and dual Derby hero Camelot could be retired after failing to recapture his best form this season.
The son of Montjeu kicked off his Classic campaign with a last-gasp victory at Newmarket, before running out a hugely-impressive winner of the Epsom Derby under the trainer's son, Joseph.
Claiming the Irish Derby along the way, the stage was set for Camelot to become the first Triple Crown hero since Nijinsky in 1970 as he was given the green light for the St Leger at Doncaster, but he was narrowly denied on Town Moor by Godolphin's Encke.
A disappointing run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe followed, after which he suffered a severe bout of colic, and although he was brought back for a much-anticipated four-year-old campaign, he has looked a shadow of his former self.
Since managing a workmanlike victory on his return, Camelot has been beaten by Al Kazeem in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and finished fourth behind the same opponent in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.
While a tilt at the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on July 6 will be considered, O'Brien is unsure whether to persevere with a horse who remains of significant value to his connections as a potential stallion.
O'Brien said: "He's a very important horse to us and he's not one we want to take any risks with.
"The last day at Royal Ascot, he obviously hadn't come back to his best and while the Eclipse is still an option, retirement is something we might have to consider as well.
"The spark was never there after his run in the Irish Derby last year. He had a tough race there on testing ground and then had that problem over the winter."
The Vatican made it double on the evening for Aidan O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
The Vatican put in a game front-running performance to take the last at the Curragh, the eFlow 'Hassle Free' Maiden, providing Aidan O’Brien with a double on the card.
The three-year-old son of Galileo ran just once as a juvenile, finishing third of five behindFlying The Flag (won the feature race this evening) in a race at Leopardstown last July.
He opened the 7/4 favourite on-course this evening, but drifted all the way out to 5/2 at the off, with the Ger Lyons trained Saxo Jack going off the 9/4 market leader.
Ridden by Joseph O’Brien, the winner soon led but was joined and given reminders approaching the straight.
He was under pressure and pressed from over two furlongs out, but he responded well to his jockey's urgings, staying on well in the final furlong to score by a length and three parts at the line.
Al Destoor ran a fine race on his debut to finish second at 11/1 under Declan McDonogh for John Oxx, while Wannabe Better was a length and a quarter back in third under Wayne Lordan for Tommy Stack at 13/2.
Saxo Jack never looked like winning and he finished a disappointing fifth under Gary Carroll.
Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "He is a hardy, sound horse that handles fast ground well.
"He's been leading Battle Of Marengo at home and that’s why you haven’t seen him. He’ll stay further."
The winner is out of a half-sister to Minor Vamp, who won the Goffs Fillies Million at the Curragh in 2008 for Richard Hannon.
Flying The Flag is driven out by Seamie Heffernan with Aloof back in second (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O’Brien won the feature race at Naas on Wednesday with his apparent second string and he did the same at the Curragh this evening as Flying The Flagoverturned the 'jolly' in the Group 3 eFlow 'You First' International Stakes.
The former Brian Meehan trained Most Improved was making his debut this evening for Ballydoyle, and having won the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot last year, he was expected to take all the beating.
He drifted on track from an opening show of 4/5 out to 5/4, with the winner well supported, going off at 21/10 (first horse to be returned at that price in Ireland) having opened at 3/1 on-course.
Flying The Flag raced in second under Seamie Heffernan as Aloof made the running while Most Improved was settled in third.
As they turned into the straight Flying The Flag took closer order and was pushed along over two furlongs out.
He soon challenged and hit the front under a furlong from home, going on from there to score by four lengths at the line.
Aloof finished second under Wayne Lordan for David Wachman at 5/2 (was 9/2 this morning), while Most Improved was six and a half lengths back in third under Joseph O’Brien.
Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "I’m delighted with him. He's a mile and a quarter horse and fast ground is important to him. There was plenty of pace on and that suited him."
O'Brien said of Most Improved; "He has been off a long time and he just got tired as he was entitled to do. I was very happy with the run, especially how he travelled during the race. Joseph said he won’t mind going back in trip."
Sugar Boy pictured on his way to victory at Tipperary last year (Healy Racing Photos)
Joseph O'Brien is confident Ruler Of The World can maintain his unbeaten record and hand father Aidan a remarkable 11th Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on Saturday evening.
The master of Ballydoyle has saddled the likes of Galileo (2001), High Chaparral (2002) and last year's hero Camelot to win Ireland's premier Classic, with that trio all succeeding on the back of Epsom Derby glory.
Ruler Of The World, ridden by Ryan Moore at Epsom, bids to follow in their hoofprints at the Curragh, with the trainer's son getting back on board for the first time since he won his maiden at the track in April.
O'Brien jnr, who claimed his first Irish Derby aboard Camelot a year ago, said: "He's an exciting horse. He's won three times from three runs and he won very nicely the last day at Epsom so we're looking forward to it.
"He was ready to run early as a two-year-old and he was in the Chesham (at Royal Ascot) until very late on, he was going to run but then he got a little cough.
"They couldn't shift the cough for the rest of the year but he's a very exciting horse.
"You'd be hoping he'll improve for the experience of Epsom, the Curragh is a fair track and he's won there already," the jockey told At The Races.
O'Brien senior, who has won the last seven Irish Derbies, added: "We have been very happy with him (since Epsom).
"He impressed us at Epsom and we think the Curragh will suit him even better."
Likely pacesetter Festive Cheer, the mount of Seamie Heffernan, also runs for the Ballydoyle team.
Renewing rivalries with Ruler Of The World is Epsom runner-up Libertarian. A shock winner of the Dante Stakes at York, the three-year-old proved that was no fluke with a fantastic effort at Epsom and he emerged with extra credit given he did not appear to handle the undulating track.
He has since been snapped up by Godolphin and is set to make his final start for North Yorkshire trainer Elaine Burke this weekend.
The trainer's husband, Karl, believes the stable star is open to more improvement than most from Epsom.
Burke said: "He's going there in great form. I've been very happy with his work since Epsom and I'm sure he has improved.
"Physically he looks a more mature horse than he was going into Epsom and I think mentally he has sharpened up as well.
"Considering he did not handle the track that well at Epsom, he did extremely well to finish as close as he did.
"Certainly you would think the Curragh will suit him better. The track should play to his strengths.
"Conditions should be fine for him. He wouldn't want extremes either way, but other than that he's fine.
"All these staying three-year-olds tend to progress through the summer, but being a May foal, you would like to think he has scope to improve more than the other horses that ran at Epsom.
"There is a lot of stamina on the dam's side and he'll see out the trip well. New Approach is turning into a superb stallion."
On the possibility of his wife becoming first woman in history to train an Irish Derby winner, Burke said: "It would be great to do it for Elaine. He nearly did it at Epsom and hopefully he goes one better on Saturday."
Despite the change of ownership, William Buick keeps the ride on Saturday evening and he too is confident of a bold show.
Buick said: "I'm really looking forward to it. He's a lovely horse and he did very well in the Derby and the track should suit him better at the Curragh.
"Although he's taking on the Derby winner, who will also improve for it being on a more galloping track, I'm very hopeful. We'll have to see."
Another horse who will switch yards after this weekend's Classic is the Patrick Prendergast-trained Sugar Boy, who was snapped up by owner Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum earlier this week.
The Authorized colt beat Libertarian and Epsom third Galileo Rock on his latest start at Sandown, and Prendergast is hoping his extra freshness will stand him in good stead, although some rain at Curragh would have been welcomed.
Prendergast said: "He's in good shape and we've had no problems.
"The rain dance I've been doing hasn't worked, but there's nothing we can do about that. If I had everything my own way we'd have had a drop of rain. I'd have been more confident about his chances then.
"It's my first runner in the Derby and, to be honest, I haven't even got round to thinking about the fact it will be his last run for me.
"We're looking forward to the race, he's going there well and fresh and he's only going up the road, which is an advantage.
"I'm hoping Epsom might have emptied a couple of them out. We'll see."
Chris Hayes has partnered Sugar Boy on his last five stars and hopes to break his Classic duck.
Hayes said: "He's probably the freshest horse going into the race as the others have been to Epsom and elsewhere.
"He's been a great horse for me and I've only been beaten once on him and that was behind Battle Of Marengo in the Ballysax.
"I was fairly bullish when I came in then that if he met Battle Of Marengo again it would be a different result.
"It's the first time I've had a proper chance in a Classic."
Galileo Rock's trainer David Wachman acknowledges his charge will have to keep improving to again trouble those who finished ahead of him at Epsom.
Wachman said: "He's in good form and the ground looks OK so far. Hopefully the rain stays away.
"It's a competitive race. Hopefully he's still progressing as if you don't progress month by month, you get left behind.
"We'd like a strong pace, but he handled an easy pace all right in Epsom.
"We'll just have to see what happens."
Jim Bolger's only previous Irish Derby success was with St Jovite back in 1992, but he could find the target again with Trading Leather.
Second in the Dante and third in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, the son of Teofilo appeared ready for a step up to a mile and a half when impressing in the Silver Stakes last time out.
Bolger said: "The step up in trip should suit him. He seems in very good form and is looking very well. He's been eating well since his last run and put the weight back on.
"He wants good ground or a little faster."
John Oxx has won the Irish Derby with Sinndar (2000) and Alamshar (2003) and is this year represented by outsider Little White Cloud, who has been placed twice in Pattern company this year.
Oxx said: "The Gallinule was probably quick enough back (after the Derrinstown). He ran well but was beaten again. Both those were over a mile and a quarter and he's a mile-and-a-half horse and will probably stay beyond that.
"He's rated 107 and has to improve 10lb to be competitive. I think he'll improve a certain amount, but whether he makes that jump I don't know.
"It's been five weeks since his last run so he's had a chance to improve and he's is bred to improve from two to three also.
"Hopefully with the time and the extra distance he'll make the jump, but the gap is obviously there.
"He wants fast ground. He doesn't handle soft and wouldn't even want the slow side of good."
A nine-runner field is completed by Godolphin pacemaker Cap O'Rushes and Pat Shanahan's 100-1 outsider Ralston Road.
Epsom Derby winner Ruler of the World will face 8 rivals in Saturday’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh following this morning’s final declaration of runners and he will attempt to give trainer Aidan O’Brien a remarkable 11th winner of the race.
He will take on Libertarian who finished runner up at Epsom and whose trainer Elaine Burke will attempt to become the first female trainer to win the Group 1 Classic in it’s 148th year history. Epsom third Galileo Rock will hope to give his trainer David Wachman and jockey Wayne Lordan their first Irish Derby victory.
Sugar Boy trained by Patrick Prendergast, whose Grandfather trained the winner of the race four times, will also line up in the 1.25 million euro contest, while Jim Bolger who won the race 21 years ago with St Jovite has Trading Leather, John Oxx who trained the winner of the race in 2000 with Sinndar and in 2003 with Alamshar will run Little White Cloud, while trainer Pat Shanahan will attempt to become one of the only trainers to also win the race as a jockey, having ridden Zagreb to success in 1996, when he saddles Ralston Road.
Festive Cheer, Cap O’Rushes make up the nine runner field
Paddy Power, official betting partner of the Curragh Racecourse: 11-10 Ruler Of The World, 7-2 Libertarian, 5 Trading Leather, 8 Galileo Rock, Sugar Boy, 20 Festive Cheer, 33 Little White Cloud, 50 Cap O'Rushes, 100 Ralston Road
Other points to note -
Friday 1st race 5.25pm with live music from the Knights of Leon after last race.
• Saturday 1st race 3.10pm Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby off at 6.30pm. Dubai Duty Free Most Stylish Lady competition in association with Boodles (registration closes 3pm) with lead judge Michelle Keegan of Coronation Street fame. Derby Music Village hosted by Hector OhEoghagain with live music throughout the day from Raglans, Delorentoes, Original Rude Boys and Sharon Shannon with special guest Brian Kennedy
• Sunday 1st race 2.05pm Oxigen Environmental Family Race Day
• Admission can be purchased at the turnstiles
• Under 16s accompanied by an adult free on all 3 days
Champion Trainer Aidan O'Brien completed a treble at Naas today when his American import Darwin made an impressive Irish debut in the Boston Access Race.
Ridden by the trainer's son Joseph (completing a double on the day), the strapping son of Big Brown was held up last of the three runners before quickly moving to the front over a furlong out, for an easy two and a quarter lengths win over Fighter Squadron.
O'Brien Snr wasn't present but Joseph O'Brien later stated “he has been an exciting horse and is still only a three year old. He's still quite green, that was his first run on grass and it was his first time on a track like this. He hasn't done much at home and has only been on grass twice since we've had him, so they're probably the only times he's been on grass.
“He hasn't run in nearly a year and got hurt on his second run in America before having a break. He's a lovely horse and is in races like the Sussex Stakes.”
Venus De Milo (left, pink). In the distance is Moth (third left, dark blue colours) (Healy Racing Photos)
Ballydoyle landed the Listed Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Naas Oaks Trial at Naas today but not with the one most expected to win, Moth (4/11 favourite, met trouble in-running), the race instead going to stablemate Venus De Milo (8/1).
Moth was heavily backed following two fine efforts in the English 1,000 Guineas and Oaks and was again patiently ridden byJoseph O'Brien.
However once the race began in earnest in the straight, the gaps failed to appear for Moth who was blocked numerous occasions on the heels of the main group. Opera Gloves and Bunairgead looked set to fight out the finish before Venus De Milo flew home late on, to edge a three parts of a length win over Opera Gloves.
Moth failed to get a run and finished well back in eighth.
Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien was absent but Heffernan later stated “Venus De Miloshowed a lot as a younger filly at home but Aidan didn't want to run her until she was ready.
“She surprised me at Fairyhouse the way she quickened when the penny dropped and I was riding her to run a nice race today and wanted to teach her a bit to see if she was up to running in these kinds of races.
“I wasn't sure, but I initially thought the reason she won at Fairyhouse was because of the soft ground but the ground was totally the opposite today. She has a bit of class though and is strong and versatile.”
Illustrate and Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
The Aidan O'Brien trained Illustrate led home a field of 17 runners to win the Prosperous Financial Services Supporting North Kildare Chamber Maiden at Naas today under Champion Jockey Joseph O'Brien.
The field immediately broke into two 'groups' with jockey Fran Berry opting to race hitherto frustrating Lottie Dod alone on the stands' side. Illustrate led the main pack and eventually dismissed Lottie Dod with a furlong and a half to race, recording an easy two and a quarter lengths win over that rival.
Trainer O'Brien was absent but his winning jockey son later said “Illustrate won nicely - the ground was very quick and he stayed going.
“He loves that ground and six furlongs was his trip. He was entitled to win a a maiden after his good run the last day.”
Leading Light and Joseph O'Brien make the best way home (Healy Racing Photos)
The 5/4 favourite Leading Light ran out a tenacious winner of the Queen's Vase (In Memory of Sir Henry Cecil) at Royal Ascot.
For much of the contest the strong-travelling Disclaimer looked like he could provide the fairytale success for Lady Cecil but he weakened from the two furlong market and the winner went to the front.
He was immediately pressed by Feel Like Dancing (20/1) who thundered home down the centre of the track but Leading Light found more for pressure and went on to score by a length-and-a-half.
It was the same distance back to 66/1 chance who ran a huge race in third.
"We were a little bit worried about the trip, but other than that we thought he was a very nice horse and he's toughed it out," said the winning rider.
"He's very relaxed and he has a great attitude. He tries hard and when you get stuck into him he fights.
"He's very idle. When he gets to the front he stops, but whenever another horse gets to him, they don't go past him. He always just does enough."
Sky Bet cut the winner to 7/1 from 10s for the Ladbrokes St Leger.
Spokesman Michael Shinners said: "He looked all stamina and showed real guts to get back up when challenged. In the long term he could well be a Gold Cup horse."
Disclaimer could not provide Warren House stables with a poignant winner of the Queen's Vase, named in honour of the late trainer.
The colt travelled smoothly into the lead turning into the straight. However, Disclaimer's stamina gave way soon afterwards.
Cecil won the race an incredible eight times in his career, among his record 75 Royal Ascot triumphs, and all of the jockeys wore black armbands in memory of the legendary figure.
Leading Light sees them off 1 by 1 at Royal Ascot
Tenacious Light lands Vase
Last Updated: June 21, 2013 6:00pm
The 5/4 favourite Leading Light ran out a tenacious winner of the Queen's Vase (In Memory of Sir Henry Cecil) at Royal Ascot.
For much of the contest the strong-travelling Disclaimer looked like he could provide the fairytale success for Lady Cecil but he weakened from the two furlong market and the winner went to the front.
He was immediately pressed by Feel Like Dancing (20/1) who thundered home down the centre of the track but Leading Light found more for pressure and went on to score by a length-and-a-half.
It was the same distance back to 66/1 chance who ran a huge race in third.
"We were a little bit worried about the trip, but other than that we thought he was a very nice horse and he's toughed it out," said the winning rider.
"He's very relaxed and he has a great attitude. He tries hard and when you get stuck into him he fights.
"He's very idle. When he gets to the front he stops, but whenever another horse gets to him, they don't go past him. He always just does enough."
Sky Bet cut the winner to 7/1 from 10s for the Ladbrokes St Leger.
Disclaimer could not provide Warren House stables with a poignant winner of the race, named in honour of the late trainer.
The colt travelled smoothly into the lead turning into the straight. However, Disclaimer's stamina gave way soon afterwards.
Cecil won the race an incredible eight times in his career, among his record 75 Royal Ascot triumphs, and all of the jockeys wore black armbands in memory of the legendary figure.
Hillstar goes past Battle Of Marengo at Royal Ascot (Healy Racing Photos)
Ryan Moore gave Hillstar a fantastic ride to reel in 10/11 favourite Battle Of Marengo and win the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The market leader looked to have made a decisive move when kicking for home and taking two lengths out of the field shortly after turning in.
However Moore had ridden the 15/2 winner with great patience and he produced a sustained run from the rear of the field to hit the front inside the distance and score by a length and a half. Mutashaded (11/2) was third.
"He's a horse I've always thought a lot of. I was taken a bit further back than I would have liked but he got there in the end," the winning rider told Channel Four Racing.
Winning trainer Sir Michael Stoute added: "We had him in the Derby and the Irish Derby and his first two races this year hadn't gone right. At Newbury last time he hit the gate too well and was too keen so we wrapped him up today. We've always loved this horse."
Gale Force Ten battled back strongly to beat Montiridge in the Jersey Stakes, the opening race on day two of Royal Ascot.
Aidan O'Brien and son Joseph won the first race of the meeting with Declaration Of War and they repeated the feat on Wednesday by kicking off the card with a winner, a well-backed 9/2 favourite.
It looked as though the Oasis Dream colt might have to settle for second when Montiridge (8/1) edged by him inside the final furlong, but O'Brien's charge responded well to pressure and he got back up to win by a head.
Tawhid was third at 25/1 with Garswood fourth.
Joseph O'Brien said: "He's very tough. Richard (Hughes) actually headed me. He got a mile very well at the Curragh and he's got a big heart."
Aidan O'Brien said: "He fought back well. He's a hardy horse, a strong horse and loves that fast ground. Joseph said in an ideal world he would not want to be in front as long as that.
"He could step up to a mile or go back to six furlongs, which is unusual. Over six furlongs he would not want to be in front as long as that."
Richard Hannon, trainer of Montiridge, said: "He's a better horse on better ground, it's quite quick out there.
"He's quite good. There's a few French races for him. The Prix Jean Prat is only in 10 days, but you never know."
Saeed bin Suroor, trainer of Tawhid, said: "We were worried about the ground - he would prefer it softer - but he handled it and he ran a huge race.
"There is no target, we'll find another Group race for him."
Ten blows in for team O'Brien
Wed 19th Jun 2013, 15:04
Gale Force Ten (nearside) just beats Montiridge in the Jersey Stakes (Healy Racing Photos)
Gale Force Ten provided Ballydoyle with their third winner of the meeting when battling back strongly to beat Montiridge in the Jersey Stakes, the opening race on day two of Royal Ascot.
Aidan O'Brien and son Joseph won the first race of the meeting with Declaration Of War and they repeated the feat on Wednesday by kicking off the card with a winner, a well-backed 9/2 favourite.
It looked as though the Oasis Dream colt might have to settle for second when Montiridge (8/1) edged by him inside the final furlong, but O'Brien's charge responded well to pressure and he got back up to win by a head.
Tawhid was third at 25/1 with Garswood fourth. Richard Hughes picked up a one day ban for careless riding on the runner-up.
Joseph O'Brien said: "He's very tough, but I was praying someone would come to me as he was being very idle. When he saw the other horse he put his head down.
"He got a mile very well at the Curragh, that's why I didn't want to get too far back. He's small but he has a big heart."
Aidan O'Brien said: "He fought back well. He's a hardy horse, a strong horse and loves that fast ground. Joseph said in an ideal world he would not want to be in front as long as that.
"He could step up to a mile or go back to six furlongs, which is unusual. Over six furlongs he would not want to be in front as long as that."
Richard Hannon, trainer of Montiridge, said: "He's a better horse on better ground, it's quite quick out there.
"He's quite good. There's a few French races for him. The Prix Jean Prat is only in 10 days, but you never know."
Saeed bin Suroor, trainer of Tawhid, said: "We were worried about the ground - he would prefer it softer - but he handled it and he ran a huge race. There is no target, we'll find another Group race for him."
War Command Hammers Coventry rivals by 6 Lengths A ..............Royal Ascot Double for Sire War Front
Command so good in the Coventry
Tue 18th Jun 2013, 17:01
War Command leaves them for dead in the Coventry (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien's apparent third string War Command turned in a breathtaking display under Seamie Heffernan to take top honours in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The Ballydoyle handler was responsible for 5/2 favourite Stubbs, as well as leading contender Sir John Hawkins (6/1), with War Command a 20/1 shot after making a winning debut at Leopardstown just 11 days earlier.
Stubbs ranged up on the outside in the hands of the trainer's son Joseph a furlong down, with Sir John Hawkins and Ryan Moore also in there pitching, but neither had any answer to War Command's stunning finishing effort.
The American-bred juvenile passed the post six lengths clear of the eyecatching Parbold, who made good ground in the final furlong having encountered traffic problems.
Sir John Hawkins picked up minor money in third, with Stubbs eventually weakening into sixth position.
Heffernan said: "I've probably ridden all of Aidan's Coventry winners at home, but none of them on the track. It's my first ride in the race.
"It was nice to ride one that has won as easy as that. He relaxed and quickened. He's all right, this one."
Sky Bet inserted him at 8/1 for the 2000 Guineas immediately after the race such was the impression he made on the bookmakers.
Declaration Of War: Too good for his Queen Anne rivals
Ballydoyle drew first blood at Royal Ascot as 15/2 chance Declaration of War took the Queen Anne Stakes, the opening event of the meeting.
Favourite Animal Kingdom, the winner of the Kentucky Derby and Dubai World Cup, was sent off the even-money favourite to land another major prize but completely failed to handle conditions and was beaten soon after halfway.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained winner had performed below expectations in Newbury's Lockinge Stakes on his previous start, but showed his true colours here.
Held up in midpack in the early stages, Joseph O'Brien had to be patient and was still only fourth passing the furlong-pole. But once he found the gap 150 yards out, Declaration Of War made rapid progress to take up the running and go away to score by three-quarters of a length.
Aljamaaheer (8/1) took second, with Gregorian (16/1) filling out the frame in third.
Elusive Kate, who had helped set to early fractions with Libranno and Penitent, finished back in fourth
"I'm still not quite sure what happened at Newbury, but this is a very good horse," said the winning rider.
Declaration Of War seen here winning at the Curragh (Healy Racing Photos)
Ballydoyle drew first blood at Royal Ascot as 15/2 chance Declaration of War took the Queen Anne Stakes, the opening event of the meeting.
Favourite Animal Kingdom, the winner of the Kentucky Derby and Dubai World Cup, was sent off the 5/4 favourite to land another major prize but completely failed to handle conditions and was beaten soon after halfway.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained winner had performed below expectations in Newbury's Lockinge Stakes on his previous start, but showed his true colours here.
Held up in midpack in the early stages, Joseph O'Brien had to be patient and was still only fourth passing the furlong-pole. But once he found the gap 150 yards out, Declaration Of War made rapid progress to take up the running and go away to score by three-quarters of a length.
Aljamaaheer (8/1) took second, with Gregorian (16/1) filling out the frame in third.
Elusive Kate, who had helped set to early fractions with Libranno and Penitent, finished back in fourth
"I'm still not quite sure what happened at Newbury, but this is a very good horse," said the winning rider.
Camelot in full flow winning the Investec Derby at Epsom last year (Healy Racing Photos)
Joseph O'Brien is confident Camelot can silence the doubters and return to his brilliant best in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot today.
The Montjeu colt was hailed a potential superstar after he followed up an unbeaten juvenile campaign with victories in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, Investec Derby at Epsom and Irish Derby at the Curragh, but he then suffered defeats in the St Leger and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Although he suffered a life-threatening bout of colic not long afterwards, trainer Aidan O'Brien confirmed the apple of his eye would return for a four-year-old campaign, but after a winning return to action in the Mooresbridge Stakes he was beaten by Al Kazeem in the Tattersalls Gold Cup. The two renew rivalry in today's ten-furlong feature.
O'Brien jnr said: "We've done one or two things a bit differently at home with him since (the Curragh) and we're hoping he can improve.
"After what happened last year (colic), sometimes the first time they have a proper race again it can come as a bit of a shock. He seems in good form at home, we're happy with him and we're hoping he's going to run a big race."
O'Brien snr told At The Races: "We've been looking forward to him and this will be his big test in high summer. We've been very happy with him since the Curragh. Ascot was the main target for the first half of the year and we were taking him along gently. He had the setback in the winter and everything was slowly building up to Ascot.
"You'd be happy Al Kazeem is running again, as we can gauge Camelot then and see if he is making the progression we hope he is going to make. I think it's good for the race, it will be good competition and we look forward to the race."
While the O'Brien camp are expecting Camelot to be a different horse to the one that turned up at the Curragh last month, Roger Charlton sees no reason why Al Kazeem cannot also progress.
The trainer said: "I think and hope he has come on again since his last run. I think he's fitter, he looks well, he's eating well and is in a good place mentally. It's a better race than what he ran in last time. At the Curragh we had one horse to beat, this time we've got eight horses to beat.
"Camelot is there, I'd respect The Fugue and one or two others - it's a Group 1 race. I don't think we have any excuses before the race. It might be different afterwards! We'll see."
Jockey Joseph O'Brien is confident Camelot can silence the doubters and return to his brilliant best in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot on Wednesday.
The Montjeu colt was hailed a potential superstar after he followed up an unbeaten juvenile campaign with victories in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, Investec Derby at Epsom and the Irish Derby at the Curragh.
Connections soon confirmed Camelot would try to become the first Triple Crown hero since the legendary Nijinsky in 1970 by running in the St Leger at Doncaster, but his dreams were shattered as he suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Encke.
His huge reputation took another significant blow as he finished down the field in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and although he suffered a life-threatening bout of colic not long afterwards, trainer Aidan O'Brien confirmed the apple of his eye would return for a four-year-old campaign.
He made a winning, if unspectacular, return to action in the Mooresbridge Stakes, but then suffered defeat at the hands of Al Kazeem in the Tattersalls Gold Cup.
The two renew their rivalry in Wednesday's 10-furlong feature and O'Brien junior is looking forward to the challenge .
"We've done one or two things a bit differently at home with him since (the Curragh) and we're hoping he can improve," said Ireland's champion jockey.
"After what happened last year (colic), sometimes the first time they have a proper race again it can come as a bit of a shock.
"He seems in good form at home, we're happy with him and we're hoping he's going to run a big race."
Aidan O'Brien is pleased Al Kazeem is in the field on Wednesday, to give him a chance to gauge how Camelot is progressing.
"We've been looking forward to him and this will be his big test (in) high-summer," the Ballydoyle handler told At The Races.
"We've been very happy with him since the Curragh. Ascot was the main target for the first half of the year and we were taking him along gently.
"He had the setback in the winter and everything was slowly building up to Ascot.
"You'd be happy Al Kazeem is running again, as we can gauge Camelot then and see if he is making the progression we hope he is going to make.
"I think it's good for the race, it will be good competition and we look forward to the race."
While the O'Brien camp are expecting Camelot to be a different horse to the one that turned up at the Curragh last month, Charlton sees no reason why Al Kazeem cannot also progress.
Charlton said: "I think and hope he has come on again since his last run. I think he's fitter, he looks well, he's eating well and is in a good place mentally.
"It's a better race than what he ran in last time. At the Curragh we had one horse to beat, this time we've got eight horses to beat.
"Camelot is there, I'd respect The Fugue and one or two others - it's a Group One race.
"I don't think we have any excuses before the race. It might be different afterwards! We'll see."
The man in the saddle aboard Al Kazeem is James Doyle and he too is up for the challenge.
The jockey said: "He won very nicely in Ireland and surprised a lot of people by showing exactly how good he was.
"The race has fallen apart a bit with Snow Fairy and Farhh now not running, but it still leaves some decent horses in the line-up.
"Camelot is there and the vibes from the O'Brien camp are that he's going to be in better nick going to Ascot, so that will be interesting to see.
"The Fugue has got some decent form in the book and it's going to be a tough race, but it's one I'm really looking forward to.
"We go with a favourite's chance, but it is Ascot after all and you can never be too confident. Hopefully we will run into a place at least.
"He's always been pretty good, but he's improved massively.
"He's a superstar to ride. He makes my job a lot easier."
John Gosden's talented mare The Fugue also brings Group One-winning form to the table, having landed the Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood last summer.
However, she is making her first appearance since finishing a luckless third in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at the Breeders' Cup in November and Simon Marsh, racing manager for owners Lord and Lady Lloyd-Webber, acknowledges she faces a tough task on her return.
Marsh said: "The weather was against her earlier in the year and it just took time for her to come to herself, but she's ready now and we have to start somewhere.
"I think this is the perfect trip for her and I would imagine the ground will be on the fast side of good, which should be perfect.
"John wouldn't be running her if he didn't think she was straight, but it is a tough ask running against the colts on her first start of the season.
"She has run well fresh in her two previous seasons, so we'll see what happens."
Adding Gallic flair to the race is the Jonathan Pease-trained French raider Maxios, a narrow winner of the Group One Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp last month.
Alan Cooper, racing manager for owners the Niarchos Family, said: "He has travelled well and is going into the race in very good form.
"This is the natural next step for him after winning the Prix d'Ispahan and he has good form lines with horses like Planteur. We'll know much more about him tomorrow afternoon.
"I think 10 furlongs is the right distance for him at this stage and I think the track should be fine for him.
"We wouldn't want the ground too firm, but there are some showers forecast and I don't think the ground is going to be an issue.
"It's a proper Group One race, which is what Royal Ascot is all about."
Adding further depth to what promises to be an exciting contest are Ed Dunlop's globetrotting star Red Cadeaux, Godolphin's Saint Baudolino and William Haggas-trained improver Mukhadram.
Gale Force Ten takes a drop in class and distance when he bids to land a first Group-race success in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot on Wednesday.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt turned in a class performance when runner-up to his stablemate Magician in the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh last month.
He had also finished a close fourth in the French equivalent and connections go into the seven-furlong Group Three full of optimism.
"He's a grand horse who always tries his best and he's very consistent," said the trainer's son and rider Joseph O'Brien.
"He's seems in good form since the Irish Guineas and he's entitled to run a big race."
O'Brien senior is of the opinion this distance should be ideal.
"He's an Oasis Dream horse and ran a good race in the Middle Park last year over six furlongs (when third to Reckless Abandon)," the trainer told At The Races.
"We went to France as we thought maybe getting a mile was going to be his problem, but he surprised us with the way he got the mile at the Curragh. He was coming home very well.
"You'd imagine coming back to seven furlongs will suit him and he seems in good form."
Garswood was a good winner of the Free Handicap on his seasonal debut but was a big disappointment when only seventh in the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
"We're happy with him and hope he runs a race. We'll have to see what happens but we are pleased with him now," said Fahey.
"He's joint top-rated on ratings so he's one they have to beat, but I just hope he performs like he does at home and shows he is a good horse."
Clive Cox is happy with his runner Well Acquainted, who showed he could be on the upgrade when winning the Listed Surrey Stakes at Epsom.
"He won very well at Epsom last time. He keeps on coming up with the goods," said the Lambourn handler.
"This is another step up in a competitive race, but I think the stiff seven furlongs is right up his street.
Richard Hannon has three representatives - Montiridge, Ninjago and Tamayuz Star - and feels they could be in the shake-up.
"Montiridge showed his Windsor run was all wrong when making all to win a Listed race at Newbury, but that was a mile on easy ground, and it remains to be seen whether he will be as effective over this seven furlongs," the trainer told www.richardhannonracing.co.uk.
"Ninjago probably found the ground a bit too fast at Newbury last time, but, though all his four wins have been over six furlongs, he gets the seven well, while our other runner, Tamayuz Star, has been working particularly well recently and seems to be coming back to himself."
Newmarket trainer George Margarson accepts Jammy Guest has a lot on his plate but believes he could surprise a few people.
"On ratings he has no right to be there, but I think he's better than his Listed form. He wouldn't have got in the Buckingham Palace and he's a horse I've trained for Ascot, so we've decided to take a chance in the Jersey," said Margarson.
"It wouldn't surprise me if he ran a massive race."
Ajraam and One Word More represent Charlie Hills and the Lambourn handler is expecting good performances from the pair.
"You won't find two horses who will try harder," the trainer told www.charliehills.com.
"You can write One Word More's run off in Germany where it was a complete disaster from start to finish. William Buick, who won on him at Kempton, is back on board here.
"Ajraam is improving all the time and the horse he beat last time out has won well since."
Joseph O’Brien is the current 2-1 favourite with bookmakers Paddy Power to be the top jockey at Royal Ascot this week.
He was as short as 11-10 but has drifted in recent days with continued support coming for last year’s leading rider, Ryan Moore, who is now just 9-4.
Moore was as big as 3-1, while Richard Hughes has also been well-supported, going from 7-1 into a current price of 4-1.
Jamie Spencer is next in the betting at 8-1 while Johnny Murtagh and Kieran Fallon are both 33-1.
Paddy Power bet; 2-1 Joseph O’Brien, 9-4 Ryan Moore, 4-1 Richard Hughes, 8-1 Jamie Spencer, 12-1 William Buick, Paul Hanagan, 16-1 Silvestre De Sousa, 20-1 James Doyle, 33-1 Tom Queally, Joe Fanning, Jim Crowley, Johnny Murtagh, Kieran Fallon, 50-1 Frankie Dettori.
Al Kazeem seen here beating Camelot at the Curragh (Healy Racing Photos)
Al Kazeem and Camelot will lock horns for a second time this season when they square up for a tussle in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot on Wednesday.
The talented duo headed a field of 11 for the Group One over a mile and a quarter with no horses withdrawn at the 48-hour final declaration stage.
Al Kazeem, trained by Roger Charlton, came out on top by a length and a half when the pair clashed in the Tattersalls Gold Cup but the Camelot camp seek revenge and expect last year's triple Classic winner to be in better shape.
His trainer Aidan O'Brien runs a pacemaker in the shape of Windsor Palace, who was third in the first encounter last month.
Jonathan Pease sends Maxios sends over from France after his win in the Prix d'Ispahan, while Andrew Balding saddles Side Glance, who performed well in Dubai.
Ed Dunlop's globetrotter Red Cadeaux has a rare start on home soil, with the progressive Mukhadram from William Haggas' stable stepping up in class following his Group Three success at Sandown.
John Gosden has opted to take on the colts with The Fugue rather than stick to her own sex in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes on the same card.
Godolphin have the former Andre Fabre-trained Saint Baudolino, who was fourth at Meydan on his only run of the year so far. Luca Cumani's Afsare and the Clive Brittain-trained Miblish make up the list.
Bye Bye Birdie (nearside) beats Abbakova with Dimity in third (Healy Racing Photos)
The subject of massive confidence in the market, Bye Bye Birdie (4/5 into 4/9 on track) got the job done on outing number three in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden at Cork.
Basically Joseph O'Brien wasn't taking no for an answer from the front running first time 'cheek-pieced' juvenile.
She made the running but those involved in the punt got a major fright when the daughter of Oasis Dream was headed inside the last by Abbakova. To her credit, the Ballydoyle runner fought tenaciously to prevail by a neck.
John Murphy's Dimity (14/1) performed above expectations to take the third spot, half a length back whilst Clenor (a morning price market-mover) was hampered and stumbled at halfway. She kept on for the fourth spot, another length and a half adrift.
Joseph O'Brien revealed: "She'd be better on quick ground. She has a couple of entries next week (the Queen Mary and the Albany) and she could go." (AM & EM)
Dawn Approach, Magician and Toronado are all set to clash at Royal Ascot on Tuesday after a field of nine was declared for the St James's Palace Stakes.
Dawn Approach, winner of the 2000 Guineas, was a doubtful runner after his last-placed finish in the Derby until trainer Jim Bolger stated his intention to run last Wednesday.
Bolger has also declared Leitir Mor, winner of a Group Three at Leopardstown last week.
Magician had been a short-priced favourite for the race following his win in the Irish Guineas but he met with a slight setback last week.
While he is expected to fully recover, Aidan O'Brien has also declared Mars, who has performed creditably in the Guineas and Derby already this season.
George Vancouver is another Ballydoyle representative in the Group One.
Richard Hannon will be hoping the real Toronado turns up after he disappointed many in the Guineas by finishing only fourth.
A breathing issue was apparently the reason for that and jockey Richard Hughes has high hopes once again.
Roger Charlton has decided on this race for Dundonnell rather than the Jersey Stakes, while Kevin Ryan's Guineas runner-up Glory Awaits will take part.
The Mikel Delzangles-trained Mshawish, ridden by Frankie Dettori, completes the field.
Aidan O'Brien has a strong hand in Tuesday's Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot after a field of 16 runners was declared.
The Ballydoyle team will be represented by Naas Listed winner Stubbs, Curragh maiden victor Sir John Hawkins and War Command, who made a winning debut at Leopardstown 11 days ago.
Richard Hannon is also strongly represented with Richard Hughes choosing Championship.
Frankie Dettori will be aboard Thunder Strike while Dane O'Neill is on the Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned Wahaab.
The Sheikh's retained jockey Paul Hanagan has chose to partner Brian Meehan's Mawfoor.
Mick Channon runs Riverboat Springs who flashed home in the Woodcote at Epsom, Jallota and Rosso Corsa.
Richard Fahey has selected Parbold from his strong team of juveniles while Mark Johnston runs Lanark.
Bluebell is driven out by Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Bluebell provided her sire Mastercraftsman (who is currently standing in New Zealand) with his first winner in Ireland, as she took the opening contest at Limerick this evening, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction 2yo Maiden.
Ridden by Joseph O’Brien and trained by his father Aidan, she made her debut at Fairyhouse recently, finishing a well beaten tenth behind stable mate Wonderfully.
She was backed on-course from 9/2 to 7/2 and having being headed by Pearl Earing a furlong out, she rallied gamely in the closing stages to score by half a length.
The David Wachman trained, Billy Lee ridden, Pearl Earing had to settle for second at 8/1 while the Kevin Prendergast trained Got To Dream (10/3 this morning and 2/1 to 15/8 clear favourite on-course) was a further two and a quarter lengths back in third under Chris Hayes.
Joseph O’Brien said afterwards: "She is genuine and they went a good gallop. She’s a bit lazy but she tries hard and she is entitled to setup to Stakes company after that."
The winner is a half-sister to Lilbourne Lad, who won the Group 2 Railway Stakes at the Curragh in 2011 and also finished second in the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes in the same year.
She was purchased by Tim Hyde for €200,000 at Goffs in February of last year and she holds entries in the Railway Stakes, the Phoenix Stakes and the Moyglare Stud Stakes.
Aidan O'Brien could also saddle Leading Light in the Group 2 contest (Healy Racing Photos)
Investec Derby fourth Battle Of Marengo heads 15 remaining possibles for the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The Derrinstown Stud Trials winner is one of three Aidan O'Brien-trained representatives in the 12 furlong Group Two contest.
He could be joined by Flying The Flag (eighth at Epsom) and Leading Light - a winner of three of his four starts - as the trainer seeks to land the race for the first time since 2004.
Chief among the opposition are Luca Cumani's one-time Classic hope Greatwood, who hasn't been seen since disappointing in the Dante Stakes at York, and Ed Dunlop's Contributer.
The latter beat subsequent Listed winner Cruck Realta on his reappearance and has since chased home Irish 2000 Guineas winner Magician and the promising Disclaimer.
Hillstar could step out of handicap company for the first time having finished second in the London Gold Cup at Newbury, a race that threw up last year's winner Thomas Chippendale.
Spillway was back in third at the Berkshire venue and could re-oppose for Eve Johnson Houghton while John Gosden looks set to rely upon impressive Newmarket winner Brass Ring.
Brian Meehan has left in both Eshtiaal and Number One London with Godolphin pair Secret Number and Tha'ir, Fantastic Moon, Havana Beat and Mutashaded completing the possibles.
Wilshire Boulevard picked up compensation for last week’s near miss at Navan when winning decisively over the same course and distance tonight.
Last Saturday the son of Holy Roman Emperor just failed by a short head in a six furlong juvenile maiden won by Muscle Beach but there was no mistake this time.
Joseph O’Brien sent him after Candy Apples at the furlong pole and the pair quickly asserted to come home two lengths to the good and justify 4/7 favouritism. He was backed in from an opening show of 9/10.
“He was entitled to run a big race after the last day. He has loads of speed and will be better on better ground,” Joseph O’Brien commented afterwards on the two-year-old trained by his father Aidan.
Candy Apples was his market rival but she was noticeably weak at the track, drifting from 5/4 to 13//8.
Seven runners went to post and it was the unraced Fix It (16/1) who came in third, six lengths adrift of runner-up Candy Apples.
Magician winning Irish 2000 Guineas (Healy Racing Photos)
One of the most anticipated clashes of next week's Royal Ascot meeting has come under threat with news that Magician may miss his expected head-to-head with Dawn Approach in the St James's Palace Stakes.
A final decision on Magician's participation will be made on Sunday after the colt sustained "minor bruising" following a knock on Thursday, Coolmore said.
Impressive winner of the Irish 2,000 Guineas, the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt had previously won the Dee Stakes at Chester's May meeting.
Mars, sixth in the Investec Derby at Epsom, is on stand-by to act as substitute for Magician should he not run.
A statement issued on www.coolmore.com late on Friday said: "Magician sustained minor bruising after receiving a knock yesterday.
"Aidan is very happy with Magician today and he is 100% sound.
"A final decision will be made on Sunday whether or not he will run in Tuesday's St James's Palace Stakes.
"Should he not run, Mars will take his place and in the event of that happening Indian Chief will run in the Tercentenary."
Confirming running plans for the O'Brien two-year-olds next week, the statement went on: "Two-year-old plans for Royal Ascot are as follows: Stubbs, Sir John Hawkins and War Command are all probables for the Coventry and Fountain Of Youth goes for the Windsor Castle.
"Bye Bye Birdie runs in Mallow (Cork) on Sunday after which a decision will be made on the Queen Mary.
"Coach House is a probable for the Norfolk Stakes and Wonderfully is likely to represent us in the Albany.
"We plan to run both Friendship and Adeste Fideles in the Chesham Stakes."
Bracelet and Joseph O'Brien at Leopardstown (Healy Racing Photos)
Bracelet overwhelmed Tap Dancing inside the last 200 yards of the opener at Leopardstown, but all the drama happened in behind as Patty Paige appeared to clip heels, unseating Rory Cleary and hampering several other runners.
Cleary was taken to St Vincent's Hospital for precautionary X-rays following his fall. He was fully conscious and moving when aided by the medical staff.
Bracelet had the benefit of an outing in a Listed race at Naas 10 days ago when 8th to the impressive Sandiva over six furlongs.
Today’s trip was seven furlongs and when Joseph O’Brien asked her to hunt down front-runner Tap Dancing (3/1) she showed a good attitude to get on top and win going away by two lengths.
The pair were well clear of Muileata (10/1), on debut for Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning, in third beaten 14 lengths.
“She’s a lovely filly. The ground was plenty slow enough for her,” Joseph O’Brien said.
“She jumped and travelled. She was very green first time. She was maybe a bit disappointing and didn’t do herself justice.”
The two-year-old Montjeu filly had been all the rage all day as she opened at 6/4 in places this morning before being returned at 1/2 favourite.
This was trainer Aidan O’Brien’s 10th winner in the last two weeks from 39 runners. She was Joseph O’Brien’s ninth success in the same time period.
Upon racing commencing this evening the going was Good to Yielding after rain during the day.
Al Kazeem beating Camelot at the Curragh (Healy Racing Photos)
The Prince Of Wales's Stakes has become a real signature race for older horses since it was raised to Group One level in 2000 and 11 runners were left in at the latest declaration stage
Al Kazeem has been something of a labour of love for Roger Charlton and the late maturing type has rewarded the patience of connections.
He was only seen once on the racecourse during 2012 with victory in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket but he's looked on an upward curve this season - seeing off Thomas Chippendale in the Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown before taking the scalp of Camelot at the Curragh last month.
Charlton said: "He's fine. He worked well this morning."
For Camelot, the jury remains out despite being three-quarters of a length away from a Classic treble last season.
He was no equal to Al Kazeem when they last met and as ever, the barbs about his generation being weak are never far away.
Aidan O'Brien has won the race previously with So You Think (2012) and Duke Of Marmalade (2008)
The race is one that has been particularly good to Godolphin in the past, and the boys in blue have been responsible for four winners including Dubai Millennium.
This year they could be represented by Saint Baudolino.
Second in the French Derby when trained by Andre Fabre, he had his first run for his new connections in February where he finished second in a Group 2 on the Tapeta surface at Meydan.
Maxios is the only French raider though he is trained by a Brit in Jonathan Pease. He provided something of a shock when getting the better of Planteur in the Prix d'Isaphan at Longchamp but has won four times over this trip previously.
Afsare has proved mulish at the start ahead of his recent races and he was withdrawn on account of his behaviours ahead of the Festival Stakes at Goodwood. He is however, no stranger to winning at the Festival having taken the Hampton Court Stakes back in 2010.
Red Cadeaux brings an international perspective to the entries having recently visited Japan, Dubai and Singapore over the winter, while The Fugue is the only filly in the race although she could head for the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes.
The field is completed by Side Glance, Miblish, Mukhadram, Windsor Palace and Chapter Seven.
Venus De Milo (nearest) keeps on strongly under Seamie Heffernan to beat Rae's Creek (white cap) (Healy Racing Photos)
Newcomer Venus De Milo kept on strongly in the closing stages to win the last, the Family Day On 14th July Fairyhouse Maiden, under Seamie Heffernan for Aidan O’Brien.
The stable second-string was sent off at 6/1 and she dwelt towards the rear in the early stages.
She was fifth over a furlong from home and looked set to finish out of the money however she came home with a wet sail, sweeping to the front in the closing stages to win by a length at the line.
The Jessica Harrington trained Rae’s Creek was 9/2 this morning with Paddy Power but he was strongly backed this afternoon and opened on-course at just 13/8 before going off the 5/4 clear favourite.
The Fran Berry ridden, JP McManus owned colt briefly hit the front inside the final furlong but he had no answer when the winner came with her challenge and he had to settle for second.
Joseph O’Brien chose to ride Heirloom over the winner and he finished a neck back in third at 3/1.
Seamie Heffernan said afterwards; "She is a well-bred filly and she handled that soft ground better than the others."
The winner cost 105,000 Guineas as a foal and 220,000 Guineas as a yearling.
Camelot has an invite for the Cox Plate (Healy Racing Photos)
The Moonee Valley Racing Club has this week issued invitations to the connections of 10 horses trained in Britain and Ireland for the Group 1 $3 million 2013 Sportingbet Cox Plate (2040m) on Saturday, October 26.
They include Tattersalls Gold Cup one-two Al Kazeem and Camelot with an invitation also issued to Aidan O'Brien's Irish 2000 Guineas winner Magician.
Godolphin pair Farrh and Sajjhaa could join them in Australia along with globetrotting duo Side Glance and Planteur with The Fugue, Trade Storm and Ed Dunlop's American import Unbridled Command completing the list.
There is a good spread of possible runners from France headed by regular Antipodean visitor Dunaden who could cross swords with Giofra, Mandour and Maxios.
The MVRC have also invited two of Hong Kong's leading performers in Military Attack who recently stormed home to win the Group One SIA Cup at Kranji from stablemate and fellow invitee Dan Excel.
Akeed Mofeed and California Memory are the other Hong Kong stars to be invited with Mike de Kock's The Apache and Japan's Eishin Flash completing the list.
MVRC Chairman Bob Scarborough is excited by the possibility of enticing the world's best weight-for-age thoroughbreds to Melbourne to contest the Sportingbet Cox Plate.
"With the retirement of Frankel, there is now a new crop of Group One weight-for-age champions attempting to assert their authority on the racing world," he said.
"The international racing landscape is forever changing and we are now seeing a large contingent of horses not only travelling overseas, but winning international Group races.
"I am hopeful that the connections of the best weight-for-age horses in the world will accept our invitation to travel to Melbourne to contest the Weight-For-Age Championship in the southern hemisphere, the Sportingbet Cox Plate, and attempt to become the first international horse to claim the crown."
Updated: Wednesday, 12 Jun 2013 14:18 | 0 Comments
Ruler Of The World is among those set to go in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot
Investec Derby hero Ruler Of The World, last year's Epsom victor Camelot and Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Magician feature among a stellar entry of 29 horses for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot next month.
The trio, who are all trained by Aidan O'Brien, head 10 contenders for Ballydoyle, with triple Coronation Cup winner St Nicholas Abbey, Derby fourth Battle Of Marengo and last year's Grand Prix de Paris winner Imperial Monarch also in the mix.
Corine Barande-Barbe's stable star Cirrus Des Aigles currently tops the ante-post market with big-race sponsor Betfair while Roger Charlton's Al Kazeem, who beat Camelot last time out, is another among the leading hopes.
Other entries of note include Derby runner-up Libertarian, Godolphin's Hunter's Light, former Melbourne Cup hero Dunaden and Ed Dunlop's globetrotting Red Cadeaux.
Danedream claimed the race for Germany in 2012 and the Mario Hofer-trained Pastorius and Andreas Wohler's Novellist - the first two home in last year's German Derby - could try to follow in her hoofprints.
Very Nice Name is an intriguing entry from the yard of Alban de Mieulle, who trains predominantly in Qatar but also in France.
The son of Whipper, who is currently in France, won five times in as many starts in Qatar, culminating with victory in the valuable Emir Trophy in February.
Very Nice Name then took his chance in the Sheema Classic at Meydan, where he finished a three-and-a-half-length third to St Nicholas Abbey in the hands of Olivier Peslier.
Peslier is in line for the ride again at Ascot, as he aims to supplement his win aboard Harbinger in 2010.
De Mieulle said: "We plan to bring Very Nice Name over for the King George.
"The horse has been good since Dubai. We hoped to run in the Grand Prix de Chantilly last week but the ground was not right for him so we decided to wait. He will go straight to Ascot now.
"We were very pleased with his performance in Dubai. He didn't have a good draw and, although he wouldn't have won, I think he would have been closer to the second had he been drawn better. He has proved he is high-class there and that's why we want to run him at Ascot.
"He has improved a lot since he has come back from Dubai. He did a very good piece of work under Olivier Peslier one morning recently when we were preparing him to run at Chantilly and I'm hoping there is more to come from him on the track."
Sir Henry Cecil has died at the age of 70, said a statement posted on the Newmarket trainer's official website.
Responsible for 25 British Classic winners and crowned champion trainer 10 times, Cecil was also the leading handler by some way at Royal Ascot with a record 75 successes.
Knighted by the Queen in 2011, his later years saw him battle cancer but were illuminated by the great Frankel, officially the best horse in the world and unbeaten in 14 starts before retirement.
A statement posted on www.sirhenrycecil.com read: "It is with great sadness that Warren Place Stables confirms the passing of Sir Henry Cecil earlier this morning.
"Following communication with the British Horseracing Authority, a temporary licence will be allocated to Lady Cecil. No further update is anticipated this afternoon."
Ruler Of The World winning at Epsom (Healy Racing Photos)
Ruler Of The World has been confirmed a definite runner in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh on Saturday, June 29th and the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt is again likely to clash with his two nearest Epsom rivals Libertarian and Galileo Rock. Libertarian will have to be supplemented to the race at a cost of 75,000 euro, but his trainer Elaine Burke has stated that connections of the colt are prepared to do just that.
Speaking at the Curragh on Sunday, Aidan O’Brien gave an upbeat bulletin on his star colt. “Ruler Of The World has come out of the Epsom race in great shape and it’s all systems go for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby,” he said.
“We could not be happier with the horse and at the moment he is likely to be our only runner in the race.”
Libertarian and Galileo Rock were both doing their best work at the finish at Epsom and were only beaten one and a half lengths and a short head respectively by Ruler Of The World. David Wachman reported Galileo Rock in “excellent form” following his exertions at Epsom. “He has come out of the Epsom race in great form,” commented Wachman. “The horse has several race options open to him but the Irish Derby is high on the list and we will make a decision nearer the time.”
Elaine Burke, who will attempt to become the first female trainer to win the Irish Derby, is also to aim her fast-finishing Derby runner-up Libertarian. Her husband Karl said that the New Approach colt would have the week off before they would begin building him up again for his next assignment, where they hope the course and pace of the race will enable him to reverse the form.
Trading Leather booked his place in the line-up for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby when landing the Listed TRM Silver Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday. Runner-up in the Dante Stakes at York and third behind Magician in the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas in his two previous races, Jim Bolger’s colt really impressed in that Listed contest. “He is a tough colt who stays really well and the Irish Derby will be his next objective,” commented Bolger.
Curragh-based trainer Patrick Prendergast is set to have his first ever runner in the Irish Derby with the highly progressive Sugar Boy. The son of Authorized had both Galileo Rock and Libertarian behind him when he gamely landed a Group Three contest at Sandown in April and is fully deserving of his chance in the line-up. “Sugar Boy has thrived since the Sandown race,” said Prendergast, whose late grandfather and namesake won this race with Ragusa (1963) and Meadow Court (1965).
“The horse would like a bit of juice in the ground but either way he is a definite runner and I can see him run a very big race.”
Another trainer having his first runner in the race is Pat Shanahan, who will saddle recent Chester winner Ralston Road. “He didn’t really handle the track at Chester but his courage saw him through in the end,” remarked Shanahan, who won this race as a rider aboard the Dermot Weld-trained Zagreb in 1996.
“Ralston Road is in great form and has come on a good deal since that Chester win. He is a real galloper, stays the trip well and is entitled to take his chance in the race.”
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival takes place from the 28th to 30th June and will feature world class racing, fabulous fashion with the winner of the Most Stylish Lady competition judged by Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan winning a 5 Star Dubai holiday plus a spectacular diamond ring from Boodles, superb Food Paddock and the Derby Music Village with live music throughout Derby Day featuring the Raglans, Delorentos, Original Rude Boys and Sharon Shannon.
Paddy Power, official betting partner of the Curragh Racecourse latest betting: 5-4 Ruler Of The World, 7-2 Libertarian, 6 Galileo Rock, Trading Leather, 7 Sugar Boy, 20 Little White Cloud
A special Derby Day admission ticket can now be purchased in advance for only €30, which includes a free Derby bus from Dublin City Centre, collecting at Ballsbridge Inn, Bewleys Leopardstown, Newlands Cross and Browns Barn
The Irish Double ticket is also available to purchase. Costing just €50, it will permit fans of racing and golf to enjoy one of the best sporting and social occasions of the year in the third round of the Irish Open at Carton House during the day, followed by the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh in the evening. There is also the option to book the Irish Double shuttle bus from the Curragh to the Irish Open departing from the racecourse at 8am and returning in the afternoon.
Zand opens his account at Leopardstown last autumn (Healy Racing Photos)
UAE Derby hero Lines Of Battle, Irish 2,000 Guineas third Trading Leather and the promising Zand all clash in a mouth-watering renewal of the TRM Silver Stakes at the Curragh this afternoon.
Lines Of Battle subsequently didn’t enjoy the clearest of passages when tackling the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, while Trading Leather returns to the ten-furlong trip over which he previously ran a cracker when runner-up to Libertarian in the Betfred Dante Stakes at York.
Zand has always been held in high regard by the John Oxx team, and the Leopardstown maiden winner makes a belated seasonal debut here having been held up by a foot problem.
The Listed event is the highlight on a seven race card which gets underway at 2.20pm, and the going remains good to firm following watering.
Meanwhile the going is good to firm (firm in places) at Roscommon ahead of a two-day meeting there on Monday and Tuesday.
League Of Nations & Joseph O'Brien on their way to victory in the last at Navan (Healy Racing Photos)
The Aidan O’Brien trained League Of Nations clearly appreciated the quick ground as he defied top weight when running out a comfortable winner of the last at Navan, the Paddy Power In Support Of The Irish Dogs For The Disabled 3yo Handicap.
The son of Galileo ran well on his first four starts but he disappointed at Killarney last time out, finishing a well beaten third behind Kiss Goodnight when sent off the 4/5 favourite.
Stepped up in trip by two furlongs and encountering quick ground for the first time, he was backed from his morning price of 9/2 and he went off the 3/1 favourite.
Scelig (4/1) attempted to make all under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger but she had no answer once overtaken by the winner over a furlong out, as he went on to score by two and a quarter lengths.
The aforementioned Jim Bolger trained filly plugged on to take second while Carriedwas a neck back in third under Pat Smullen for Prunella Dobbs at 8/1.
Winning rider Joseph O’Brien said afterwards; "He disappointed at Killarney but it was very bad ground and the better ground today helped. He has been running consistently and he was entitled to win that."
Aidan O'Brien has also stated the Royal Ascot targets for some of his stable stars (Healy Racing Photos)
Epsom hero Ruler Of The World will be Aidan O'Brien's big hope for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh on June 29th.
The Ballydoyle trainer has taken the Classic for the last seven years, and 10 times in all, and has a host of entries in the race this season.
However, O'Brien has decided to name his Investec Derby winner as on target for the Curragh.
"We're making our plans known earlier than usual to allow others to plan positively for the Irish Derby," O'Brien told www.coolmore.com.
O'Brien also stated that Battle Of Marengo, Mars, Magician, Camelot and Declaration Of War will form part of his raiding party for Royal Ascot.
He outlined some of his plans for the Berkshire showpiece on the Coolmore website with Camelot facing a rematch with Al Kazeem in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes.
Roger Charlton's charge proved too strong for last year's Investec Derby hero in the Tattersalls Gold Cup last time at the Curragh.
Battle Of Marengo, fourth to stablemate Ruler Of The World in this year's Epsom Classic, will go for the King Edward VII Stakes while Derby sixth Mars is on course for the Tercentenary Stakes.
Magician, impressive winner of the Irish 2,000 Guineas, is in line for the St James's Palace Stakes, with Gale Force Ten heading for the Jersey Stakes and Leading Light the Queen's Vase.
Declaration Of War will take on Dubai World Cup winner Animal Kingdom in the Queen Anne Stakes that kicks off the five-day bonanza on Tuesday week.
COOLMORE colossus Galileo has been a dominant force in many of Europe's leading races recently, siring the winners of the Epsom Derby, the French equivalent and the Irish 2,000 Guineas.
His hot streak extended to Australia on Saturday when his six-year-old son Linton caused an upset in the Group 1 BRC Stradbroke Handicap becoming his sire's 35th top-level winner.
Settled in rear by Nick Hall, Linton had a dream run up the inside rail in the straight, pulling clear to win by a length.
Linton started his career in Australia with Lloyd Williams, who campaigned the horse as a stayer. Linton was a classy stayer winning the Group 2 MRC Herbert Power Stakes as well as placing in the Group 1 company.
However, Linton was sold to current connections after bringing up the rear in the Group 1 VRC Turnbull Stakes in 2011.
Now in the care of trainer John Sadler, the imposing grey has been running over shorter distances and that has given him a new lease of life, winning four of his eight starts for new connections.
Assessing Linton's pedigree it is easy to see why a drop in distance has bought about significant improvement.
Although his immediate family is rather light on quality - he is the best of two winners out of the Centaine mare Our Heather, a minor winner in New Zealand - distant relations include outstanding miler Barathea, Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Gossamer and Desert Style, who was rated Champion three-year-old sprinter in 1995.
Lines Of Battle pictured on his way to victory at Dundalk last year (Healy Racing Photos)
Joseph O'Brien feels Lines Of Battle has plenty on his plate despite taking a significant drop in class for the TRM Silver Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
A high-class juvenile and winner of the UAE Derby at Meydan on his first start as a three-year-old, Aidan O'Brien's American-bred colt was prepared for a tilt at the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs last month.
He was far from disgraced in the 'Run for the Roses', finishing seventh in the hands of Ryan Moore, and is back at Listed level on his return home.
However, with Jim Bolger's Irish 2,000 Guineas third Trading Leather in the field, the trainer's son and principal rider Joseph is not expecting a walk in he park.
"It's a very hot race and he'll probably need a career-best to win," said the champion jockey.
"He's a horse who takes plenty of racing and he seems to have come out of his race in America in good form. We haven't done a lot with him since, but he seems well.
"He's won in Dundalk and won his maiden at the Curragh on good ground, so the ground should be fine for him on Sunday.
"He has to give 2lb to a horse rated 2lb higher than him (Trading Leather) , so we'll just have to see what happens. Hopefully he'll run a good race."
O'Brien senior also runs Kingston Jamaica, the mount of Seamie Heffernan.
John Oxx finally gets the chance to unleash the exciting Zand following a difficult spring.
The three-year-old was hugely impressive when winning a Leopardstown maiden last autumn, but has not been seen in competitive action since.
Oxx said: "He had a bit of foot trouble at home so he's out a lot later than he should have been. He should have been out in mid-April, so we're two months behind.
"We're looking forward to seeing how he gets on. He's only a maiden winner at the moment, although he has a rating of 99.
"Hopefully he will go on and be useful and he has got good entries, but they have to be made a long way ahead, usually before you find out how good they are!"
Tracey Collins is hoping Captain Joy can prove his stamina on his second attempt at a mile and a quarter.
"He's in very good form and ran a good race over a mile the last day," said Collins.
"The last time we ran him over a mile and a quarter he didn't seem to get home, but that was on a yielding ground and we're keen to give it another go on the faster ground he should get on Sunday.
"We're stepping up into a higher class now and it's an unbelievable race, but hopefully he'll give a good account of himself.
"The ground is a massive factor for him."
Also featuring in a 10-runner field are David Wachman's Aloof and the Johnny Murtagh-trained Foxtrot Romeo.
Point Piper completed a first and last race double for Aidan and Joseph O’Brien as he took the finale at Leopardstown, the Compass Group Ireland Maiden.
Encountering quick ground for the first time, the son of Giant’s Causeway raced in third before he was ridden to challenge entering the straight.
He hit the front a furlong out and he was driven out from there, asserting in the final 100 yards to score by two and three parts of a length.
The winner was 5/1 this morning with Paddy Powers but was friendless in the betting and went off at 10/1.
He is out of Imagine, who won the 1000 Guineas at the Curragh in 2001 before she followed up in the Epsom Oaks.
Shouranour finished second at 10/3 for John Oxx and Declan McDonogh while the gambled on Harpist could only manage a disappointing third for David Wachmanand Wayne Lordan.
She was 100/30 this morning but opened on track at just 5/4 before being backed into 9/10 favouritism at the off.
War Command makes Promising debut at Leopardstown in 7f maiden Royal Ascot could be Next took a while to pick up but stayed on strongly Chesham Stakes could now be on cards
War gets on top late in opener
By Gary CarsonFri 7th Jun 2013, 18:16
War Command (farside) comes to head to Intensified close home (Healy Racing Photos)
War Command got going late on to make a winning debut in the opening two-year-old maiden at Leopardstown.
The winner had been well backed this morning from 5/2 into even-money but was easier on track and returned 6/4 after opening 5/4.
He was a touch green in the preliminaries and took a while to find top gear in the race itself.
Joseph O'Brien got a good tune from the son of War Front inside the final furlong and he powered home to get up late for a neck success over even-money favouriteIntensified.
“We're delighted with that as Jim's horse has a good bit of form,” said Aidan O'Brienafterwards.
“He's green but won nicely at the line without having too hard a time. It's a lovely bit of ground and he loves fast ground.
“I wouldn't mind going back in trip with him as he's got plenty of speed.”
The master of Ballydoyle feels that Royal Ascot might come a bit quick for the winner.
“He was green enough and it might come too quick. He could be a Railway horse.”
St Nicholas Abbey will be aimed at the King George at Ascot
Updated: Friday, 07 Jun 2013 15:47 | 0 Comments
St Nicholas Abbey and Joseph O'Brien pulling clear to win the Coronation Cup at Epsom
Three-time Coronation Cup hero St Nicholas Abbey will bypass Royal Ascot and instead be targeted at the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at the same track in July.
The hugely talented six-year-old clinched the sixth Group One prize of his career with another superb performance on Epsom Derby day last weekend, after which connections mentioned Royal Ascot's Hardwicke Stakes as a possible next port of call.
However, the son of Montjeu will instead aim to secure further top-level honours in the King George, having finished a close third in the mile and a half contest last season.
Speaking on Coolmore's website, O'Brien said: "St Nicholas Abbey has come out of the race at Epsom really well and we're looking forward to his next run."
One Ballydoyle inmate who is set to be part of the Royal Ascot team is hugely impressive Irish 2,000 Guineas scorer Magician.
"Magician is a likely runner in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, he's an exciting horse for the future," said O'Brien.
Fountain Of Youth and Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Hotpot Fountain Of Youth got the job done with the minimum of fuss in the opening two-year-old maiden at Tipperary.
The Ballydoyle colt was sent off 1/10 favourite for the five furlong sprint and once shaken up by Joseph O'Brien soon settled matters.
The son of Oasis Dream tracked the leaders on the outside and disputed from halfway.
He was asked to quicken a furlong-and-a-half from home and soon had matters in hand.
The winner just had to be kept up to his work inside the final furlong and galloped on strongly to record a convincing four length success.
Focussed got up late to grab the runner-up spot, by a neck, from Ain't No Suprise.
Fountain Of Youth had shaped with plenty of promise on his debut at Naas when second to the well regarded Big Time. The third Club Wexford has been placed in two Listed races since.
“He's still a bit green and hopefully he'll improve for racing. He handled the quick ground well,” commented the winning rider afterwards.
St Nicholas Abbey winning at Epsom (Healy Racing Photos)
Coronation Cup one-two St Nicholas Abbey and Dunaden could clash again in the Group One Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud on June 23.
St Nicholas Abbey ran out a comfortable three and three quarter length winner as he made history at Epsom but has rarely shown his best form in France where Dunaden is just one of 30 possible opponents.
Aidan O'Brien is responsible for three more entries with Friday's Saval Beg runner El Salvador joined by Chamonix and Imperial Monarch who enjoyed little luck in running in last year's French Derby before winning the Grand Prix de Paris.
Dunaden's trainer, Mikel Delzangles, is double handed with Vadamar a possible alternative to his globe-trotting stable companion.
Ed Dunlop could send Red Cadeaux and Joshua Tree on their travels while Andre Fabre, who has won two of the last three renewals, has a predictably strong hand with five entries.
Other notable runners include Cirrus Des Aigles, Main Sequence, Parish Hall, Universal and Willing Foe who was an impressive winner of the Aston Park Stakes on his reappearance.
Wonderfully (nearside) just got up to beat Queen Of Power (grey nose) and Colour Blue (noseband) at Fairyhouse (Healy Racing Photos)
Mars' sister, Wonderfully (6/4 this morning out to 7/2) shorted-headed Queen Of Power (25s first thing into 14s) in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden at Fairyhouse.
Clear pace-setter, Miss Mousey (first-time blinkers) made things interesting from the front here but she was caught a furlong out by Colour Blue. That one then looked likely to score.
However she was 'done' in the final strides and ended up a short head off Ballydoyle's Wonderfully, and Queen Of Power, in third place.
Moyglare Stud Farm and Dermot Weld's newcomer, Pirita (7/2 this morning into 11/8) dwelt at the stalls and she came home in fourth place, a further two lengths off the principals.
Joseph O'Brien explained: "They went very quick but she has plenty of speed and travelled real well.
"She was a bit green early on and I just had to get after her a little bit. She was getting a bit tired near the finish but she's a nice filly and will hopefully come along with racing." (AM & EM)
Ruler Of The World pictured on his way to victory at Epsom (Healy Racing Photos)
Ruler Of The World has been given the lowest rating of any Investec Derby winner this century by the British Horseracing Authority's senior handicapper.
Phil Smith gives Aidan O'Brien's unbeaten colt a figure of just 120 following his defeat of Libertarian, although he admits he has the potential to improve it.
He was similarly dismissive of Oaks winner Talent, rated 114 and above only Casual Look and Was at this stage.
Smith said in his BHA blog: "I have Libertarian on 117 as he has basically run to the same level as Battle Of Marengo and that is what I had him running to on both of his starts this year.
"I have no reason to believe that Battle Of Marengo did not run his race at Epsom. As a result I have Ruler Of The World performing to 120 at Epsom.
"I have agreed this figure with Garry O'Gorman, who is senior handicapper on the Flat for the Irish Turf Club and it is the lowest immediate after-race figure for a Derby winner this century.
"However, just as with Talent, I am sure this will not be the limit of Ruler Of The World's ability level."
Stubbs & Joseph O'Brien on their way to victory from Sacha Park in second (Healy Racing Photos)
Stubbs enhanced his growing reputation as he took the Alfred Nobel Rochestown Stakes, completing a Listed double for Aidan & Joseph O’Brien (won the second with Reply).
The white-faced son of Danehill Dancer impressed when winning his maiden at Navan last month and he was well backed to follow up this afternoon.
He was 5/4 last night with Paddy Powers but was 10/11 this morning and he was backed on track into 8/13 clear favourite at the off.
Out of 2008 Irish Oaks winner Moonstone, he made smooth headway to challenge two furlongs out and he hit the front with over a furlong left to race, keeping on well from there to score by a length and three parts at the line.
The Richard Hannon trained Sacha Park attempted to make all under Pat Dobbs but she had to settle for second at 11/4 while Club Wexford was two lengths back in third at 4/1.
Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "It was a mess of a race and they only hacked for a furlong. He did well to come from last to first.
"He’ll have to go to Royal Ascot now, look at what the winner of this race last year (Dawn Approach) did."
Stan James now make Stubbs the 5/1 joint favourite (from 12's) with Wahaab for the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Reply & Joseph O'Brien on their way to victory (Healy Racing Photos)
Reply outclassed his rivals in the Listed Owenstown Stud Stakes, as he took top honours for Aidan & Joseph O’Brien.
The four-year-old son of Oasis Dream, who was third in the Irish 2000 Guineas last year, was just beaten by a neck in the Group 3 Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh last time out.
Sent off the 2/1 favourite he kept on strongly in the final furlong, coming home a two and a quarter length victor.
Tobann ran on well to take second at 14/1 under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger whileParliament Square was two lengths back in third under Seamie Heffernan at 6/1.
Joseph O’Brien said afterwards: "He is improving with racing and quick ground is the key to him. Trip wise six furlongs to a mile is ideal for him."
The winner was recording his third career success today, scoring for the first time since he took the valuable Weatherbys Insurance 300,000 2yo Stakes at Doncaster in September of 2011.
The stewards fined Damian Joseph English 130 euro for failing to lodge a passport in respect of Cash Or Casualty as required under the provisions of Rule 90. The horse was withdrawn.
Stubbs & Joseph O'Brien on their way to victory from Sacha Park in second (Healy Racing Photos)
Stubbs enhanced his growing reputation as he took the Alfred Nobel Rochestown Stakes, completing a Listed double for Aidan & Joseph O’Brien (won the second with Reply).
The white-faced son of Danehill Dancer impressed when winning his maiden at Navan last month and he was well backed to follow up this afternoon.
He was 5/4 last night with Paddy Powers but was 10/11 this morning and he was backed on track into 8/13 clear favourite at the off.
Out of 2008 Irish Oaks winner Moonstone, he made smooth headway to challenge two furlongs out and he hit the front with over a furlong left to race, keeping on well from there to score by a length and three parts at the line.
The Richard Hannon trained Sacha Park attempted to make all under Pat Dobbs but she had to settle for second at 11/4 while Club Wexford was two lengths back in third at 4/1.
Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "It was a mess of a race and they only hacked for a furlong. He did well to come from last to first.
"He’ll have to go to Royal Ascot now, look at what the winner of this race last year (Dawn Approach) did."
Stan James now make Stubbs the 5/1 joint favourite (from 12's) with Wahaab for the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Ruler Of The World is driven out to win the Derby under Ryan Moore (Healy Racing Photos)
Bookmaker Paddy Power go 7/4 about Epsom Derby hero Ruler Of The World to follow up in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh later this month.
Libertarian kept on well to take second and his trainer, Karl Burke, has indicated he is a 'strong possibility' to be supplemented.
Powers go 9/2 about him while Epsom fourth, Battle Of Marengo is next in the betting at 5/1.
Galileo Rock finished a fine third on Saturday and the David Wachman trained colt is 6/1.
Sugar Boy for Patrick Prendergast is next in the betting at 7/1, while Mars is 8/1 and Trading Leather is 9/1.
Paddy Power Betting; 7/4 Ruler Of The World, 9/2 Libertarian, 5/1 Battle Of Marengo, 6/1 Galileo Rock, 7/1 Sugar Boy, 8/1 Mars, 9/1 Trading Leather, 20/1 Little White Cloud.
Galileo 34 individual Group One Winners
18 European Classics English & French Derby ..Winners this weekend Intello & Ruler of the World
& He was on our horses to follow 2012/13 list last April
Ruler Of The World gives Aidan O'Brien a fourth Epsom Derby
and jockey Ryan Moore his second
Updated: Saturday, 01 Jun 2013 16:43 | 0 Comments
2013 Epsom Derby winner Ruler Of The World (second right). Favourite Dawn Approach (right) trails home
Ruler Of The World provided Aidan O'Brien with a fourth Investec Derby and maintained his unbeaten record under Ryan Moore at Epsom - with favourite Dawn Approach well beaten after racing far too free.
Dawn Approach failed to settle from very early on and Kevin Manning felt he had no option but to take up the running on the approach to Tattenham Corner, with the writing being on the wall some way out.
Ruler Of The World (7-1) showed a smart turn of foot to go clear, but Battle Of Marengo, Galileo Rock and Ocovango all set off in pursuit.
The gap was closing at the line as Libertarian flashed home to claim second with Galileo Rock in third.
In the early stages Joseph O'Brien on Battle Of Marengo set a pedestrian gallop and with Dawn Approach wide with no cover and still pulling, Manning was forced to play his hand early.
Moore had the eventual winner just on the outside of Ocovango as the pace quickened and the French raider had to take a pull, forfeiting valuable ground.
Galileo Rock was handy throughout and stuck to his task gamely, outrunning his big price, but arguably the horse to take from the race was the unheralded runner-up, who was catching the winner with every stride, going down by a length and a half.
Battle Of Marengo was fourth, but Dawn Approach was eased markedly, beating just one home.
Moore said: "I wanted to be a bit closer, but I just didn't get away very well and it was a very messy race.
"I had no option but to go on when I did, I knew he'd stay the trip very well but I got there a bit soon and he was very green.
"He's improved a lot from Chester and he'll get further. He's got a really likeable attitude.
"I knew the others were coming because I'd gone too early, but he really toughed it out and showed a very good attitude."
He added: "I'm very lucky to be in this position and on these horses. This is the most important race for me."
O'Brien said: "We're just so lucky, we get these incredibly-bred horses and even before they are mated the dream is for this to happen.
"The owners understand the game so much, they are given all the information and usually come up with a plan and we try and carry it out.
"All the jockeys had their own plan and all the horses were doing their own thing and that is just the way it ended up.
"This horse was impressive at Chester (winning the Chester Vase) and won like a very good horse.
"It's incredible, we're very privileged to be in the position we are."
Coolmore supremo John Magnier said: "Joseph had his choice (of what to ride from the Ballydoyle runners) and Aidan thought this horse was the next best.
"That's why the Derby is such an interesting race, as it is all unfolding.
"The weather has been so difficult, we haven't really been on the grass much and if you try to find out everything at home you are not going to win the Derby."
O'Brien and Moore Rule at Epsom
Sat 1st Jun 2013, 16:18
Ruler Of The World sees off Battle Of Marengo at Epsom (Healy Racing Photos)
The Aidan O'Brien-trained Ruler Of The World won the Investec Derby at Epsom under Ryan Moore.
The Chester Vase winner had no qualms in relation to an ability to stay the trip and having made ground from off the pace with two furlongs to go, the 7/1 chance claimed stablemate, Battle Of Marengo and comfortably had the measure of the staying on pair of Libertarian and Galileo Rock as they reached the line.
A delighted O'Brien said: "We're just so lucky, we get these incredibly-bred horses and even before they are mated the dream is for this to happen.
"The owners understand the game so much, they are given all the information and usually come up with a plan and we try and carry it out.
"All the jockeys had their own plan and all the horses were doing their own thing and that is just the way it ended up.
"This horse was impressive at Chester (winning the Chester Vase) and won like a very good horse.
"It's incredible, we're very privileged to be in the position we are."
Coolmore supremo John Magnier said: "Joseph had his choice (of what to ride from the Ballydoyle runners) and Aidan thought this horse was the next best.
"That's why the Derby is such an interesting race, as it is all unfolding.
"The weather has been so difficult, we haven't really been on the grass much and if you try to find out everything at home you are not going to win the Derby."
QIPCO 2000 Guineas winner, Dawn Approach refused to settle in the early stages off a slow gallop, and though Kevin Manning tried not to disappoint the horse by letting him have his head before they came to Tattenham Corner - he was a spent force with three furlongs to travel and cut a forlorn figure as he beat only Ocean Approach home.
The winner could well head to the Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp later in the year and Sky Bet quoted him as 6/1 for that race.
Sky Bet's Richard Horner said: "Dawn Approach proved too headstrong to run his race and give himself a chance of staying the trip and bookmakers will be pleased with that. A Ryan Moore ridden winner though never goes unbacked and with Libertarian who was a very popular each way selection on the day staying on for second and a Pricewise big priced runner in third it certainly wasn't a skinner by any means."
St Nicholas Abbey seen here winning at Epsom last year (Healy Racing Photos)
St Nicholas Abbey was a convincing winner of his third Investec Coronation Cup at Epsom.
The six-year-old is nearing £5m in career earnings and he arugably produced his most convincing of his three victories in the Coronation Cup where he justified his starting price of 3/10 favourite with the minimum of fuss.
Chamonix and Chapter Seven fulfilled their obligations as pacemakers for the field, but as the remaining three riders engaged in a game of cat and mouse tactics in behind - it was Joseph O'Brien that was first to commit his mount for home after they had passed the three furlong pole.
Produced to lead as they came to two out, the colt was asked to go about his business and he soon had his rivals put to the sword.
Dunaden engaged in forlorn pursuit for a brief spell before Jamie Spencer accepted the situation in second while Joshua Tree was a remote third.
Ballydoyle 2yo named 7 Colts & 1 Filly special thanks to Graham Woods
Colt
Australia (8/4/11) - Galileo ex Ouija Board *Just Named
Geoffrey Chaucer (18/2/11) - Montjeu ex Helsinki *Just Named
Vivat Rex (2/4/11) - Fastnet Rock ex Strawberry Roan *Just Named
Indian Maharaja (9/3/11) - Galileo ex Again *Just Named
Buonarotti (11/2/11) - Galileo ex Beauty Is Truth *Just Named
Orchestra (1/3/11) - Galileo ex Bywayofthestars *Just Named
Guard of Honour (3/4/11) - Galileo ex Queen Of France *Just Named
FILLY
Palace (28/3/11) - Fastnet Rock ex Lady Icarus *Just Named
JULY 13
Nicholas makes "positive progress"
Sat 27th Jul 2013, 15:51
St Nicholas Abbey (Healy Racing Photos)
St Nicholas Abbey is reported to have made "positive progress" following colic surgery on Friday.
The six-year-old had to have emergency surgery at Fethard Equine Hospital, just two days after he underwent a major leg operation.
The six-times Group One winner fractured a pastern on the gallops at Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle stables on Tuesday morning in preparation for Saturday's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
Coolmore tweeted: "St Nicholas Abbey has made positive progress and is in good form today following yesterday's colic surgery.
"The colic was caused by caecal shutdown (equivalent to the human appendix), which is an extremely painful condition.
"His treatment means he cannot have food for a prolonged period - this is difficult for a horse like St Nicholas Abbey who loves his food.
"He will get parenteral nutrition instead (intravenous nutrition) to fulfill his daily requirements.
"Dr Nathan Slovis, a medicine specialist from the Hagyard Institute in Kentucky, arrived today to oversee his ongoing recovery and treatments.
"All surgeons are pleased with the progress he is making with his pastern reconstruction and he is taking weight on the leg well."
Saddler's Rock, Askar Tau and Colour Vision, the first three home in last year's Artemis Goodwood Cup, are among 18 possibles for the two-mile Group Two on Thursday.
The John Oxx-trained Saddler's Rock has failed to get his head in front since then and was only eighth to Estimate in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot on his latest start.
Aidan O'Brien's Ernest Hemingway is a second Irish entry.
Colour Vision, last year's Gold Cup hero, is one of four Godolphin possibles along with Ahzeemah, Cavalryman and Lost In The Moment.
There is continental interest in the shape of the Andreas Wohler-trained Altano from Germany and Gloomy Sunday, who won the Henry II Stakes at Sandown at the end of May, from Christophe Ferland's French yard.
Others in the mix include Brown Panther, Caucus, Glen's Diamond and Mount Athos.
St Nicholas Abbey has suffered a serious setback in his recovery from a major leg operation.
St Nicholas Abbey: Major setback following surgeryon racing
The six-year-old had a bad bout of colic on Thursday for which he has had to have emergency surgery.
Coolmore tweeted: "Unfortunately St Nicholas Abbey had a major setback in his recovery during the night, suffering from a bad colic.
"He underwent emergency colic surgery at Fethard Equine Hospital this morning and the prognosis is very guarded at the moment."
On Wednesday, St Nicholas Abbey had complex surgery on a career-ending injury to a pastern.
The six-times Group One winner fractured a leg on the gallops at Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle stables on Tuesday morning in preparation for Saturday's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
A son of champion sire Montjeu, St Nicholas Abbey was champion two-year-old in 2009 when he crowned his season with a blistering display in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster.
He was a red-hot favourite for the 2000 Guineas the following year, but could only finish sixth behind Makfi, and was not seen again until the following April when he was beaten at the Curragh.
The six-year-old returned to something like his juvenile form when an easy scorer of the Ormonde Stakes at Chester and went on to further Group One glory in the Coronation Cup at Epsom, a race he went on to win two more times.
Arguably his two greatest successes came on the world stage, however.
He won the Breeders' Cup Turf in 2011, a victory which made his jockey Joseph O'Brien the youngest winner in Breeders' Cup history, and as recently as March he landed the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan.
St Nicholas Abbey amassed close to £5million in prize-money, having won nine of his 21 races.
St Nicholas Abbey is recuperating in intensive care after undergoing complex surgery on a career-ending injury to a pastern.
The six-times Group One winner fractured a leg on the gallops at Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle stables on Tuesday morning in preparation for Saturday's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
St Nicholas Abbey underwent an operation on Wednesday, but still has "many bridges to cross before he is considered out of danger", according to Coolmore Stud, who represent the colt's owners.
They tweeted: "After a lengthy surgery to fuse the pastern St Nicholas Abbey is recuperating in intensive care at John Halley's Fethard Equine Hospital.
"Surgery was carried out at Fethard Equine Hospital in consultation with Dr Dean Richardson, head of surgery at New Bolton Centre Pennsylvania, along with Ger Kelly and Tom O'Brien
"St Nicholas Abbey will remain in intensive care for some time and has many bridges to cross before he is considered out of danger.
"This morning he is well and comfortable and back enjoying his hay.
"We are lucky he is so fit and has a marvellous attitude and temperament which will be vital for his long recovery."
A son of champion sire Montjeu, St Nicholas Abbey was champion two-year-old in 2009 when he crowned his season with a blistering display in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster.
He was a red-hot favourite for the 2000 Guineas the following year, but could only finish sixth behind Makfi, and was not seen again until the following April when he was beaten at the Curragh.
The six-year-old returned to something like his juvenile form when an easy scorer of the Ormonde Stakes at Chester and went on to further Group One glory in the Coronation Cup at Epsom, a race he went on to win two more times.
Arguably his two greatest successes came on the world stage, however.
He won the Breeders' Cup Turf in 2011, a victory which made his jockey Joseph O'Brien the youngest winner in Breeders' Cup history, and as recently as March he landed the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan.
St Nicholas Abbey amassed close to £5million in prize-money, having won nine of his 21 races.
Fortify scores under Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Odds-on shot Fortify got the job done in good style when making all to claim the mile conditions race at Naas.
Joseph O'Brien bounced the 8/11 favourite out in front and asked him for an effort a furlong-and-a-half from home.
He kept on well in the closing stages to record a comprehensive three-and-a-quarter length success over Hot Bed.
The winner was putting to bed a sequence of four runner-up efforts. He was dropping back in trip today having run on late in a hot ten furlong handicap at Leopardstown last Thursday.
“He jumped out and bowled along. The ground is quick but he kept on well to the line. He was entitled to win another one,” said the winning rider afterwards.
Ruler Of The World is among those who will go in the Irish Champion Stakes
Aidan O'Brien has a strong hand in the Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes as he seeks an eighth success in the Group One at Leopardstown in September.
The Ballydoyle trainer's multiple entry includes Epsom Derby hero Ruler Of The World and exciting American import Darwin, who was an impressive winner of the Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh last Sunday.
"We will be supporting the race for sure. Darwin was impressive when he won at the weekend and he is still in the mix as is Declaration Of War and Kingsbarns," said O'Brien at the race's launch at the Ritz Carlton in Powerscourt.
Jim Bolger confirmed his intention to run Trading Leather, although the Irish Derby hero is set to take in Saturday's King George at Ascot and the Juddmonte International at York first.
"The plan for Trading Leather is for him to run in the Irish Champion Stakes. He'll go for the King George, then the Juddmonte and then back to Leopardstown," said Bolger.
The French-trained Cirrus Des Aigles is favourite for the King George, but he too is a possible for Leopardstown.
The seven-year-old's handler Corine Barande-Barbe said: "The horse runs on Saturday so we'll have to see how that goes.
"He has been left in the Irish Champion Stakes and has other race entries as well. However, it remains a possibility as he has no other option in September."
Al Kazeem is on a break after chalking up a hat-trick of Group One successes already this season and he may also go to Leopardstown.
"He is currently on a break, but we are considering the Irish Champion Stakes for Al Kazeem," said his trainer Roger Charlton.
Marco Botti has confirmed Dubai World Cup third Planteur a definite starter and said: "The plan for some time now has been to run Planteur in the Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes."
Last year's renewal was won by the recently-retired Snow Fairy and it was announced her owner Cristina Patino is to donate a statue of the mare to Leopardstown to acknowledge her course record in the race. It will stand inside the main gate at the Dublin venue.
St Nicholas Abbey is reported to have had "a comfortable night" ahead of surgery on a fractured pastern to be performed on Wednesday morning.
The six-times Group One winner suffered the injury during a routine gallop at Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle stables on Tuesday morning as he was being prepared for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.
With his racing career now over due to the seriousness of the injury, owners John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith are hopeful their vets can save him for a stud career.
Coolmore tweeted: "St Nicholas Abbey has had a comfortable night at Fethard Equine Hospital. He undergoes surgery this morning and today will be critical for him."
St Nicholas Abbey will undergo surgery on a fractured pastern on Wednesday morning.
St Nic set for surgery on Wednesday morning
Tue 23rd Jul 2013, 16:36
St Nicholas Abbey (Healy Racing Photos)
St Nicholas Abbey will undergo surgery on a fractured pastern on Wednesday morning.
The six-times Group One winner suffered the injury during a routine gallop at Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle stable on Tuesday morning as he continued his preparations for Saturday's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot.
With his racing career now over due to his serious injury, owners John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith are hopeful their vets can save him for a stud career.
Coolmore tweeted: "St Nicholas Abbey suffered a fractured pastern during a routine piece of work at Ballydoyle this morning.
"He is currently in a comfortable condition at Fethard Equine Hospital, where he is scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning."
News of his injury broke just after 9am, when it was confirmed his racing days are over.
A tweet read: "St Nicholas Abbey suffered a serious career ending injury at Ballydoyle this morning, vets are currently attending to him. We hope to save him for a career at stud."
A son of champion sire Montjeu, St Nicholas Abbey was champion two-year-old in 2009 when he crowned his season with a blistering display in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster.
He was a red-hot favourite for the 2000 Guineas the following year, but could only finish sixth behind Makfi, and was not seen again until the following April when he was beaten at the Curragh.
He returned to something like his juvenile form when an easy winner of the Ormonde Stakes at Chester and went on to further Group One glory in the Coronation Cup at Epsom, a race he went on to win twice more.
Arguably his two greatest successes came on the world stage, however.
He won the Breeders' Cup Turf in 2011, a victory which made his jockey Joseph O'Brien the youngest winner in Breeders' Cup history, and as recently as March he landed the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan.
St Nicholas Abbey amassed close to £5million in win and place prize money having won nine of his 21 races.
Just heard from Ballydoyle they are very hopeful that
Michelle Kinane on her visit to my mecca Ballydoyle
LEGEND
I was privileged 2 receive this gift a few days after he won breeders cup to me his best performance & will always be my best memory of him on the track lets hope & pray he makes it through#prayforstnic
St Nic's Career sadly over after Ballydoyle Injury
Terrible news from Ballydoyle this morning lets hope and pray they can save him He was one of my all time favorites.
terrible news from Coolmore
St Nicholas Abbey suffered a serious career ending injury at Ballydoyle this morning, vets are currently attending to him. We hope to save him for a career at stud, a further update will be posted later.
St Nicholas Abbey won close to £5million in prize money
St Nicholas Abbey's racing career is over after picking up a serious injury at Ballydoyle on Tuesday morning.
The six-times Group One winner was being prepared for a crack at the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot this weekend.
However, the Aidan O'Brien-trained six-year-old has now run his last race with his owners, John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith hopeful that the vets can save him for a stud career.
A statement posted on the Coolmore twitter feed read: "St Nicholas Abbey suffered a serious career ending injury at Ballydoyle this morning, vets are currently attending to him.
"We hope to save him for a career at stud, a further update will be posted later."
A son of recently deceased champion sire Montjeu, St Nicholas Abbey was champion two-year-old in 2009 when he crowned his season with a blistering display in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster.
He was a red-hot favourite for the 2000 Guineas the following year, but could only finish sixth behind Makfi, and was not seen again until the following April when beaten at the Curragh.
He returned to something like his juvenile form when an easy winner of the Ormonde Stakes at Chester and went on to further Group One glory in the Coronation Cup at Epsom, a race he would win on a further two occasions.
Arguably his two greatest successes came on the world stage, however.
He won the Breeders' Cup Turf in 2011 from Sea Moon, a victory which made his jockey Joseph O'Brien the youngest winner in Breeders' Cup history, and as recently as March he landed the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan.
St Nicholas Abbey won close to £5million in win and place prize money having won nine of his 21 races.
St Nicholas Abbey's racing career is over after picking up a serious injury at Ballydoyle on Tuesday morning.
St Nicholas Abbey: Being attended to by vets
However, the Aidan O'Brien-trained six-year-old has now run his last race with his owners, John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith hopeful that the vets can save him for a stud career.The six-times Group One winner was being prepared for a crack at the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot this weekend.
A statement posted on the Coolmore twitter feed read: "St Nicholas Abbey suffered a serious career ending injury at Ballydoyle this morning, vets are currently attending to him.
"We hope to save him for a career at stud, a further update will be posted later."
Tapestry is set to have her sights raised after a winning debut
The impeccably-bred Aidan O'Brien-trained Tapestry (7/1) came fast and late to make a winning debut in the Hanlon Concrete EBF Fillies Maiden at the Curragh.
The daughter of 2001 Derby hero Galileo out of dual Group One winner Rumplestiltskin produced a decisive foot in the final half-furlong to overhaul Chroussa.
Jockey Seamie Heffernan had bided his time on the reputed O'Brien second string as stablemate Snow, the mount of Joseph O'Brien, was to the fore along with Chroussa. But once Heffernan let Tapestry go, the response was impressive as she ran out a half-length winner.
"She's obviously a lovely filly and has a great pedigree," said the winning trainer. "She's still a baby and has not been asked to do too much at home. We'll probably look at something like the Debutante Stakes (Curragh, August 11)."
East Yorkshire trainer Declan Carroll secured a big prize when Whozthecat (8/1) claimed the Boylesports.com Rockingham Handicap. The six-year-old was always to the fore under 10lb claimer Luke Leadbitter, who kept Nafa at bay by a neck to go one better after finishing second in a similar contest over a furlong farther at his track three weeks earlier.
Carroll said: "I wasn't worried about coming back to five furlongs as he's done most of his winning over five furlongs. Most ground comes easily to him."
Italian Jessica Marcialis struck on Ado McGuinness' veteran Beau Michael (10/1) in the Ladies Qualified Riders Association Fegentri World Championship Handicap. David Wachman's Fly To The Moon (5/1) stepped up considerably on her three previous starts to land the Equisoftlive.com Nursery Handicap.
The Wayne Lordan-ridden filly had been well beaten in maidens, but benefited from her first run in a nursery.
"Wayne gave her a very good ride. It was a big drop in class from the maidens she was running in and it was probably an ordinary nursery," said Wachman.
The Kevin Prendergast-trained Coquette Noire (5/2) hung on grimly for Chris Hayes in the Goffs Fillies Maiden while Emmet McNamara steered the Ger Lyons-trained Toccata Blue (11/4 joint-favourite) to take the Irish Field Grey Horse Handicap by a length from Susiescot.
Lyons said: "He looks like a foal compared to the others, but he's done well to win three races and Emmet gets on well with him."
Another Aidan O’Brien second-string was seen to good effect as Tapestry came from off the pace to win the six furlong juvenile fillies maiden at the Curragh a tad snugly.
Chroussa (6/4jf) and Kevin Manning tried to burn off all the challengers from the front. The well-backed Snow (3/1 to 6/4 joint favourite this morning) sat in second under Joseph O’Brien, but when this one started to tread water a furlong out it looked like Chroussa on the rail would hang on.
However, Seamie Heffernan produced Tapestry with a withering run down the centre of the course to cut her down by half a length at 7/1.
Aidan O’Brien said: “She’s obviously a lovely filly and has a great pedigree. She’s still a baby and has not been asked to do too much at home. We’ll probably look at something like the Debutante Stakes.”
Boylesports introduced Tapestry into their 1,000 Guineas market at 14/1.
O’Brien added comments on some of his runners yesterday. On Venus De Milo he said: “She gets a mile and a half well. She might go for the race in Cork [the Group 3 Give Thanks Stakes].”
Of Just Pretending he commented: “We’ll bring her back to the mile and a quarter race at Goodwood [Nassau Stakes]."
I adore this fella he is a model of equine perfection really exciting end to the season with the Big Brown 3yo Colt DARWIN Beat some decent yardsticks easy
Darwin is driven out by Joseph O'Brien to beat Gordon Lord Byron (red) (Healy Racing Photos)
Darwin made it two from two since arriving in Ireland, as he took the Group 3 Invesco Pension Consultants Minstrel Stakes, making it a treble on the card for trainer Aidan O’Brien and a double for Joseph.
The American import, won a conditions race on his Irish debut at Naas last month and he was sent off the 8/11 favourite (opened on-course at 4/5) to follow up this afternoon.
The three-year-old son of Big Brown raced in second for much of the race and he was niggled along from over two furlongs out.
He hit the front a furlong and a half from home, keeping on well from there to score by a length and three parts.
Gordon Lord Byron had to give twelve pounds to the winner, but he still managed to run a creditable race, finishing second under Wayne Lordan for Tom Hogan at 6/4.
Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "He is not short of pace but he gets a mile well.
"He came to us with a massive reputation. He has got great cruising speed and he was doing good times in America.
"When he won his maiden in America, Todd Pletcher (his former trainer) was jumping around the place and it was obvious to see why he was. We were very lucky to get him.
"He only won a conditions race a few weeks ago and he is still a big baby. He has got options and he could go to Deauville now.
Wilshire Boulevard is driven out by Seamie Heffernan to beat Oklahoma City (No 5) (Healy Racing Photos)
Wilshire Boulevard (7/1) outshone his better fancied stable mate, as he took the Group 3 Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Anglesey Stakes.
Oklahoma City was sent off the even money favourite, with Joseph O’Brien opting to ride the son of Oasis Dream.
The ‘jolly’ attempted to make all but he couldn’t fend off the challenge of the Seamie Heffernan ridden winner, he got to the front a furlong from home and he stayed on well from there to score by three parts of a length.
Oklahoma City kept on to take second, while Mansion House was half a length back in third under Billy Lee for David Wachman.
UK raider, Jallota was sent off the 9/4 second favourite, but the Mick Channontrained colt could only manage fourth under Martin Harley.
Aidan O'Brien said of the runner-up afterwards: "He ran a great race and I was very pleased with him.
"He was a little bit slow away. He was wearing blinkers for the first time today and he had a visor on the last day. We will step him up to seven furlongs."
He went on to talk about the winner, saying: "We always liked this horse a lot. He is a nice horse and he wouldn’t mind going further.
"We left the hood off him today and he settled well.
"He is well-bred and he is a half-brother to Zoffany. The Holy Roman Emperor’s seem to improve."
"Credit to everyone at the Curragh. The ground is good to firm but it is very safe."
Australia is driven out by Joseph O'Brien to beat the grey Carla Bianca (Healy Racing Photos)
After finishing an unlucky runner-up on his debut over the course and distance last month, Australia got it right on the second time of asking as he took the opener at the Curragh this afternoon, the Darley EBF Maiden.
The bay colt, who is by Galileo and out of the brilliant Ouija Board, was very slow away on his debut but flew home in the closing stages to finish just a neck behind Renaissance Art.
Sent off the 3/10 favourite to make amends today, he was soon settled in second.
He was sent to the front by Joseph O’Brien at the two furlong pole and he was driven out from there to score by three parts of a length.
Newcomer Carla Bianca ran a cracker under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld. The grey daughter of Dansili made the winner work all the way to the line, finishing a gallant second at 14/1.
The other Ballydoyle representative, Juniper Tree (who is a son of five time Group 1 winner Alexander Goldrun), kept on well to take third, five lengths back under Seamie Heffernan at 10/1.
Winning trainer Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "He is still very babyish. He was slow away again and he seems to go asleep in the stalls.
"We will take our time with him. He could be anything as the penny hasn’t really dropped with him yet. He has a lot of talent."
Boylesports have introduced the winner at 20/1 in the betting for the 2014 Epsom Derby.
Aidan O'Brien's dominance in the Silver Flash Stakes at
Leopardstown continues as he saddles first two home
Updated: Thursday, 18 Jul 2013 23:42 | 0 Comments
Aidan and Joseph O'Brien continued their superb recent run of form at Leopardstown
Wonderfully led home a one-two for Aidan O'Brien when making all in the Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown.
Jumped out quickly by Joseph O'Brien, the pack never really got to the 13-8 favourite, who had last been seen finishing seventh in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot which is working out extremely well.
Sporting a visor for the first time, the daughter of Galileo had a length in hand over stablemate Perhaps, who came home strongly in the hands of Seamie Heffernan.
O'Brien pointed towards the Debutante Stakes at the Curragh on 11 August for Wonderfully and said: "She is an improving filly, she's lazy in front and that's why she had the visor on.
"She's very idle and Joseph wanted to put it on. It helps.
"She stayed on well at Ascot. She's a nice filly and would have no problem getting a mile as a three-year-old."
He said of Perhaps: "She is a nice filly, she's still green looking and Seamie (Heffernan) said she was still very raw.
"It was a good education stepping her up into a stakes race and we're very happy with her.
"She'll have no problem with a mile next year."
Royal Diamond justified short-priced favouritism for trainer-jockey Johnny Murtagh in the Listed Challenge Stakes.
Last year's Irish St Leger winner, sent off at 5-4, soon opened up a big advantage in front, being well clear with a mile of the mile and three-quarters still to run.
Nothing ever seriously looked like narrowing the gap and Murtagh was able to ease his mount significantly close home, as Sir Ector ran on to take second.
O'Brien's Geoffrey Chaucer (2-7), a Montjeu half-brother to Shamardal, landed the odds from the front on his debut in the Irish Stallion Frams EBF Maiden, but he had to work a bit harder than expected and only held off the challenge of Tarfasha by a rapidly-diminishing neck.
O'Brien jnr tried to repeat the feat by leading on Il Palazzo and she looked the most likely winner of the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show Maiden halfway down the straight, but she was thwarted by another Coolmore representative as the David Wachman-trained Goddess Of Love (7-1) swooped by to score by three-quarters of a length.
Not be outdone by her brother, Ana O'Brien got on the scoresheet as Fairylike (4-1) completed a treble on the night for the Ballydoyle operation in the "Hot House Flowers" Apprentice Handicap.
There was a big prize up for grabs in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF "Nasrullah" Handicap and it went the way of Dermot Weld's Tandem (6-1).
Fairylike, orange, forges clear at Leopardstown (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O’Brien saddled a treble at Leopardstown as his daughter Ana partneredFairylike to victory in the apprentice handicap over a mile and a quarter.
When Gearoid Brouder and Waterloo Sunrise got a dream run down the inside of pacesetting Charpoy in the home straight, it looked for all money that they would score.
However, Ana O’Brien and Fairylike switched wide and came with a powerful finish to grab the weakening Waterloo Sunrise with 150 yards to go and win going away by an impressive five and a half lengths.
Fairylike was returned at 4/1 (from 8/1 this morning). Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: “She’s a lazy little one, but once she got in amongst them she got interested.”
Little Arrows, who again was slowly away, secured another placed finish at Foxrock as he finished third, seven and a half lengths off runner-up Waterloo Sunrise.
This was the fifth win of Ana O’Brien’s career, three of which have come on Fairylikeincluding her first ever win. She said: “Last week she didn’t have a hard race. She was coming home well, but had nowhere to go.”
Fairylike was seventh in a mile handicap for apprentices here last week. She ran short of room and was snatched up under two furlongs from home.
Wonderfully, right, winning at Leopardstown (Healy Racing Photos)
Wonderfully made every yard under Joseph O’Brien and led home a Ballydoyle one-two in the Group 3 Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown.
The daughter of Galileo, and half-sister to Mars, had opened her account on debut in a six furlong maiden at Fairyhouse before running seventh in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The 13/8 favourite got back on track this evening and when asked for more at the two furlong pole she kept on well along the rail to keep her five rivals in behind, on this step up to seven furlongs.
“She’s an improving filly. She’s lazy in front, that’s why she wears the visor. She’s very idle and Joseph wanted to put it on her,” trainer Aidan O’Brien said.
“She stayed on well at Ascot last time. She’ll go for the Debutante Stakes now. She’s a nice filly and will have no problems getting a mile at three."
Perhaps, the Aidan O’Brien second-string, finished to good effect down the outside to be beaten by a length at 11/2.
On Perhaps, O’Brien commented: “She’s nice and still green. Seamie (Heffernan) said she was raw. It was a good education stepping her up to stakes company.
“We are very happy with her and it looks like she’ll have no problems getting a mile.”
Wonderfully gave Aidan and Joseph O'Brien a Leopardstown double on the evening after the success of Geoffrey Chaucer in the opener.
Paddy Power introduced Wonderfully at 25/1 for the 1,000 Guineas of 2014.
Geoffrey Chaucer (right) beats Tarfasha and Stirabout (Healy Racing Photos)
Well-supported Ballydoyle newcomer Geoffrey Chaucer made a winning debut in the opening mile maiden at Leopardstown but had to work to get the job done.
Joseph O'Brien was a somewhat reluctant leader on the son of Montjeu as there was no pace on in the early stages.
The 2/7 shot (4/6 this morning) quickened up the tempo at the half-way stage and the race began in earnest in the straight.
Tarfasha kept on to press the eventual winner inside the final furlong and got within a neck at the line while the other runner, Stirabout, also stayed on well in the closing stages to be the same margin back in third.
The winner is set to be put away until the Autumn now.
“Obviously he was green. You have to be happy with that,” said Aidan O'Brien afterwards.
“Someone had to trot along as it looked like they were going to walk. He really only had to go about four-and-a-half furlongs today.
“He's a nice horse and we'll take our time with him. The plan was to come here then give him a rest and come back in the Autumn. He's a fine big fella.
“In an ideal world I would have preferred not to run him this early but he came (to hand) and wanted to run.”
The winner is a half-brother to champion miler Shamardal and his dam is an own-sister to Street Cry.
The Investec Oaks winner Talent (Healy Racing Photos)
Eight horses will line up in the Darley Irish Oaks taking place at the Curragh this Saturday following this morning’s final declaration of runners.
The runners are headed by Epsom Oaks winner Talent trained in Britain by Ralph Beckett.
The Lady Cecil trained Ribblesdale Stakes winner Riposte and the Prix de Diane (French Oaks) runner-up Chicquita trained by Alain Royer Dupre are also declared.
Johnny Murtagh has been booked to ride the French challenger.
Other notable contenders in the €400,000 Group One Classic include the Aidan O’Brien trained pair of Just Pretending and Venus De Milo and Alive Alive Oh trained by Tommy Stack.
Riposte and Talent are the 5/2 joint-favourites with leading bookmakers Bet365 and Paddy Power.
The first race on Saturday is at 3.35pm, the Darley Irish Oaks is set to take place at 6.15pm.
Royal Irish Hussar comes home a clear cut winner of the opener at Killarney (Healy Racing Photos)
Royal Irish Hussar opened this morning at ridiculous odds, and he was a general 8/1 chance with most firms, Ladbrokes going the best price at 9s.
Not surprisingly those long odds were quickly gone, and he was a 5/2 chance by midday.
The Aidan O’Brien trained son of Galileo (fitted with cheek pieces for the first time) opened on-course the 5/4 favourite, the price which he went off at.
Ridden by Joseph O’Brien, the once raced three-year-old made all, before staying on strongly from over a furlong out, going clear to win the Sika Signs Maiden, by an easy eleven lengths.
Train Of Thought (5/2 to 7/4 on-course), briefly looked a threat to the winner two furlongs from home, but he had no answer when O’Brien kicked on, and the Dermot Weld trained gelding had to settle for second under Pat Smullen.
The victorious bay colt made his debut at Gowran in April, where he finished a well-beaten eight of twelve behind We’ll Go Walking.
Joseph O’Brien said afterwards: “He bowled away nicely in front and he won nicely enough but it was an ordinary race."
Just Pretending heads five possibles from the Aidan O'Brien stable among 15 remaining in the Kilboy Estate Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
The Ballydoyle trainer is considering the Ribblesdale runner-up and Irish 1,000 Guineas third for the Group Two over nine furlongs along with Magical Dream, One True Love, Say and Snow Queen.
Fiesolana, Caponata and Mizzava are also among the home entries while Luca Cumani's Lancashire Oaks heroine Emirates Queen and Dank from Sir Michael Stoute's stable are the two British filles in the list.
Kingdom (left) is driven out by Joseph O'Brien to beat Zafarqand (centre) and Bensoon (Healy Racing Photos)
The odds-on favourite Kingdom was given a real scare in the last, the Fairyhouse Sunday Market Handicap, but he pull out more close home to prevail, providing Aidan & Joseph O’Brien with a double on the card. Sent off 9/10 ‘jolly’, the son of Montjeu made all but the Oliver Brady trained Zafarqand threw down a big challenge in the closing stages, with the winner digging deep to see him off by half a length. The runner-up was returned at 13/2 (opened at 8/1 on-course) underConnor King while Bensoon was a length and three parts back in third. Fitted with blinkers for the first time, the successful bay was recording his second success today, following on from his maiden win at the Curragh last October. He finished second on his first two attempts in handicap company at Leopardstown and Tipperary respectively. Joseph O’Brien said afterwards: “I wouldn’t say it was comfortable, he is tough more than anything and that’s the way he races, from the front.” Additional reporting by Michael Graham
Sea Siren is driven out by Joseph O'Brien to see of Russian Soul (Healy Racing Photos)
Sea Siren made a successful debut for her new connections, as she took the feature race at Fairyhouse this afternoon, the Listed Belgrave Stakes.
The Australian import won three Group 1 contests in her native land and she ran a fine race at Royal Ascot on her last start for trainer John O’Shea, to finish eighth to Lethal Force in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes.
Now trained by Aidan O’Brien, she was sent off the 5/4 favourite, the daughter of Fastnet Rock, chased the leaders in the early stages and she was travelling well in fourth on the outer, two furlongs from home.
Russian Soul (2/1), her main market rival, hit the front two furlongs out, but the winner came with her challenge a furlong from home, staying on best from there to score by a length and a half at the line.
The aforementioned Mick Halford trained second favourite had to settle for second under Shane Foley, while Boston Rocker (9/2) was two and a half lengths back in third under Declan McDonogh for Eddie Lynam.
Winning rider Joseph O’Brien said afterwards: “She is an exciting filly by an exciting stallion.
"She has loads of pace and a great attitude.
"She got a little bit idle in front so I gave her a smack and away she went.
"We’ve only had her since Ascot and she is very exciting for the big five and six furlong sprints this season."
Battle Of Marengo beat just one home at Longchamp (Healy Racing Photos)
Battle Of Marengo beat just one home as Flintshire ran out a highly impressive winner of the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained Investec Derby fourth was sporting blinkers for the first time and proved hard to settle through the early stages.
Long-time leader Park Reel was wound up at the three-furlong marker as Battle Of Marengo was pulled wide by Joseph O'Brien but to little effect in the end.
The race was quickly over as a contest as the Andre Fabre-trained Flintshire, running in the colours of race sponsor Khalid Abdullah, moved effortlessly into contention two out and swept clear under Maxime Guyon before being heavily eased.
Manndawi ran a solid race in second with Fabre's Ocovango, who was a little tight for room in the straight, third.
Betfred go 8/1 about the winner for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and that's the best price on offer with some firms as short as 5/1.
Illinois is driven out by Seamie Heffernan to beat Warbird (Healy Racing Photos)
Despite drifting in the market, the Aidan O’Brien trained Illinois made a successful debut in the opening race at Tipperary this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
The son of Galileo was the 10/11 favourite this morning with Paddy Power, but he drifted out to an opening show on-course of 2/1, the price he went off at.
The Mick Halford trained Warbird was the one for money. He was 6/4 this morning, but opened on track at 8/11, before going off the 4/7 favourite.
The Seamie Heffernan ridden victor, soon led after breaking from the stalls and he was ridden a furlong and a half from home, staying on well to assert inside the final furlong, winning comfortably by three and a quarter lengths.
Warbird couldn’t match the winner inside the final furlong and he had to settle for second under Shane Foley.
Silver Gauntlet finished three lengths back in third while St James Gate was another four lengths back in last.
Jason Walsh, Coolmore representative, said afterwards: “We were happy with what he had done. He goes well and he appreciated the trip.”
The winning chestnut colt is out of Chintz, who was Group 3 winner at the Curragh back in 2008 for David Wachman.
He also holds an entry in next year's Epsom Derby and his grand dam is half-sister to Solmeia who won the Arc last year.
Multiple Group One-winning mare Sea Siren has her sights lowered as she makes her first appearance for Aidan O'Brien at Fairyhouse on Sunday.
The five-year-old Sea Siren struck three times at the highest level for Australian trainer John O'Shea and was snapped up by the Coolmore triumvirate of John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith prior to running at Royal Ascot last month.
She performed creditably at the summer showpiece meeting, finishing eighth in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, and drops to Listed class as she makes her Irish debut in the Belgrave Stakes under the trainer's son, Joseph.
Sea Siren aims to give weight to seven opponents, with David Marnane saddling both Nocturnal Affair and Red Dubawi.
Marnane said: "Nocturnal Affair ran a very good race on his comeback run in the Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh, we were very happy. But then he went to Haydock and for whatever reason he didn't show up at all, he was very disappointing.
"We don't know what happened that day, but his work has been good since and we're going to put the blinkers on him on Sunday and we're also putting a tongue-tie back on. Fingers crossed he can bounce back.
"Red Dubawi ran three very solid races on soft ground, but then disappointed on very fast ground at the Curragh last time. The ground should be lovely on Sunday. We're hoping the extra furlong will give him a bit more of a chance to get into it.
"If he doesn't perform, we'll probably give him a break and bring him back for something like the Ayr Gold Cup."
Eddie Lynam won the six-furlong contest 12 months ago with Slade Power and has another major contender this year inBoston Rocker.
Mick Halford saddles the ultra-consistent Russian Soul and the field is completed by Elusive Time, Lily's Star and Clancy Avenue.
The market spoke in Heirloom’s favour in the closing maiden at Dundalk and the market proved right as he strode away from his rivals.
The three-year-old Dansili colt, ridden by Joseph O’Brien, made headway into the lead a furlong from home in this extended mile and a quarter contest. From there he picked up well to come in three and a half lengths to the good over Ebadani.
“He got a nice run through. He ran well in a maiden in his first run this season. He won nicely today, but it probably wasn’t the strongest maiden,” Joseph O’Brien said.
And on his sparkling recent form he added: “The horses are running well. Long may it last!”
Catchy Lass completed the placings in third at 16/1 for Anthony Mulholland and Ian Brennan.
Heirloom had been 11/4 in morning trading but this quickly contracted to even money. In the ring he went off 9/10 favourite.
While Heirloom was strong in the market, Wannabe Better drifted from 11/10 to 15/8 before racing and was returned at 2/1. She finished fourth.
This was Joseph O’Brien’s seventh winner in three days – four at Naas, two at Leopardstown and one at Dundalk. His father Aidan has also saddled seven winners in the same period.
Great Explorer finds the winning post at Leopardstown (Healy Racing Photos)
Great Explorer made every yard in the mile and a quarter handicap at Leopardstown and gamely answered Joseph O’Brien’s urgings to fend off Minister Of Mayhem.
The three-year-old son of Galileo, in the first-time blinkers, had to carry 10-2, but this didn’t deter punters in Foxrock who sent him off the 5/6 favourite to follow up on his Fairyhouse maiden success eight days ago.
Jim Bolger’s Midfield General, steeping up in trip, tried to make a race of it as he stalked the winner in second. However, he faded with two furlongs to go and it was left to Minister Of Mayhem (5/1) to pick up the challenge.
Colin Keane steered him out from the rail and in the final furlong he started to close on Great Explorer. O’Brien though had enough in the tank to win all out by half a length.
Aidan O’Brien trains Great Explorer and he commented: “He’s a tough hardy horse and he kept going. He’ll go for another one of those somewhere.”
In-form O’Brien has now trained 12 winners in the last two weeks. Joseph O’Brien has ridden nine winners in the same period.
“He toughed it out and hopefully he might get a bit further,” Joseph O’Brien added.
Blinkers were sported today and they replaced cheekpieces from his win at Fairyhouse.
Street Party put in his best race yet when coming in third of the six runners, beaten two lengths in total.
The all-conquering O'Brien family teamed up for five winners at Naas on Wednesday evening, highlighted by the victory of Oklahoma City.
Joseph O'Brien: First four-timer
Trainer Aidan provided his son Joseph with four winners while his daughter, Ana, rode Waver (11/4 joint-favourite) to victory in the Follow Naas On Facebook Apprentice Handicap in the colours of her mother Anne-Marie.
Oklahoma City could make a swift reappearance next week after running out an easy winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C & G) Maiden, coming home a 13-length winner.
Sent off the 1/2 favourite in a first-time visor, Oklahoma City was building on a satisfactory debut effort when sixth behind subsequent Railway Stakes winner Sudirman at Leopardstown last month.
"The visor must have woken him up and obviously he came forward well from his first run," said the trainer
"We'll probably look to step him up in grade now. We could look for a Listed race or the Group Three Anglesey Stakes at the Curragh (July 20) could be a possibility as well."
Minorette (5/4 favourite) then won the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden on her debut by a length and three-quarters before Rain God (15/8) won the one mile handicap.to defy a 5lb penalty having won at Leopardstown six days ago.
The five-timer was completed by The Vatican (11/4) in the Tipper Road Race who will now step up in class.
Joseph O'Brien said: "That's my first four-timer although I did ride four winners on the same day last year at Dundalk and Killarney."
Aidan and Joseph O'Brien celebrate the five-timer (Healy Racing Photos)
Joseph O'Brien drove home The Vatican in the concluding Tipper Road Race at Naas this evening to make it four on the night for the champion jockey and a fabulous five-timer for his father Aidan.
Morning With Ivan took them along in the ten furlong conditions event but gave way to Dr Funkenstein with two to run.
He was soon pressed by The Vatican Aidan O'Brien junior got his mount to the front at the furlong pole.
He stuck on well in the closing stages to record a length verdict.
Levanto was sent off 5/4 favourite but trailed home last after being eased over a furlong out.
The 11/4 winner, who has been used as the lead horse for Battle Of Marengo, was following up on a maiden success at the Curragh late last month.
“They went a good gallop and he's a horse we always thought would get further than 1m2f,” said Aidan O'Brien. “He'll go for a stakes race now.”
Three of O'Brien's winners wore headgear tonight, Oklahoma City (visor), Minorette(hood), Rain God (blinkers) and he explained:- “Different aids help horses that get a bit lazy.”
Joseph O'Brien added:- “That's my first four-timer although I did ride four winners on the same day last year at Dundalk and Killarney.”
The day had started well for the Ballydoyle handler as he landed the opening two juvenile events with Oklahoma City and Minorette.
Rain God made it a treble in the mile handicap while his daughter Ana also got in on the act when partnering Waver to success in the ten furlong apprentice handicap.
Ana O'Brien and Waver pose for pictures (Healy Racing Photos)
Ana O'Brien got in on the act as she partnered the fourth winner of her career, aboard Waver, at Naas tonight, giving her father Aidan a four-timer on the card.
Waver, owned by her mother Anne-Marie, was soon sent to the lead in the ten furlong apprentice handicap and stuck on well in the closing stages to land the spoils.
Ana O'Brien asked her mount for an effort two furlongs from home and it was 11/4 joint-favourite Hes Our Music who came through to give chase in the closing stages.
He couldn't get on terms with the well-bred Galileo colt, however, and eventually gave way close home to Lady Geronimo, who got within three-parts-of-a-length of the winner at the line.
The 10/3 winner had shown ability in three maiden starts and was dropping back to ten furlongs here for the first time.
“He just kept galloping,” said Ana O'Brien afterwards.
“He's entered again at Leopardstown tomorrow evening. He's a hardy horse and we'll see how he is in the morning. The owner doesn't believe in not running them!”
Rockabilly Riot, the other 11/4 joint-favourite in the race, could only finish fifth.
Rain God completed a treble for Ballydoyle at Naas this evening when making all for a game success in the mile handicap.
Joseph O'Brien cut out the running on the son of Henrythenavigator and asked his mount to kick for home with two furlongs to run.
He soon skipped a few lengths clear and kept on well in the closing stages asMordanmijobsworth ran on to get within a length-and-a-quarter at the line.
The winner was completing a quick double, under a 5lb penalty, having scored under Ana O'Brien at Leopardstown six days ago.
“He loves the fast ground. We'll look for another handicap for him. He probably got an easy enough lead but kept going well,” said Ana O'Brien.
Rain God (opened 2/1 into 15/8) was sent off 5/2 joint favourite with General Brook, who could only finish fifth.
The O'Briens also landed the two opening juvenile maidens with Oklahoma City andMinorette.
Oklahoma City clear in the opener (Healy Racing Photos)
Oklahoma City blazed a trail in the opening six-furlong juvenile maiden at Naas to run out a convincing winner.
Joseph O'Brien bounced out in front on the Oasis Dream colt and he was soon a few lengths clear of his rivals.
The others never looked likely to peg back the front-runner, who was asked for an effort under two furlongs out.
He stayed on strongly, as he was ridden from over a furlong out, and eventually posted a 13-length verdict over newcomer Bonjour Bob.
The winner was a strongly supported 1/2 favourite in the four-runner event having been available at even-money this morning.
The Ballydoyle charge had shaped with promise, having been hampered at the start, when sixth on his Leopardstown debut behind subsequent Railway Stakes winner Sudirman.
“The visor must have woken him up and obviously he came forward well from his first run,” said Aidan O'Brien afterwards.
“We'll probably look to step him up in grade now. We could look for a Listed race or the Group 3 Anglesey at the Curragh (on July 20th) could be a possibility as well.”
The winning rider added:- "He won better than I expected and I probably should have had a look!
"The ground is very quick and that probably exaggerated it a bit but he is a nice horse."
The winner is from a classy family as his unraced dam is a half-sister to Kayf Tara and Opera House.
Magician winning Irish 2000 Guineas (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien's Magician won't bid to bounce back in the QIPCO Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood after he was taken out of the race at the latest acceptance stage.
The Irish 2000 Guineas winner was hampered in the St James's Palace Stakes, before being eased home in last place as Dawn Approach edged out Toronado to the prize.
As short as 8/1 for the Sussex Stakes with Paddy Power, Magician isn't among the 26 horses left in the Group One contest.
However, a thrilling third clash between Dawn Approach and Toronado, the top two European three-year-old milers, remains likely on July 31.
Seamus Buckley, clerk of the course at Goodwood Racecourse, said: "It would be great to get Dawn Approach and Toronado among the runners for the QIPCO Sussex Stakes - a second "Duel on the Downs" following on from Frankel and Canford Cliffs two years ago.
"We have started watering because it has been extremely hot. We are watering at night to maximise the effect.
"I am happy with the way the course has recovered from the early-season racing."
Buckley commenced watering on Monday (July 8) to keep some moisture in the ground and maintain grass growth.
Dominic Gardiner-Hill, the British Horseracing Authority handicapper responsible for milers, is eagerly looking forward to another Dawn Approach/Toronado clash.
He asked: "Is anybody else getting a slight sense of "déjà vu" with the personal duel that is starting to develop between this year's top three-year-old milers Dawn Approach and Toronado?
"Remember 2008 when Henrythenavigator beat Raven's Pass in the 2000 Guineas, the St James's Palace Stakes and again in the Sussex Stakes - on each occasion by a smaller margin than the previous run - only for John Gosden's colt to finally wrench away the miling crown from his old adversary in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot in October.
"I wonder if a similar scenario is due to be played out in front of us this summer. Back to mile after the Derby debacle, Dawn Approach (124 ) landed the St James's Palace by a short-head from Richard Hannon's colt (123 ) to take the personal score between them to 2-0 but boy did Toronado make the winner work hard and many felt he was an unlucky loser.
"Both suffered interference when Glory Awaits ducked left two furlongs out but some felt Toronado got the worst of it.
"A performance figure of 124 for Dawn Approach was the second highest posted in the Royal Ascot race since the turn of the century with only Shamardal's 125 when winning the race at York in 2005 being higher, while Toronado's figure of 123 would have been good enough to win eight of the previous 10 runnings of the race.
"They are two high class colts and will hopefully both turn up fit and well for the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood for Round Three!"
Despite no Magician, O'Brien is responsible for six left in the Sussex Stakes, led by Declaration Of War, winner of the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and second to Al Kazeem in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park last weekend.
O'Brien's other hopefuls are 2012 Group One St James's Palace Stakes victor Most Improved, 2013 Coral-Eclipse fourth Mars, Jersey Stakes winner Gale Force Ten, Reply and lightly-raced Darwin.
Just The Judge, successful in the Irish 1,000 Guineas, and the consistent six year-old Red Jazz could represent trainer Charlie Hills.
Roger Varian's Aljamaaheer and the John Gosden-trainedpair of Gregorian and Elusive Kate finished second, third and fourth respectively in the Queen Anne Stakes, with Trade Storm (David Simcock) fifth on his European reappearance.
Curragh Cup winner Ernest Hemingway heads several entries made by Aidan O'Brien for the Betfred Ebor at York on August 24.
96 entries have been made for one of the richest handicaps in Europe.
Ernest Hemmingway could be joined by stable-mates Chamonix, Justification, Kingdom and Marchesi Marconi.
Dermot Weld has put in the smart dual-purpose mare Unaccompanied, Pale Mimosa, Notable Graduate and Olympiad.
Jessica Harrington has entered Steps To Freedom while Tony Martin could run Cheltenham winner Ted Veale.
Well Sharp, a revelation this season since having his attentions switched back to the Flat, looks a leading contender.
Trained by Jonjo O'Neill, he did not look a natural over hurdles but hacked up at York and followed that up by winning just as easily at Royal Ascot.
Behind him at Ascot was Lady Cecil's Tiger Cliff and he is another possible along with William Haggas' Stencive. Sun Central and David Simcock's Montaser are also engaged.
Aidan O'Brien relies on Sir John Hawkins from five possibles to give him success in the Portland Place Properties July Stakes on Thursday.
O'Brien withdrew his other Newmarket entries - Coach House, Fountain Of Youth, Stubbs and Wilshire Boulevard - at the 48-hour final declaration stage to give the son of Henrythenavigator chance of a Pattern-race success.
Sir John Hawkins, among a field of 11 for the six-furlong Group Two, landed a Curragh maiden on his debut before finishing third to stablemate War Command in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Richard Hannon is double-handed with Anjaal and Brown Sugar, both good winners of maidens, as he seeks a sixth success in this race.
Richard Fahey looks to Canyari, who created a favourable impression when winning a Doncaster maiden by five lengths on his racecourse bow in May.
Fellow North Yorkshire trainer Kevin Ryan also saddles a promising type in Astaire, who got off the mark first time at York while Saeed bin Suroor has an interesting contender in Figure Of Speech. The Invincible Spirit colt won over the course and distance at the first time of asking last month.
Festive Cheer, who finished third in the Irish Derby, could travel over to France (Healy Racing Photos)
Battle Of Marengo and Mars are among four Aidan O'Brien representatives remaining in Saturday evening's Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp.
O'Brien said last week that Derby fourth Battle Of Marengo, who finished runner-up in Royal Ascot's King Edward VII Stakes, was being aimed at the three-year-old Group One over a mile and half.
Mars, who was fourth in last weekend's Coral-Eclipse, Irish Derby third Festive Cheer and possible pacemaker Flying The Flag are also among the 18 left in at Monday's latest forfeit stage.
Andre Fabre is seeking his 12th victory and he has three possible runners at the moment.
They are the sponsors' unexposed Flintshire, OTI Racing's recent Listed winner Au Revoir and his Epsom hope Ocovango.
Ocovango lost his unbeaten record when fifth to Ruler Of The World in the Derby and Ted Voute, racing manager for owner Prince Faisal, said: "Andre's very happy with the horse. I saw him at Saint-Cloud recently.
"Andre is a man of few words and he just said that the horse would be going for the Grand Prix de Paris, just as he said a few weeks earlier that he would be going for the Derby."
Juddmonte also have the John Gosden-trained Excess Knowledge, a close third to Mandour on his reappearance at Sandown last week, while Ann Duffield still has stable star Willie The Whipper engaged.
It's time to look further ahead to one of the highlights of the summer Flat season, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
It is the Aidan O'Brien trained St. Nicholas Abbey that really catches the eye in the historic contest.
He looked really well at the Curragh last Sunday when he galloped after racing and reportedly went very well again during the week at Ballydoyle.
The King George is likely to throw up a small field again this year and although St. Nicholas Abbey is 2/1 with skybet.com, there are doubts about plenty of the other horses in the field none more so than Cirrus Des Aigles.
He is trading at 3/1 second favourite for the race despite disappointing on his reappearance last week where he only finished fifth, despite going off the Even money favourite.
The German-trained Novellist won that race and is next in the betting at 5/1, despite the fact that he will almost certainly not act on the likely ground.
Battle Of Marengo is set to tackle the Grand Prix de Paris
Last Updated: July 4, 2013 7:17pm
Battle Of Marengo: Set for Longchamp
Battle Of Marengo is set to tackle the Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp on Saturday week.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt finished fourth behind stablemate Ruler Of The World in the Derby at Epsom but could finish only second when dropped to Group Two company for the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.
However, O'Brien will give the son of Galileo another try at the highest level in Paris on July 13, when he tries to follow in the hoofprints of fellow Ballydoyle runner Imperial Monarch, who won the 12-furlong heat last term.
"It looks like he will go there at the moment," O'Brien said.
The trainer also reported Gale Force Ten a possible runner in next week's Darley July Cup at Newmarket while Coventry Stakes third Sir John Hawkins could also run at Headquarters.
Champion Trainer Aidan O'Brien doubled up at Leopardstown today when supplying his daughter
Aidan O'Brien with her third career winner, steering Rain God to win the Bulmers Original Summer Music Night Apprentice Handicap.
O'Brien Jnr, who partnered her first winner on Fairylike at Dundalk on February 15, moved Rain God to lead under two furlongs out before the son of Henrythenavigator stayed on for a three parts of a length win over Little Arrows.
O'Brien Snr later stated “the second horse (Little Arrows) was closing him down and he might have got up in another few strides but I'm delighted he won and will go for another handicap next.”
Perhaps provided trainer O'Brien with his earlier winner in the juvenile fillies' maiden.
Perhaps (right) defeats Chroussa (Healy Racing Photos)
The Aidan O'Brien trained Perhaps was made work hard to justify her 2/5 favourite's tag to win the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden at Leopardstown today for the trainer's son Joseph O'Brien.
The sister to Battle Of Marengo looked on course for a comfortable win when looming alongside leader Tahaany entering the straight. However eventual runner-up and newcomer Chroussa made the winner work all the way to the line, with just a neck separating the pair at the line.
Aidan O'Brien stated “she was still green enough in front but I'm delighted with her. She needs to come on but I think she will as she's still only a baby.
She has the makings of a nice filly and we'll step her up slowly; she might go for something like the Silver Flash Stakes next.”
The over-worked crew responsible for naming the Ballydoyle horses are well and truly in their 'grammer phase' at present and Perhaps follows a long line of adverbs, adjectives, nouns and verbs to have run for Aidan O'Brien in recent seasons namely: After, Order, Where, Wrote, Along, Hail, Learn, Soon, Reply, Was, Say, Power, Kissed, Maybe, Though, Hasten, Offer, Exact, Along, Drops, Spin, Know, Up and Why.
War Command heads 66 entries for the Gimcrack Stakes at York
War Command: Entered in the Gimcrack Stakes
Impressive Royal Ascot winner War Command heads 66 entries for the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Gimcrack Stakes at York on August 24.
The winner of the Coventry Stakes by a staggering six lengths, the War Front colt is one of 13 entries from the powerful Ballydoyle Stables of Aidan O'Brien although the trainer hasn't saddled the winner of this Group Two contest since Rock Of Gibraltar carried all before him in 2001.
Kevin Ryan and William Haggas have both lifted this prize twice in the intervening years and the former has entered Astaire, Sleeper King, Morning Post and The Grey Gatsby while the latter has a three-strong entry comprising Zaraee, Jacob's Pillow and Ertijaal.
Richard Fahey has a team of five to choose from in the prestigious six furlong contest while Paul Cole could rely on impressive Kempton winner Grecian.
Aidan O'Brien has stripped his potential runners in Saturday's Coral-Eclipse down to two with Mars and maybe Declaration Of War in the shake-up.
Three-year-old Mars, who was a career-best third to Dawn Approach in the St James's Palace Stakes, is the only guaranteed starter at this stage but Declaration Of War could yet step up to a mile and a quarter after his Queen Anne victory.
Camelot, beaten twice by Eclipse favourite Al Kazeem this season, is the only one of the trio left in the race to miss out.
An update on Coolmore's website said: "Currently Mars is a probable runner in the Eclipse Stakes on Saturday, Declaration Of War is also a possible for the race.
"At the moment Camelot is unlikely to run, he hasn't really been himself this season and is going on the easy list for the rest of the month."
Ian Ogg examines the claims of Mars in Saturday's Coral-Eclipse
Mars: Could fly the flag for the Classic generation on Saturday
The clash of the generations.
It is not the be all and end all of the Coral-Eclipse but the presence of a smart three year old or two certainly adds spice to the mix of a race that was established in 1886.
Since 1980, 11 runners from the Classic generation have won the 10 furlong contest but seven of those came before the turn of the century; just two trainers account for the other four winners with John Oxx's Sea The Stars joining the Aidan O'Brien-trained trio of Hawk Wing, Oratorio and Giant's Causeway on the roll of honour.
Hawk Wing, second at Epsom on his preceding start, had three older rivals in opposition but none of the trio had won above Group Three level while only one of the five older horses to line up against Oratorio and Motivator started at shorter than 16/1.
All four of O'Brien's Epsom Derby winners since 2000 have gone on to the Curragh rather than line up here so, although in addition to his two winners, he has run eight three year olds here in the last 10 years only Rip Van Winkle could be termed a top-class performer and his gallant second to Sea The Stars provided one of the highlights of a memorable season.
The lost generation
Epsom form has been poorly represented in the three intervening years with only Bonfire lining up - he finished sixth in both contests.
Mars also finished sixth on the Surrey Downs but the similarities between the now gelded son of Manduro and this season's sole representative of the Classic generation could end there.
Mars' career has been something of a slow burner to date but it would be no surprise to see his career ignite in the second half of this season.
The subject of glowing reports prior to making his debut in a Dundalk maiden over seven furlongs, he was sent off the 4/7 favourite and duly scored by a comfortable four and three quarter lengths causing the layers to slash his odds for the following season's Derby.
He remained towards the head of the market for the Epsom Classic despite not being seen again in 2012 (the ground never 'came right') and despite only two stablemates (second and ninth of 11; the other eight haven't managed to garner as much as a maiden between them) boosting the form.
Passed over by Joseph O'Brien, he was entitled to need his reappearance in the 2000 Guineas and ran as if that was the case in finishing a never nearer sixth over a trip that was deemed to be inadequate.
Travelling well until the quarter mile pole, he looked ill at ease running into the dip and green under pressure before staying on at just the one pace.
He duly improved on that form in the Derby despite being held-up in last and having an awful run in the straight.
A work in progress
So far so good for a colt that had looked very much a work in progress but then connections sprung a surprise in announcing that he would represent the yard in the St James's Palace Stakes alongside Magician.
It's not always easy to shake ideas once we have them fixed in our minds; this is a son of Galileo who had long been talked about as a Derby contender and his Guineas run had been analysed in that light.
Mars is out of a Danehill mare who won over six furlongs and is from the family of smart sprinters Kodiac and Invincible Spirit.
Galileo's top-performing son Frankel is also out of a Danehill mare who was successful at Listed level over five and six furlongs and, as we know, he was never tried beyond 10 furlongs.
Intello, this year's brilliant French Derby winner, is another bred along similar lines (his dam was a miler and related to sprinters) and both Andre Fabre and Olivier Peslier expressed reservations about the suitability of stepping up in trip for the Arc following his Chantilly romp.
Perhaps, therefore, it shouldn't have been quite so surprising to see Mars fare as well as he did in the St James's Palace Stakes where he closed the gap on Dawn Approach to three lengths (from eight and three quarters at Newmarket).
Once again, he looked a little green (when challenging on the inside of Glory Awaits), he again found trouble in running (when initially asked to challenge on the outside only to find no way through) and again finished off his race as well as anything.
He certainly wasn't an unlucky loser as he lacked the acceleration of the two colts that finished in front of him but he's certainly not short of speed and may not be the stamina-laden performer that his prominence in the ante-post market for the Derby had led many to accept.
Conclusion
The step up to 10 furlongs appears to be the logical step on the back of that run which represented yet another step forwards in his career but will he have the necessary mettle to add to his maiden success?
It may be stating the obvious but key to his claims are the opposition and he does face some top-class older horses.
The Fugue is a Group One winner over the trip and is entitled to come on for her reappearance in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes where she was only beaten three and a half lengths into third.
The first, second and fifth from Royal Ascot are also on track to line up on Saturday along with last year's German Derby winner Pastorius who has added a further Group One to his haul this season with his defeat of Maxios (sixth in the Prince Of Wales's) in the Prix Ganay.
Mars has already achieved a level of form that's comparable with several previous winners but he is not (yet) in the class of Sea The Stars and nor does he face relatively modest older opposition unlike Hawk Wing and Oratorio.
He has been talked about and campaigned like a top-class horse and has shown enough in his races to believe that his latent ability may yet manifest itself.
Even allowing for the fact that he may have been brought along steadily, this is a third relatively quick run and, arguably, potentially his toughest task to date and it's surely too much to expect him to prove up to the task.
Great Explorer sees it out from Arch Pearl and Cin Cin at Fairyhouse (Healy Racing Photos)
He certainly gave the impression that he wasn't over exerting himself but what 11/8 favourite Great Explorer did find for Joseph O'Brien (doubling his score having won on Three Bells earlier), was enough to take the finale at Fairyhouse, the Blanchardstown Maiden.
Great Explorer's rival Arch Pearl probably did too much too early, on the pace, forEmmet McNamara. He travelled best into the straight but Great Explorer was soon making the best of his way home.
Try as they might, the opposition just couldn't find a way past the market-leader in the closing stages and he eventually accounted for Arch Pearl and Magnolia Ridgeby half a length and the same. Less than three lengths covered the first six home.
O'Brien said of the Galileo colt, trained by his father Aidan: "He's still very green and hopefully will improve with racing." (AM & EM)
Indian Maharaja and Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Ballydoyle's regally bred Indian Maharaja earned ante-post quotes for next year's 2,000 Guineas and Derby with an impressive winning debut, followed by his heart-stopping 'victory lap', in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden at Gowran today.
Connections of Indian Maharaja, a son of Galileo and out of Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Again, had more anxious moments after the mile maiden than before or during the contest.
The winner stormed to an easy six and a half lengths win but, through greeness, then failed to negotiate the bend away from the stands, dumping his rider Joseph O'Brien to the ground as he skidded into the perimeter railing. The colt then galloped loose and after failing to gain entry, over a plastic railing, into the nearby Golf Course was eventually caught and remounted, unscathed.
Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien was completing a double as was his son Joseph who later stated “we thought he (Indian Maharaja) would be very green and he was even green coming down the hill. He was all over the place looking at everything and then just didn't turn.
“The ground is quick and he quickened well and was nearly going too quick and started to skid. He's a lovely horse though.”
Paddy Power later introduced Indian Maharaja at 25/1 for both the 2014 2,000 Guineas and Derby.
One True Love (centre) defeats Harpist (left) (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien's One True Love broke her maiden tag on her 11th attempt when landing the Centenary Year 2014 Maiden at Gowran today under the trainer's sonJoseph O'Brien.
One True Love had previously finished second four times and third once from her five starts under O'Brien Jnr but the jockey was wise to her quirky ways for much of today's race.
Drawn widest of all in 15, O'Brien kept the filly to the outer before producing her with a challenge early in the straight. The pair moved past heavily backed 11/10 favourite Harpist with a furlong to race and, despite O'Brien dropping his whip and the filly racing with her own Paula Radcliffe styled head-carriage, kept going to record a neck win.
Aidan O'Brien was absent but the winning jockey later stated “I kept her out (for better ground) and the ground is very quick. In fairness she has been running consistently and its nice she's won; hopefully she'll get the hang of it now!”
23 Colts have been named this week are: Ablazing, Adjusted, Agena, Albert The Bold, Annus Mirabills, Belisarius, Blackstone, Century, Down House, Dynamo, Fair Wind, Falkirk, Five Star General, Folk Hero, Granddukeoftuscany, Guerre, Gypsy King, Horseguardsparade, Illusive, Kingfisher, Masai, Quartz and Tigris River
4 fillies have been named are:
Just Gorgeous, Meandering, Memorable and Tapestry
All updated on 2yo Page not many left to be named now.
Huge thank you to Jason Doyle for the hard work put into this
Al Kazeem & Camelot could renew rivalries in the Group 1 contest (Healy Racing Photos)
Retirement plans for Camelot could be put on hold as he remains in the mix for Saturday's Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.
Connections had considered retiring last year's dual Derby winner following defeats in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot but they have left the four year old in the Group One contest at the latest confirmation stage.
The Montjeu colt is one of three possible runners for Aidan O'Brien with impressive Queen Anne Stakes winner Declaration Of War joined by the promising St James's Palace Stakes third Mars.
The latter is the only three year old in the eight strong entry which is headed by Al Kazeem, conqueror of Camelot on the pair's last two starts.
Mukhadram, second at Royal Ascot, could re-oppose Roger Charlton's five year old with Miblish, Pastorius and The Fugue completing the potential runners.
A delighted Sarah O'Brien on Beach Of Falesa (Healy Racing Photos)
For a girl partnering their first winner, Sarah O'Brien gave Beach Of Falesa a great ride to land the Boylesports.com Ladies Derby Handicap for her mother Annmarie and father Aidan (a double after Bye Bye Birdie earlier).
She's competed at the highest level as a teenager in the eventing sphere and here Sarah covered Beach Of Falesa up at the back.
Basically the Dylan Thomas filly didn't even know she was in a race until getting into the clear from the quarter mile pole.
From some way out Jane Mangan had been making the best of her way home onJim Bolger's Eighteen Summers but Beach Of Falesa was soon in hot pursuit.
She came with an irresistible run to sweep past Eighteen Summers to score by two lengths with the same distance back to the Katie Walsh-ridden favourite Manuka.
Aidan O'Brien commented: "That's great, I'm delighted – that's a special one.
"It's a great day and it's a great track to do it on.
"She's a filly that likes being waited with and she couldn't have waited much longer."
Sarah O'Brien herself explained: "She did it very well. Ana (her sister) rode her a few times and told me what she's like.
"My one had plenty up her sleeve turning in, she was still going fairly well. I was happy – she doesn't like to get to the front too early so it suited me well.
"I'll keep riding away and hopefully I might go to college next year." (GC & EM)
He's certainly photogenic - Ernest Hemingway, with Seamie Heffernan up, at the Curragh
We all remember the devastating eighteen length maiden success at Dundalk of Duntle. Well Ernest Hemingway landed his first start, on the polytrack, by all of ten lengths and he joined the aforementioned filly today as a Group winner as he flew home under Seamie Heffernan to take the At The Races Curragh Cup.
In this Group 3 fourteen furlong event, it looked like it might be more joy for Johnny Murtagh when he led on his own Royal Diamond from before the straight.
Favourite, Voleuse De Coeurs laid down her challenge in the final quarter mile but the longer-priced Ballydoyle runner (a treble for them following on from Bye Bye Birdie and Beach Of Falesa earlier), Ernest Hemingway (12/1, the Joseph O’Brien-ridden El Salvador went off at 7/1) simply sprouted wings from over furlong out, eventually landing the prize by five lengths.
Aidan O'Brien explained: "He ran over a mile and a half before when we used him (as a pacemaker) in the Arc but that wasn't a fair trial (of his staying power).
"When he ran over a mile and two Joseph said he was crying out for a mile and a half.
"It suited to run today and to take our time with him.
"He's a very good mover and probably loved that ground.
"He showed good acceleration today and I'm delighted with him.
"Obviously that's the first time that he's stepped up in distance.
"He's a beautiful horse – a big imposing type." (GC & EM)
Bye Bye Birdie has her rivals well beaten off at the Curragh
A pair of cheek-pieces may have helped Bye Bye Birdie to 'get home' in her maiden at Cork in the middle of the month but the addition of a visor seems to have brought her to a different level as she landed the Group 3 Grangecon Stud Stakes at the Curragh under Joseph O'Brien.
Her strength in the market on occasions and a trip to Royal Ascot for the Queen Mary (12th there) showed that Bye Bye Birdie has always been well-regarded at Ballydoyle and it all came together nicely for the Oasis Dream filly today.
Only third market choice behind Heart Focus and Clenor, Bye Bye Birdie made a mockery of her place in the betting, breaking well and making all, staying on strongly in the final quarter mile to triumph by three lengths.
Aidan O'Brien disclosed: "She had the head-gear on today as Joseph thought she was keeping plenty to herself.
"She came back from Ascot 4 kilos heavier so that's usually a sign that one's not over-doing it.
"She can go anywhere now. She has loads of ability."
Boylesports go 16/1 Bye Bye Birdie for the next year's Guineas.
A steward's enquiry not involving the winner saw no alteration to the judge's placings. (GC & EM)
Renaissance Art (centre) won the 1st at the Curragh
If Australia hadn't missed the break badly in the opening Barronstown Stud European Breeders Fund (C & G) Maiden he'd surely have won at the Curragh. He did 'blow the start' though and despite coming home strongly it wasn't enough to catch the neck winner, Renaissance Art.
Renaissance Art represented Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning in this newcomer's heat. The American-bred races in the familiar Mrs Jim Ryan silks and he sported a hood. Easy-to-back at 10/1, the victorious More Than Ready colt travelled with ease through the seven furlongs.
The question was what he'd find when Manning asked for more and the answer was plenty as he stayed on well in the final furlong to hold off the very promising, beautifully bred Australia.
Ger Flynn, representing Bolger, said: "Kevin was delighted with him and said he'll improve bundles. He's still a baby and he's still learning.
"We're very happy with him and he's a very nice colt. Kevin said it rode like a very good race."
Given that Aidan O'Brien trains Australia, it was a bit of a coincidence that Bolger himself was at Croke Park cheering on human Aidan O'Brien-trained performers.
In this case the O'Brien in question is the Westmeath-native in charge of the Wexford senior football team. They're currently battling with Meath for a place in the Leinster Final.
Boylesports go 33/1 Renaissance Art for next year's Guineas whilt they go 20/1Australia. Paddy Power make the pair 25/1 chances. (GC & EM)
Count Of Limonade is driven out to score by Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
After finishing second in a Listed contest on his last start at Leopardstown, Count Of Limonade went one place better this afternoon, as he took the Dubai Duty Free Millenium Millionaire Celebration Stakes under Joseph O’Brien (a pound overweight) for his father Aidan.
The three-year-old son of Duke Of Marmalade won a handicap at Dundalk in April over today’s trip of a mile but he was stepped up in distance on his last two outings.
Dropped back to a mile this afternoon he raced in second behind the front-runningScintillula (5/1), edging ahead two furlongs out and keeping on best from there to hold off the aforementioned Jim Bolger trained runner by half a length.
Captain Joy (8/1) finished best of all, half a length back in third under Ronan Whelan for Tracey Collins, while the 2/1 favourite Caponata could only manage a disappointing fourth under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld.
The winner was well-supported on track, going from 9/2 to his starting price of 7/2.
Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "He is tough and very like his daddy. He is getting better with age. He likes fast ground and a mile and a quarter is no problem for him. We will look for a Group race for him now."
Camelot pictured on his way to victory at the Curragh in May (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien has revealed last year's 2000 Guineas and dual Derby hero Camelot could be retired after failing to recapture his best form this season.
The son of Montjeu kicked off his Classic campaign with a last-gasp victory at Newmarket, before running out a hugely-impressive winner of the Epsom Derby under the trainer's son, Joseph.
Claiming the Irish Derby along the way, the stage was set for Camelot to become the first Triple Crown hero since Nijinsky in 1970 as he was given the green light for the St Leger at Doncaster, but he was narrowly denied on Town Moor by Godolphin's Encke.
A disappointing run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe followed, after which he suffered a severe bout of colic, and although he was brought back for a much-anticipated four-year-old campaign, he has looked a shadow of his former self.
Since managing a workmanlike victory on his return, Camelot has been beaten by Al Kazeem in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and finished fourth behind the same opponent in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.
While a tilt at the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on July 6 will be considered, O'Brien is unsure whether to persevere with a horse who remains of significant value to his connections as a potential stallion.
O'Brien said: "He's a very important horse to us and he's not one we want to take any risks with.
"The last day at Royal Ascot, he obviously hadn't come back to his best and while the Eclipse is still an option, retirement is something we might have to consider as well.
"The spark was never there after his run in the Irish Derby last year. He had a tough race there on testing ground and then had that problem over the winter."
Ruler Of The World is set for a break (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O’Brien has indicated Ruler Of The World will now been given a break, following his fifth place finish in the Irish Derby.
O’Brien said: "He's had three quick enough runs and he got a bit warmer than he did at Epsom.
"I don’t want to make excuses as the winner did it well. We may give him a break now as he deserves it."
O’Brien also ran Festive Cheer in the third Irish Classic of the season, and he kept on well to finish a good third.
He said of him; "I’m delighted with the way he ran. He ran better than he did at Epsom and Ruler Of The World didn’t but that is racing I suppose."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
AUGUST 13
Moyglare preview
Sun 1st Sep 2013, 09:45
Moyglare contender Perhaps (nearside) (Healy Racing Photos)
Kiyoshi makes her planned return to action after a 10-week absence in the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
Connections of the Charlie Hills-trained filly decided to put her away and wait for this Group One over seven furlongs after she won the Albany Stakes in scintillating style at Royal Ascot.
She faces six rivals as she attempts to give British raiders back-to-back Moyglare victories after Richard Hannon's Sky Lantern landed this prestigious prize 12 months ago.
"It's been the plan to run her in this race since Ascot," said Lambourn-based Hills.
"It's an obvious race to go for, it's an ideal stepping-stone and she's been pleasing us ever since Ascot, but she needs to prove it again."
David Redvers, racing manager to owners Qatar Racing, is hoping the ground is not too quick for the daughter of Dubawi.
"The filly's flying over on Saturday and Charlie couldn't be happier with her," he said.
"She's got the best form on offer this year and we just hope she runs her race. If she does we're hopeful she will be very competitive.
"The step up to seven furlongs should suit her ideally.
"My only worry would be if the ground was too fast being by Dubawi, we wouldn't want to jar her up or anything, but I'm sure they will be doing an excellent job on the ground to make sure there's no jar in it."
There is a second British challenger in Rizeena, who has been pretty busy since winning the Queen Mary Stakes at the Royal meeting.
The Clive Brittain-trained filly followed a second place to Lucky Kristale in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket's July meeting with a creditable third to the speedy American juvenile colt No Nay Never in the Group One Prix Morny at Deauville.
"She's in great form. Clive's (Brittain) very happy with her training, her weight is good and he's never been more pleased with her," said Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum.
"Obviously it's going to be tough with Charlie Hills' horse, who looks a worthy favourite, but our filly is very good.
"She ran very well at Deauville last time but this seven furlongs looks most suitable for her."
Debutante Stakes winner Tapestry is Aidan O'Brien's main hope having been supplemented for 22,500 euros at the confirmation stage.
The Ballydoyle trainer is seeking a seventh Moyglare victory.
"It was always the plan to go there (Moyglare) with her," he told At The Races.
"She's won her two starts very nicely. She's in good form and everything seems very well with her.
"It looks a good race and it will be a good experience for her."
O'Brien also saddles Wonderfully and Perhaps, who were first and second respectively in the Group Three Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown six weeks ago.
Dermot Weld lifted this prize back in 1987 with Flutter Away and looks to Carla Bianca, who was runner-up to O'Brien-trained odds-on favourite Australia over the course and distance on her only start in July.
"It's a big step but she ran very well at the Curragh. She's progressing and should represent us well," said the Rosewell handler.
"She's still pretty immature, I expect her to develop over the winter and I think she'll be well up to Group One level next year."
John Murphy's maiden Touch Of Snow, who has yet to win in six starts, completes the septet.
Mekong River is driven out by Joseph O'Brien to beat Zakhm and Sam James (Healy Racing Photos)
Mekong River made it two from two as he accounted for his two rivals in the the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Nursery.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Joseph, the bay son of Galileo won his maiden in the Stewards room at Gowran earlier this month, after being impeded close home by Green Tag.
Sent off the 4/5 favourite (1/2 over night with Paddy Power, opening at evens on-course), he was fitted with cheekpieces for the first time.
He led from the start, and although Zakhm threw down a strong challenge in the straight, the ‘jolly’ pulled out more close home to score by a length and a half at the line.
Zakhm finished a gallant second under Sam James for Kevin Prendergast at 4/1, while the well-backed Bleeding Hearts, 10/3 in a place this morning to 6/4 at the off, finished a disappointing last, four lengths adrift of the runner-up.
Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "He is a hardy horse and he stays well. He learned a lot from Gowran.
"Joseph made the running as he felt he would get the trip well and I'd say he learned plenty again today."
Our Irish Eyes column previews Sunday's top-quality card at the Curragh, featuring the Moyglare Stud Stakes.
Once Ballydoyle decided to stump up €22,500 in order to supplement Tapestry for the race earlier this week, that took the total prize fund on offer to over half a million Euros and the fact that entry is free for families (defined as a minimum of one adult and one child, under-16) should ensure a decent crowd, despite it clashing with the Dublin v's Kerry game in Croke Park.The Curragh hosts the first of three consecutive weekends of Group One action this Sunday where the Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes for two-year-olds fillies' is the highlight.
Last year the race was annexed by the British-trained Sky Lantern who subsequently won the QIPCO 1000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. Britain again supplies two key players in the form of Royal Ascot heroines Kiyoshi and Rizeena, winners of the Albany and the Queen Mary Stakes respectively.
Kiyoshi was chalked up as the early favourite for the Moyglare Stud Stakes but this is a Group One that has not been particularly kind to favourite backers of late, with only two managing to land the odds over the past seven runnings.
For all that Kiyoshi was very impressive in the Albany, one cannot help be reminded of another Albany Stakes winner that came into this race and was sent off at Evens favourite. On that particular occasion, the Moyglare was to prove the first of many defeats in a slippery slope for Memory, who never won again - in fact she all but refused to start in three of her four subsequent starts.
Many punters were calling for Memory to spend the rest of her life as a guest of HRH The Queen and in a way, that is in fact what happened; rather than being jailed for crimes against punters however, HRH has in fact chosen to breed from 'the hamlet cigar filly' - good luck with that project Ma'am!
Lillie Langtry and Listen also got turned over at odds-on in this race over the last seven years but one filly who did land the odds for Aidan O'Brien, albeit it by a mere neck when sent off at 2/7, was Rumplestiltskin.
On Sunday, her unbeaten daughter Tapestry will bid to follow in her mother's hoof-prints and she is put forward as the nap selection in a competitive race that is more than worthy of its Group One status.
Tapestry has impressed on both her starts here to-date, particularly when she took the Group Two Debutante over course and distance last time out. Her subsequent work at home is rumoured to have been from the very top drawer, which was borne when connections forked out the aforementioned €22,500 in order to supplement her for this race. We expect her to take this and in doing so, usurp Kiyoshi as the 1000 Guineas favourite by the evening.
Europe’s top fillies are to contest the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh this Sunday.
Kiyoshi, winner of the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot and Queen Mary Stakes winner Rizeena will head a strong British trained challenge in the Moyglare Stud Stakes taking place at the Curragh this Sunday, with seven of Europe’s top fillies contesting the Group 1 contest
The home trained team will be lead by the Aidan O’Brien trained pair of Tapestry, recent winner of the Friarstown Stud Debutante Stakes and Group 3 race winner Wonderfully, while Carla Bianca, who runs in the ownership of big race sponsors Moyglare Stud, will represent trainer Dermot Weld in the Group 1 contest.
Paddy Power, official betting partner to the Curragh:
Coolmore and partners invested heavily on a number of well-bred colts at the yearling sales in 2012 and one of them, War, got his first taste of black type last Saturday with a bold front-running win in the Group 3 ATC Up and Coming Stakes at Warwick Farm.
The Gai Waterhouse-trained son of More Than Ready (USA) finished second on debut in the listed ATC Breeders’ Plate, but spent the remainder of his juvenile season on the bench.
Resuming from his long spell at Canterbury on August 7, War turned in an indifferent run, but stripped a fitter and more focused conveyance for this 1300-metre assignment.
Driven from the gates by Tommy Berry, War led throughout and kicked strongly to break his maiden with a three-quarter-length victory.
Bred and offered for sale by John Singleton’s Strawberry Hill stud, War was consigned to the Inglis Easter yearling sale, where he was snapped up by James Bester Bloodstock/Demi O’Byrne on behalf of Coolmore and partners for $500,000.
A three-quarter brother-in-blood to champion mare More Joyous, War is the first foal of Deedra, a minor winning half-sister by Zabeel to Group 1 winners Tuesday Joy and Sunday Joy, who is of course the dam of More Joyous.
Strawberry Hill sold the second foal of Deedra, a filly by High Chaparral (Ire), for $700,000 at Easter this year. The mare has another filly to follow by War’s sire, More Than Ready, and will foal again to the same sire this spring.
War is the 118th stakes winner for Vinery Stud’s champion sire More Than Ready, who stands this spring at a fee of $99,000.
Piet Mondrian in control under Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Piet Mondrian completed a carbon-copy double for Ballydoyle when scoring at odds-on in the three-year-old maiden at Killarney.
Half an hour earlier Kingfisher had made all for a cosy victory in an extended mile contest and once again Joseph O'Brien popped out in front on the hotpot.
He again had his rivals struggling in the straight and asked the Danehill Dancer colt for an effort passing the two pole.
The half-brother to Aussie Rules galloped on strongly in the closing stages to record a cosy three length success over newcomer Vasanta Navaratri.
The 8/11 favourite hadn't run since being beaten favourite in very testing conditions at the Curragh back in March. He had been a promising third at Leopardstown on his sole outing last year.
“He did it nicely in the end and he got to dictate,” said Aidan O'Brien.
“Hopefully he'll be okay in the morning as that was the problem with him. He pulled muscles off his hip.
“We'll go gently with him. He's a big horse and and will make a lovely four-year-old.”
Ballydoyle colt Kingfisher justified his short price when making all for an impressive victory in the opening two-year-old maiden at Killarney.
Joseph O'Brien bounced out in front on the son of Galileo and he was asked to go about his business with two furlongs to run.
The 8/13 favourite pulled clear of his field before the furlong marker and went on to record a cosy nine length success over newcomer Salute Of Approval.
The winner had shaped with plenty of promise when fourth behind the highly regarded Free Eagle in a Leopardstown maiden first time up.
“He had a lovely first run at Leopardstown,” said Aidan O'Brien afterwards.
“He's a horse to look forward to. He's a beautiful horse and he likes good fast ground. Running here teaches them a lot and they learn a lot. He could be a Beresford horse.”
Ante-post favourite Leading Light heads the 19 possible runners still engaged in the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster.
There were no major surprises at the latest scratchings deadline for the final Classic of the season on September 14, while there remains one last chance to supplement a horse for £45,000 on the Monday before the race itself.
Leading Light, not seen since taking the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot is one of four possible runners for Aidan O'Brien.
He also has Great Voltigeur runner-up Foundry, Eye Of The Storm and Plinth, while a further strong Irish challenger is the David Wachman-trained Galileo Rock, placed in two Classics already.
Another Irish hopeful is Dabadiyan, who completed a hat-trick of victories in Her Majesty's Plate at Down Royal on July 26.
His trainer Mick Halford said: "We have left Dabidiyan in the Ladbrokes St Leger and he will also be left in the Irish St Leger.
"We haven't made a decision yet, but he will have a racecourse gallop nearer the time and then we will make up our mind.
"He has been coming along nicely since his win at Down Royal and I am happy with him.
"He was always a big, scopey horse with loads of potential and is a smashing horse to have anything to do with. He loves good ground, has a wonderful temperament and is very straightforward.
"He is not slow and has a bit of toe but when we stretch him out over longer trips there should be more improvement."
John Gosden, who has captured three of the last six renewals, could saddle Gordon Stakes runner-up Excess Knowledge and Bahrain Trophy winner Feel Like Dancing.
Six-times winners Godolphin can pick from Investec Derby runner-up Libertarian, Gordon Stakes winner Cap O'Rushes and Great Voltigeur third Secret Number.
Investec Oaks winner Talent is also still in the mix for Ralph Beckett.
- Thirteen fillies set to do battle in the Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday 1st September.
The Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes takes centre stage at the Curragh next Sunday and the prestigious seven furlong fillies contest has attracted an entry of 13 including the unbeaten Tapestry which was supplemented to the race at a cost of 22,500 euro. She is one of five entries for champion trainer Aidan O’Brien who also has Bluebell, Minorette, Perhaps and Wonderfully to rely upon.
Winner of a Curragh maiden on her debut here in July, Tapestry returned to Headquarters to land the Group Two Friarstown Stud Debutante Stakes earlier this month when she had both Perhaps and Minorette behind her. She certainly has the pedigree to land Sunday’s prize as a daughter of Rumplestiltskin who landed this race for the stable in 2005. Aidan O’Brien also won this race with Sequoyah (2000), Quarter Moon (2001), Necklace (2003), Misty For Me (2010) and Maybe (2013).
Kiyoshi and Rizeena are the two overseas challengers. Impressive winner of the Group Three Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Charlie Hills-trained Kiyoshi is likely to go off favourite on Saturday on the strength of that performance. Rizeena, meanwhile, is under the care of veteran trainer Clive Brittain, who landed this prize with Sayyedati back in 1992.
Carla Bianca will carry the Moyglare Stud colours at the weekend and her trainer Dermot Weld (who won this race with Flutter Away in 1987) has also left Afternoon Sunlight in the race. Carla Bianca made a highly promising start to her career when just going under to the more experienced Australia in a maiden over this course and distance last month and her trainer has been very happy with the daughter of Dansili since then.
Jim Bolger, who is targeting his fourth success in this race following the victories of Park Appeal (1984), Priory Belle (1995) and Saoirse Abu (2007), has Craic Agus Spraoi, Peony Fairy and Prudent Approach in the race.
Bookmakers Paddy Power bet on the race: 13/8 Kiyoshi, 3/1 Tapestry, 5/1 Rizeena, 7/1 Wonderfully, 10/1 Carla Bianca and Perhaps, 14/1 Prudent Approach, 20/1 Peony Fairy, 25/1 Afternoon Sunlight and Minorette, 33/1 Craic Agus Spraoi and 66/1 Touch Of Snow.
The highly progressive Pearl Of Africa takes another step up the ladder when she lines up for the Group Three Dance Design Stakes for which there are 16 entries, including the supplemented Frank Dunne-trained One Spirit. Winner of her last three races (all handicaps), the Eddie Lynam-trained filly will face stiff opposition with the likes of Along Came Casey and Say in the line-up, but she is reported to be “in good shape and ready to go for some black type” by her handler.
Great White Eagle created a very favourable impression when landing a Naas maiden on his racecourse debut earlier in the month and the son of Elusive Quality is one of five Aidan O’Brien-trained entries for the Group Three Go And Go Round Tower Stakes. There are 12 entries in total for this contest.
Stuccodor and Francis Of Assisi are among 32 entries for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Irish Cambridgeshire in which there are a possible six overseas challengers.
The first of eight races at the Curragh on Sunday, 1st September commences at 2.10pm and the ground is currently good.
• Children bring your parents for free with FREE Family Admission (adult must be accompanied by a child under 16 to avail of this offer).
• Adult admission is 15 euro, Seniors and under 25’s 8 euro.
• Variety of free entertainment in the Moyglare Stud Children’s Zone.
• Free car parking.
• Trains to Kildare Town with free shuttle bus to the Curragh Racecourse.
• Dublin Coach (dublincoach.ie) provide race day service.
At The Races and SIS sign new deal with Horse Racing Ireland and Irish Racecourses
At The Races today announced that, along with partner SIS, the Company has agreed terms for a new media rights deal with Horse Racing Ireland and the Association of Irish Racecourses that will cover the period from January 2014 to December 2016.
Under the terms of the new agreement ATR will have exclusive, cross platform, non-LBO media rights worldwide to all Irish fixtures. SIS retains all domestic and international betting shop rights under the terms of its current contract with HRI.
The new agreement includes significantly improved terms across multiple media rights revenue lines. At The Races forecasts that its returns to Irish racecourses will more than double in 2014 versus the returns it generates in 2013 for current rights holder SIS. Further growth is anticipated through the term of the agreement from both domestic and international services, particularly via online and new media channels.
As part of the new partnership, ATR has offered HRI/AIR the opportunity to take up a seat on its board. All parties view this as a significant and important new development that will help further the effort to coordinate and align strategies and keep the Irish racing industry integrally involved in the management and direction of its rights exploitation.
Matthew Imi, Chief Executive, At The Races, said:
"We are delighted that our relationship with Horse Racing Ireland, the Association of Irish Racecourses and all twenty six tracks will be continuing next year and beyond.
"Irish racing forms a significant part of our business and since 2004 an important partnership has formed to which we, our shareholders and UK racecourse partners attach considerable value.
"Individually, each of the Irish racecourses has its own characteristics and requirements from us as their media partner and we work very hard to ensure that our business objectives are firmly aligned with theirs.
"Collectively, the racecourses offer a consistent and high quality schedule of Flat and Jump racing across the year which our domestic and international audiences and commercial partners find increasingly attractive.
"HRI and AIR made it very clear that not only did they feel ATR had done a great job monetising their rights across our current distribution platforms but that they were also excited about the long term potential of the business and we look forward to welcoming their representative onto the ATR Board as we start to roll out our growth strategy."
Paddy Walsh, Chief Executive, Association of Irish Racecourses, said:
"I am very pleased that the AIR, on behalf of all our racecourses, has now agreed terms with ATR/SIS in relation to the sale of the non-LBO rights that we recently offered to the market.
"This new deal extends our long standing arrangements with both At The Races and SIS and I look forward to all parties benefiting from the partnership approach that we have always adopted in the past."
Tapestry has won on each of her first two starts for trainer Aidan O'Brien
PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)
Tapestry supplemented for Moyglare clash
BY MARK SCULLY1:00PM 27 AUG 2013
TAPESTRY, favourite for the 2014 Epsom Oaks, is set to take on Royal Ascot winners Rizeena and Kiyoshi in a mouthwatering Moyglare Stud Stakes after being supplemented for €22,500 on Tuesday.
The two-time Curragh winner, by Galileo, was the only horse added to the potential field for the course's Group 1 on Sunday, where she could face a fellow Aidan O'Brien-trained filly in Wonderfully, twice a winner herself but only seventh behindKiyoshi in the Albany Stakes.
RELATED LINKS
Moyglare Stud Stakes card
Rizeena, winner of Queen Mary Stakes, would line up seeking to get back to winning ways, having had her colours lowered by Lucky Kristale at Newmarket before proving no match for No Nay Never at Deauville earlier this month.
Another intriguing entry on a day set to shake up the picture for next year's Classics is Jim Bolger's debutant Prudent Approach, a full sister to Dawn Approach.
The form of Kiyoshi's Albany Stakes win, franked not only by Lucky Kristale but also Sandiva at Deauville, sees Charlie Hills' star filly installed as 13-8 favourite by Paddy Power, withTapestry at 3-1 and Rizeena a 5-1 chance. Prudent Approach is available to back at 14-1.
Tapestry may not be the only O'Brien classic hope on show on Sunday, with Great White Eagle, a general 14-1 chance for the 2,000 Guineas, set to try to follow up his impressive debut display in the Group 3 Go And Go Round Tower Stakes.
Among the entries for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Irish Cambridgeshire is the Ed Vaughan-trianed seven-year-oldDance And Dance, in what would be a first visit to Ireland for the globe-trotting gelding, who has raced previously in America, Canada and Dubai.
Declaration Of War (leading): could meet Al Kazeem at Leopardstown
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
Kazeem and War could clash in Irish Champion
BY DAVID BAXTER9:35AM 25 AUG 2013
THE Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes or Prix Foy could be the next target for Al Kazeem according to trainer Roger Charlton, although the ground will have a major bearing on where the five-year-old lines up next.
RELATED LINKS
Irish Champion card
Chasing a fourth straight victory at Group 1 level, Al Kazeem finished third in the Juddmonte International at York last Wednesday, with connections of the opinion that the good to firm ground was the major reason for the defeat.
Leopardstown's Irish Champion Stakes on September 7, or recognised Arc trial the Prix Foy at Longchamp were mentioned as possible targets by Charlton at Goodwood on Saturday, and he said: "He seems fine and whenever he runs we'll look for softer ground.
"He might go for the Irish Champion or the Prix Foy. I'm not sure about what happens next year. I'd love him to stay in training but he has nothing to prove. There's no decision at the moment."
Juddmonte International winner Declaration Of War is also under consideration for the Irish Champion Stakes, which could lead to a third meeting with Al Kazeem this season.
Runner-up to Al Kazeem in the Coral-Eclipse, Aidan O'Brien's four-year-old had his revenge at York, and the trainer said: "He hasn't lost any weight so the Irish Champion Stakes is certainly a big possibility for him at this stage."
However O'Brien wants quicker ground for his charge, which could scupper a potential rematch, as he added: "A lot depends on the ground and it will need to stay on the fast side for him. But he takes his races very well and I've been very happy with him over the last few days."
War Command (8/11f) was a cheeky winner of the Galileo European Breeders Fund Futurity Stakes at the Curragh.
2000 Guineas. Click here to bet.
War Command: Comfortable victory at the Curragh
The form of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot had taken something of a knock since the race but its' winner managed to arrest the hoodoo in the Group 2 contest.
Friendship managed to take the early lead off of Mustajeeb, and for a while it appeared as if the second string of the Aidan O'Brien team might post an upset as Seamie Heffernan kicked clear of the field with two furlongs to go.
War Command was gradually eased into the race and having been asked to go about his business by Joseph O'Brien, he soon made up the necessary ground and breezed to the front for victory.
O'Brien snr said: "The Ascot horse is back.
"We gave him a break after Ascot and the last day he jumped and ran hard and it caught him out. In the middle of the race he was a bit ring-rusty, but when he got going he was closing to the line.
"It was obviously trainer error again. I didn't have him sharp enough or tight enough.
"He was a different horse today. He tipped up more like he did at Ascot and quickened up well.
"I'm very happy with him and he got the seven furlongs well.
"I think he was maybe asleep the last day and if we're going for the National Stakes, we wouldn't want to have him asleep again.
"The boys will have a talk about it, but he'll probably come back here for the National Stakes."
Sky Bet cut his price to 12/1 (from 14/1) for the 2000 Guineas.
War Command is driven out by Joseph O'Brien to beat Mustajeeb (right) into second (Healy Racing Photos)
After disappointing in the Phoenix Stakes on his last start, War Command (8/11fav) bounced back to his best this afternoon, as he took the Group 2 Galileo European Breeders Fund Futurity Stakes, providing his rider Joseph O’Brien with a treble on the card.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien, himself recording a double, the bay son of War Front won his maiden at Leopardstown in June and followed up in impressive fashion in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.
He was well-fancied to make it three from three in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes over the course on his last outing, but he couldn’t peg back Sudirman and Big Time there, and he had to settle for third at the odds of 2/5.
His last two outings were over six furlongs, and stepped back up to seven this afternoon, he settled in fourth, as his stable companion Friendship made the early running under Seamie Heffernan.
He improved into third and was niggled along two furlongs out, but he got going once asked, hitting the front under a furlong from home, staying on well in the closing stages to score comfortably by three lengths.
Mustajeeb was best of the remainder under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld at 7/2, while Exogenesis was a further head back in third under Gary Carroll for Ger Lyons.
Aidan O'Brien commented in the aftermath: "The Ascot horse is back!
"The last day I had given him a break after Ascot and he jumped and ran hard, and it caught him out. In the middle of the race he was a bit ring rusty.
"He was a different horse today, he really quickened up.
"The last day was trainer error again. I obviously didn’t have him sharp or tight enough.
"I’m very happy with him and he got seven furlongs well. I wanted to bring him back here as maybe he was a bit asleep the last time.
"If we are going for the National Stakes I’d rather to get a run into him over him going asleep again.
"Obviously the boys will have a talk now, he will probably go for the National Stakes, but I will let them decide."
Wilshire Boulevard, pictured winning at the Curragh, had to settle for second in the Gimcrack under Ryan Moore (Healy Racing Photos)
Kevin Ryan's Astaire saw off the late thrusts of Wilshire Boulevard and Parbold to land the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Gimcrack Stakes at York.
The Intense Focus colt ensured the Group 2 prize went to Kevin Ryan for the second successive season following a gate to wire success.
Astaire took them along from the moment the gates opened and fould plenty for pressure as the challengers mounted on wither side.
Wilshire Boulevard in particular looked a major threat as he made his challenge on the stands' side under Ryan Moore, but a neck separated the duo at the line.
Callan said: "Kevin seems to pick one out for the race every year - they might have to start calling it the Kevin Ryan Gimcrack!
"This is a lovely horse, I can't praise him enough. He's had to do it the hard way and make his own running.
Terrific is driven out by Joseph O'Brien to take the opener at the Curragh (Healy Racing Photos)
Terrific followed up on her recent maiden success, as she took the opener at the Curragh this afternoon, the Loder European Breeders Fund Fillies Race.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Joseph, the daughter of Galileo got off the mark over the course on her last start, beating Gorteo by half a length in a maiden over a mile.
Dropped back to seven furlongs today, she was easy to back on-course, drifting from an opening show of 8/13, out to her starting price of 5/4 and favourite.
The on-course money came for the David Wachman trained Little Fastnet. She was backed from 11/1 to 9/2, but ultimately disappointed, coming home a poor sixth under Wayne Lordan.
The winner, who cost 1.3 million Guineas at Tattersalls last October, made all the running and she was ridden clear two furlongs out, keeping on well to score by two and a quarter lengths.
Witches Brew ran a nice race on her debut, keeping on well to take second at 25/1 under Seamie Heffernan for Eddie Lynam, while Peony Fairy (10/3 to 9/4 on-course) finished two and a half lengths back in third.
Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "I’m delighted. We put blinkers on her the second time and they really woke her up. We’re very happy with her.
"She is a hardy filly and there is plenty in there. We will step her up now."
Terrific, who is a full-sister to Group 1 victor Together, holds entries in a whole host of valuable races in the autumn, including the Group 1 Shadwell Fillies Mile at Newmarket next month.
Ernest Hemmingway (nearest) and Royal Diamond (inside) will lock horns again (Healy Racing Photos)
Royal Diamond, last year's Irish St Leger hero, bids to confirm his place in next month's Curragh Classic when he lines up at the Co Kildare track this afternoon.
Johnny Murtagh's charge faces just four rivals in the Gain Irish St Leger Trial, but they include the Aidan O'Brien-trained Ernest Hemingway, who defeated him for a second time this season in the Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown.
However, O'Brien warned Ernest Hemingway might not even run if the ground continues to deteriorate.
He told www.coolmore.com: "Ernest Hemingway is in good form but he is a horse who needs good or faster ground, so we don't want any more rain.
"If the ground turns slow we will have to think about whether he will take his place in the line-up."
Before that run, Royal Diamond had won at Foxrock by three and three-quarter lengths from Sir Ector.
The latter is trained in Co Armagh by Jimmy Lambe, who would love to map out an adventurous plan for the six-year-old.
"In reality, Royal Diamond got a freebie at Leopardstown when he was almost 20 lengths clear so to get within four lengths of him was a good run even if he was easing down," said Lambe.
"It's a very competitive affair and he's got to improve a bit, but my horse has won an Ulster Derby and was third in Her Majesty's Plate (at Down Royal). He has a good pedigree and is a good servant to the yard.
"If he wins the owners might supplement him for the (Irish) Leger, but his target on the Flat is the Prix du Cadran over two and a half miles on Arc day and he might go back over hurdles depending on the ground."
Dermot Weld has decided to let Voleuse De Coeurs strut her stuff but she has plenty to find after finishing third behind Ernest Hemingway and Royal Diamond in the Curragh Cup at the end of June.
"Voleuse De Coeurs will take her chance in the Group Three, but it looks a good field," said the local trainer.
The line-up is completed by the Monica Dowdall-Blake trained Shu Lewis.
She finished a respectable seventh in last year's Irish St Leger, and she was second in Her Majesty's Plate at Down Royal on her last start, a head in front of Sir Ector.
Ballydoyle weekend runners – Aidan O’Brien’s comments
(23rd August 2013)
YORK – SATURDAY
Cristoforo Colombo (3yo colt by Henrythenavigator ex La Traviata)
City of York Stakes-L.R.
“He hasn’t run since the 2,000 Guineas due to pulling a muscle high-up in his quarters. He has strengthened up well and is just ready to start back.”
Wilshire Boulevard (2yo colt by Holy Roman Emperor ex Tyranny)
Gimcrack Stakes-Gr.2
“We’ve been happy with him since he won the Anglesey Stakes last month. His work has improved and he’s thriving physically.”
CURRAGH – SATURDAY
War Command (2yo colt by War Front ex Wandering Star)
Futurity Stakes-Gr.2
“War Command was coming back from a break in the Phoenix Stakes and the race should have brought him on. We’re happy with him. The original plan was to wait and step him up to 7f in the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes next month, but he came out of his last race very well and we decided to try him over the distance in this race before going to the National Stakes.”
Friendship (2yo colt by Galileo ex Squeak)
Futurity Stakes-Gr.2
“The faster the ground, the better Friendship will like it. We’re running him back very soon but he seems to have taken Thursday night’s race well.”
Ernest Hemingway (4yo colt by Galileo ex Cassydora)
Irish St Leger Trial Stakes-Gr.3
“Ernest Hemingway is in good form but he is a horse who needs good or faster ground, so we don’t want any more rain. If the ground turns slow we will have to think about whether he will take his place in the line-up.”
Sarah O’Brien was seen to good effect onMarchese Marconi, as she partnered the son of Galileo, who is trained by her father Aidan, to win the Gorey Qualified Riders Race.
Owned by Annemarie O’Brien, the bay colt was making a quick reappearance this evening, after finishing a close up fourth to Ted Veale at Bellewstown on Wednesday.
Sent off a 5/2 chance, he raced mainly in fourth, before making headway to challenge approaching the straight.
He hit the front under two furlongs out, and he kept on well under pressure in the final furlong to just hold off the challenge of the 4/7 favourite, Pique Sous, by a head.
Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "I was told by Sarah and Joseph that we were riding him wrong.
"He was travelling well in his races but he was getting there just a bit too early, so Joseph said that he would be better held up, and Sarah agreed.
"The rain probably helped him and we will keep him those races now."
It was a second career success for Sarah, who recorded her first winner on Beach Of Falesa in the Laides Derby at the Curragh in June.
The United States (right) is driven out by Joseph O'Brien to beat Manalapan (Healy Racing Photos)
Out of luck in York this afternoon, Aidan O’Brien had plenty to smile about on home turf, as The United States brought about a treble for him and Joseph, as he took the last at Tipperary, the Follow Tipperary Races On Facebook Race.
The son of Galileo won on his debut at the Curragh last July, but disappointed on his first start as a three-year-old finishing sixth of eight in the 2000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown in April, when sent off the 7/4 favourite.
Sent off the even money favourite to get back to winning ways, he made all, asserting inside the final furlong to see off the challenge of the Patrick Prendergasttrained Manalapan (13/8) by a length and three parts.
Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "He is back on good ground which he likes. He won his maiden on good ground and then disappointed at Leopardstown.
"He had a little setback after that and we gave him time.
"He is still very raw and green but he did it nicely."
Aidan & Joseph O'Brien had earlier scored with Orchestra and Friendship.
Friendship and Joseph O'Brien storm clear in the Premier Nursery (Healy Racing Photos)
Friendship may have taken five starts to break his maiden at Leopardstown but the Galileo colt is now on a real “upward curve” and followed up under top-weight in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Premier Nursery.
Joseph O’Brien repeated the Leopardstown tactics keeping things simple from the front, and the Ballydoyle representative had his four rivals all in trouble turning in.
O’Brien turned the screw on the 9/10 favourite and kicked clear early in the straight for a convincing two and a half lengths victory.
Glassatura (14/1) kept on at one pace to take the runner-up spot, with Zakhmanother two lengths adrift in third.
Joseph O’Brien said, “He’s just a slow learner. He was brought to Royal Ascot on his second run and was disappointing but has just taken a couple of runs to get the hang of things.
“He’s an uncomplicated horse and is on an upward curve now.”
A fine shot of Orchestra and Joseph O'Brien on their way to victory (Healy Racing Photos)
After finishing second on his debut at Leopardstown, Orchestra went one place better this evening, taking the Camas Park Stud EBF 2yo Maiden in convincing fashion.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Joseph, the son of Galileo was no match for the exciting Free Eagle, at Leopardstown last week, going down by five and a half lengths.
He was sent off the 4/11 favourite to get it right this evening, and he hit the front over a furlong out, keeping on well from there to score by two lengths.
Lungarno Palace made it a one-two for Ballydoyle, the newcomer finishing second under Seamie Heffernan at 12/1, while Hurricane Volta was half a length back in third at 25/1 under Wayne Lordan for David Wachman.
Joseph O’Brien said afterwards: "He is a nice big horse and the nicer ground after Leopardstown suited him."
The winner holds an entry in both the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster in October, and next year's Epsom Derby.
Say pictured winning her maiden at Cork (Healy Racing Photos)
Our Obsession stuck to her task well to take the 'Breeders Backing Racing' EBF Galtres Stakes at York this afternoon.
Frankie Dettori always had the 3/1 favourite handy and was quick to react when the leaders injected some pace into the race turning for home.
She hit the front a furlong from home but she had to repel the persistent challenge of the Aidan O'Brien Say, who fought tenaciously under a strong Ryan Moore drive.
However, William Haggas' filly was not for passing and she battled on well to record a neck victory.
Say was second at 4/1 while 18/1 shot Jathabah was a further length-and-a-quarter back in third.
The Fugue proves too good for Venus
Thu 22nd Aug 2013, 16:12
The Fugue (pink) pictured finishing second in the race last year to Shareta (Healy Racing Photos)
The Fugue produced a devastating turn of foot to put her rivals to the sword in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York on Thursday afternoon.
Long-time leader Scintillula set a decent gallop under Kevin Manning but she gave way to her rivals at around the three furlong marker.
The 9/4 second-favourite Venus De Milo took up the running with two furlongs to go but she was always a sitting duck as William Buick exuded confidence on the 2/1 market-leader.
She put the race to bed in a matter of strides when Buick asked the question and she gambolled away to register a four length victory.
Buick could not disguise his delight after the race.
"I'm delighted for the filly as she's showed everyone what she can do," he said.
"They went a good gallop up front and it's sometimes difficult to make the ground up when it's quick. She loves this ground though and is top class when it's like this."
The Fugue's trainer John Gosden was notably relieved after the his filly had recorded the second Group 1 victory of her career.
"It's lovely to have a nice home-bred filly like this," said Gosden. "I'm happy for her as I thought she'd get very near to the colts in the Eclipse but she was very ill afterwards and that wasn't her running.
"We had to miss the Nassau as a result but it meant she was on top form for this race and it's all come right. In truth, we really should have won last year as she came to win the race but a driving thunderstorm meant the jockeys couldn't see what they were doing.
"I thought she had it won but she was just nailed on the line. She's made up for it this year though."
Venus De Milo plugged on to finish second while 6/1 shot Secret Gesture was back in third.
Declaration Of War pictured on his way to victory at York yesterday (Healy Racing Photos)
Joseph O'Brien feels a race like the Breeders' Cup Classic would suit Wednesday's Juddmonte International winner Declaration Of War.
The four-year-old claimed his second Group One of the season on the Knavesmire after winning the Queen Anne Stakes over a mile at Royal Ascot.
He had been put in his place by Al Kazeem in the Eclipse but turned that form around with his old rival only third.
Now he has conclusively proved his stamina over 10 furlongs as well as his fortitude, as the race came just 10 days after tackling Moonlight Cloud in the Jacques le Marois.
"He's tough, he tries very hard and takes his racing very well. He comes out of each race better than he went into them," O'Brien told At The Races.
"I thought I'd be much closer to Al Kazeem than I was in the Eclipse but whether I could quite beat him, I wasn't sure. The Eclipse was probably my fault as he nicked a couple of lengths off me and it took me half a furlong to get my lad going.
"I knew I'd give him a run for his money.
"We went a nice even gallop and there were no excuses, my horse galloped out to the line really well.
"I suppose he can go to any big race over a mile or a mile and a quarter, he's got lots of speed, stays well and has a great constitution.
"I don't think the Breeders' Cup Classic is out of the question, he jumps out well, has loads of speed to get a position and he stays."
Venus De Milo (centre) pictured on her way to victory at Cork on her last start (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien reports Venus De Milo to be in top form as she bids for glory in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York.
The Duke Of Marmalade filly did not run as a juvenile but made up for lost time when winning on her debut at Fairyhouse in June before following up in Listed company at Naas just two weeks later.
O'Brien then threw her in at the deep end for the Irish Oaks at the Curragh and while she lost her unbeaten record, she finished with a real rattle to take second place behind Chicquita.
Venus De Milo returned to winning ways last time out in the Give Thanks Stakes at Cork when she made all the running, after which O'Brien suggested she would be heading to next month's Prix Vermeille in France.
However, she is in such good heart those plans were revised and she takes her chance on the Knavesmire.
"The original plan was to give her a break and go to the Prix Vermeille," said O'Brien.
"But after the Curragh she thrived and really went the right way. We kept her in full work and have been happy with her since.
"She is in good form and we decided we would let her take her chance. It's a step up against the older fillies."
Another three-year-old tackling her elders is the Ralph Beckett-trained Secret Gesture, who finished second in the Oaks at Epsom and the German equivalent.
Beckett had the Oaks winner Talent entered originally but the likely fast ground has seen her rerouted to Doncaster for the St Leger.
Earlier in the season Secret Gesture was considered in a different league to Talent and connections were disappointed she was beaten in Germany, but she now has the opportunity to prove her class closer to home.
"She came out of her run in Germany better than any of us could have hoped. She had a very hard race that day," said Beckett.
"Her work has been good since, she looks great and we're very much looking forward to the race on Thursday."
Jamie Spencer rides Secret Gesture and is hoping the long straight at York will play to her strengths.
"Hopefully the race will be run to suit and she can show that she's one of the better fillies," Spencer told At The Races.
"I rode the race to beat the track (in Germany) rather than the opposition and got nailed close home, hopefully on a more conventional course I can ride a normal race on her."
Lady Cecil's Wild Coco changed hands after winning her two starts last season and the lightly-raced five-year-old looked as good as ever when claiming the Lillie Langtry at Goodwood for the second successive year.
Tom Queally has chosen to partner her ahead of the Ribblesdale winner Riposte, but the fast ground on the Knavesmire is giving her connections cause for concern.
Taki Murayama, who represents Wild Coco's owners, K I Farm Corporation, said: "It all depends on the ground. Lady Cecil is very keen to run but if it is too firm, she may take her out.
"It will be purely up to Lady Cecil, I imagine the decision will be left as late as possible as there is a chance it could rain before the race. It would be a shame as we had been looking forward to running."
Queally believes she deserves the step up in class, but stressed how important the ground was to Wild Coco.
"She was impressive at Goodwood. Obviously she'd been off the track a long time. She's been in good fettle since that run," said Queally.
"She won in decisive fashion on that occasion and hopefully there's more to come.
"We just had to wait for the ground. It can be frustrating when it's so quick at times, but we got her there on the day.
"She's entitled to have a crack at races like this from now on in. I think she'll make her presence felt."
Declaration Of War wins Juddmonte International for Ballydoyle
Updated: Wednesday, 21 Aug 2013 16:36
Declaration Of War is back to winning again
Aidan O'Brien's teak-tough Declaration Of War caused a minor surprise in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York, in which Sussex Stakes winner Toronado was a distinct disappointment.
Since winning the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot, Declaration Of War had finished behind Al Kazeem in the Eclipse and Toronado at Goodwood.
Since then he has even been to France to contest the Prix Jacques le Marois.
While Declaration Of War has not run a bad race all season, it still took a leap of faith to see him turn the form around with Al Kazeem and Toronado.
But Joseph O'Brien always appeared to look the most comfortable jockey and he saw off Irish Derby winner Trading Leather by a length and a quarter at odds of 7-1.
Al Kazeem, the 11-8 favourite, was third, but Toronado was in trouble a long way from home and was never a factor.
"He has such an unbelievable constitution, this horse, we've never had one like him" - Aidan O'Brien
Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "I'm not sure if it was as much of a surprise to us as it was to a lot of people.
"In the Eclipse it was probably my fault. James (Doyle on Al Kazeem) got first run on me. I was only getting involved in the last 100 yards and it was all over.
"This lad is tough and hardy. He's been running consistently well and a mile and a quarter on hard ground suits him lovely.
"He travelled very well, relaxed great and toughed it out to the line.
"We always thought you could drop him back in trip to six or seven furlongs. He was left in the Nunthorpe until the very end.
"Obviously five (furlongs) would have been a bit sharp for him, but he is hardy and handles fast ground very well."
Aidan O'Brien said of the winner: "He has such an unbelievable constitution, this horse, we've never had one like him.
"He's had all these races but he never goes backwards. He's in full work all the time at home.
"I know I said after Ascot that he'd go back in trip rather than forward, but I suppose there aren't the races for him.
"He's not lost a kilo all year and he has such a physique - he has to be busy as he does himself so well.
"There's a lot (of horses) going there but he could go to Leopardstown (Irish Champion Stakes) now.
"He could go to the Breeders' Cup later on (for the Classic). Giant's Causeway handled the dirt, the key is to jump and travel. The lads (Coolmore) will decide, I'm sure.
"To go there you need a horse that travels strong and gets a mile and a quarter."
Richard Hannon jnr, the trainer's son and assistant, said of the disappointing Toronado: "He just didn't run his race.
"It wouldn't have made a difference if it was over six furlongs, seven or a mile. It's very disappointing.
"We'll go through him at home and at least there are two months until the big mile races, it's just a shame we didn't see what he could do at this trip."
Bolger said of the runner-up: "It was an excellent run and he'll now go to Leopardstown for the Irish Champion Stakes.
"He'll appreciate the uphill finish."
Trainer Roger Charlton felt the ground contributed to Al Kazeem's eclipse.
He said: "James (Doyle) never felt happy at any stage. He wanted to press Trading Leather more, and he couldn't do it.
"He's had three runs on firm ground and he was looking after himself, I think.
"You hope you can get away with it, but if you keep running a horse on firm ground when he prefers it softer, that's what happens.
"Whether he goes for the Irish Champion Stakes or whatever, we'll just see how he comes back."
Declaration Of War gained revenge on Al Kazeem and Toronado in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York.
Declaration Of War gained revenge on Al Kazeem and Toronado in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York.
Beaten two lengths behind Al Kazeem in the Eclipse and three behind Toronado in the Sussex, Aidan O'Brien's tough campaigner gained revenge on his rivals with a hard fought victory in a gruelling renewal of the Group One.
Irish Derby winner Trading Leather set out to ensure that the 10 furlong contest was a proper test of stamina and he had several of his rivals off the bit with over two furlongs to run.Beaten two lengths behind Al Kazeem in the Eclipse and three behind Toronado in the Sussex, Aidan O'Brien's tough campaigner gained revenge on his rivals with a hard fought victory in a gruelling renewal of the Group One.
Al Kazeem appeared to be travelling strongly at that stage but he didn't appear to let himself down on the fast ground when James Doyle asked him to go and win his race and the jockey was soon sending out distress signals.
In contrast, Declaration Of War and Trading Leather kept responding to every urging and it was the former who ran on best of all to prevail by a length and a quarter from his compatriot.
It was a second Group One victory for the son of War Front following his success in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Al Kazeem finished third but Toronado was never a factor and was allowed to come home in his own time by Richard Hughes.
The winning jockey, Joseph O'Brien, said: "I'm not sure if it was as much of a surprise to us as it was to a lot of people. In the Eclipse it was probably my fault. James (Doyle on Al Kazeem) got first run on me. I was only getting involved in the last 100 yards and it was all over.
"This lad is tough and hardy. He's been running consistently well and a mile and a quarter on hard ground suits him lovely. He travelled very well, relaxed great and toughed it out to the line.
"We always thought you could drop him back in trip to six or seven furlongs. He was left in the Nunthorpe until the very end. Obviously five (furlongs) would have been a bit sharp for him, but he is hardy and handles fast ground very well."
The result caused quite a shake-up in the betting for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Sky Bet pushing Al Kazeem out to 10/1 from 6s and cutting King George winner Novellist into sole favouritism at 4/1 while Trading Leather halved in price to 16/1 from 33s with Great Voltigeur winner Telescope a 25/s chance.
Declaration Of War is driven out by Joseph O'Brien to beat Trading Leather in front of the packed York stands (Healy Racing Photos)
Declaration Of War gained revenge on Al Kazeem and Toronado in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York.
Beaten two lengths behind Al Kazeem in the Eclipse and three behind Toronado in the Sussex, Aidan O'Brien's tough campaigner gained revenge on his rivals with a hard fought victory in a gruelling renewal of the Group One.
Irish Derby winner Trading Leather set out to ensure that the 10 furlong contest was a proper test of stamina and he had several of his rivals off the bit with over two furlongs to run.
Al Kazeem appeared to be travelling strongly at that stage but he didn't appear to let himself down on the fast ground when James Doyle asked him to go and win his race and the jockey was soon sending out distress signals.
In contrast, Declaration Of War and Trading Leather kept responding to every urging and it was the former who ran on best of all to prevail by a length and a quarter from his compatriot.
It was a second Group One victory for the son of War Front following his success in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Al Kazeem finished third but Toronado was never a factor and was allowed to come home in his own time by Richard Hughes.
The winning jockey, Joseph O'Brien, said: "I'm not sure if it was as much of a surprise to us as it was to a lot of people. In the Eclipse it was probably my fault. James (Doyle on Al Kazeem) got first run on me. I was only getting involved in the last 100 yards and it was all over.
"This lad is tough and hardy. He's been running consistently well and a mile and a quarter on hard ground suits him lovely. He travelled very well, relaxed great and toughed it out to the line.
"We always thought you could drop him back in trip to six or seven furlongs. He was left in the Nunthorpe until the very end. Obviously five (furlongs) would have been a bit sharp for him, but he is hardy and handles fast ground very well."
Aidan O'Brien said of the winner: "He has such an unbelievable constitution, this horse, we've never had one like him. He's had all these races but he never goes backwards. He's in full work all the time at home.
"I know I said after Ascot that he'd go back in trip rather than forward, but I suppose there aren't the races for him. He's not lost a kilo all year and he has such a physique - he has to be busy as he does himself so well.
"There's a lot (of horses) going there but he could go to Leopardstown (Irish Champion Stakes) now.
"He could go to the Breeders' Cup later on (for the Classic). Giant's Causeway handled the dirt, the key is to jump and travel. The lads (Coolmore) will decide, I'm sure.
"To go there you need a horse that travels strong and gets a mile and a quarter."
Richard Hannon jnr, the trainer's son and assistant, said of the disappointing Toronado: "He just didn't run his race. It wouldn't have made a difference if it was over six furlongs, seven or a mile. It's very disappointing.
"We'll go through him at home and at least there are two months until the big mile races, it's just a shame we didn't see what he could do at this trip."
Bolger said of the runner-up: "It was an excellent run and he'll now go to Leopardstown for the Irish Champion Stakes. He'll appreciate the uphill finish."
Trainer Roger Charlton felt the ground contributed to Al Kazeem's eclipse.
He said: "James (Doyle) never felt happy at any stage. He wanted to press Trading Leather more, and he couldn't do it. He's had three runs on firm ground and he was looking after himself, I think.
"You hope you can get away with it, but if you keep running a horse on firm ground when he prefers it softer, that's what happens. Whether he goes for the Irish Champion Stakes or whatever, we'll just see how he comes back."
The result caused quite a shake-up in the betting for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Sky Bet pushing Al Kazeem out to 10/1 from 6s and cutting King George winner Novellist into sole favouritism at 4/1 while Trading Leather halved in price to 16/1 from 33s with Great Voltigeur winner Telescope a 25/s chance.
St Nicholas Abbey continues to please after fracturing a leg and recovering from colic.
The prognosis had looked bleak for the six-times Group One winner when his life was threatened by colic just hours after he underwent surgery for an injury he sustained on the gallops.
A month on, though, the six-year-old is reportedly making good progress, according to his owners, Coolmore.
They tweeted: "It's a month today since St Nicholas Abbey underwent major surgery to repair a life-threatening fracture of his right forelimb.
"The veterinary interns who are with him 24/7 described him today as the 'best he has been' and the veterinary surgeons are equally happy.
"Recent radiographs look good, his temperature remains normal and his white blood cell count is good.
"St Nicholas Abbey is eating well and has put on a little weight. He's comfortable and is lying down regularly to give himself every chance.
"As his recovery continues we hope we can give a similarly positive update in another month."
Venus De Milo was set for a break but will now line up in the Yorkshire Oaks
PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)
York date for Venus after impressing at home
BY ANDREW SCUTTS7:05PM 19 AUG 2013
VENUS DE MILO, extremely impressive winner of a Group 3 at Cork 13 days ago and previously a fine second to Chicquita in the Irish Oaks at the Curragh, will bid to give Aidan O'Brien a third Yorkshire Oaks on Thursday.
Revealing his plans for the four-day Ebor meeting, which begins on Wednesday, the Ballydoyle trainer admitted that runningVenus De Milo against the likes of older fillies and mares, such as Wild Coco, The Fugue and Emirates Queen, is something of a turnaround in thinking.
RELATED LINKS
Darley Yorkshire Oaks card
"The original plan was to give her a break and go to the Prix Vermeille," said O'Brien. "But after the Curragh she thrived and really went the right way. We kept her in full work and have been happy with her since."
O'Brien, who won the Darley-sponsored Group 1 in 2006 and 2007 with Alexandrova and Peeping Fawn, added: "She is in good form and we decided we would let her take her chance. It's a step up against the older fillies."
O'Brien's opening-day team comprises Declaration Of War in the Juddmonte International and Foundry in the Neptune Investment Management Great Voltigeur Stakes. Foundry was installed at 9-2 by bet365 in opening shows for the Group 2 on Monday, though Paddy Power and William Hill quoted 6-1.
The Galileo colt has not been seen in action since a five-and-a-half length debut success at Leopardstown last November.
O'Brien said: "He had one run last year and won his maiden nicely. We've been happy with him, he's ready to start and we'll take it from there."
Favourite for the Great Voltigeur is one-time Derby favourite Telescope, at between 6-4 and 7-4.
Wednesday's Acomb Stakes was also priced up on Monday, with Paddy making The Grey Gatsby and First Flight 13-8 joint favourite, while the opening handicap, the Symphony Group Stakes, has as its market leader Ladyship at 8-1.
The ground at York on Monday evening was described as good, good to firm in places. The forecast is for dry, sunny spells throughout the week.
Foundry will represent Aidan O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Sir Michael Stoute seemingly feels Telescope has been unfairly criticised ahead of his latest appearance in the Neptune Investment Management Great Voltigeur Stakes at York on Wednesday.
The one-time Derby favourite, who missed the Epsom Classic after a setback in the spring, met with defeat last time out at Haydock in the Rose of Lancaster Stakes behind Mike de Kock's four-year-old David Livingston.
Having won his previous race at Leicester by 24 lengths in a fast time Telescope looked like living up to his huge reputation but Haydock was undoubtedly a step in the wrong direction.
However, Stoute is hoping the move up to a mile and a half will allow the Galileo colt to maximise his potential.
He told The Telegraph: "I wanted to try him over a mile and a half and this is the opportunity. He seems fine after Haydock.
"It was only the colt's fourth start. I feel there has been too much yapping. He's being criticised, and that is not being fair on the horse. He's inexperienced. Let's allow his performances to do the talking."
Telescope was among seven horses declared for the Group Two, headed by Cap O'Rushes, who gave recently-appointed Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby a first Pattern-race success in the Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.
Godolphin are also represented by the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Secret Number, who was two lengths back in fifth place in the Gordon Stakes.
Spillway, who was third that day, tries again for Didcot handler Eve Johnson-Houghton while John Gosden, who has taken the last three of the last six runnings of this race, relies on Nichols Canyon
From eight entries Aidan O'Brien has singled out Foundry for participation. The son of Galileo won a Leopardstown maiden over seven furlongs by five and a half lengths on his only start last autumn.
Yorkshire hopes rest with Willie The Whipper from Ann Duffield's yard. The colt was sixth to Intello in the Prix du Jockey-Club at Chantilly in early June on his latest outing.
No Nay Never maintains his 100% record On Coolmore Debut
Mon 19th Aug 2013, 09:51
No Nay Never now runs in the colours of John Magnier (left) (Healy Racing Photos)
American raider No Nay Never stretched his 100% record to three with a classy performance in the Darley Prix Morny at Deauville.
Wesley Ward's speedy colt flew out of the stalls and was soon in command under David Flores.
The Norfolk Stakes winner, now running in the Coolmore colours of new owner John Magnier, quickly shrugged off the attentions of Muharaaj and Jallota before seeing off the late bid of Vorda. He returned at 2.2-1 on the local pari-mutuel while he was 7/4 here.
The Philippe Sogorb-trained filly was also defending an unbeaten record but she was behind early on after being slowly away.
She stayed on well but could not get in a blow at the impressive winner. Clive Brittain's Rizeena made strong late progress to take third place just ahead of the Mick Channon-trianed Jallota.
Ward said of his one-length winner: "That was great, I was so excited. The race went just as we had hoped it would.
"We don't have a plan yet. We will make a plan next week sometime.
"The horse will be back at home on Tuesday."
Brittain felt Rizeena would have been closer but for her tardy getaway.
"I was very pleased with the run. She would have been closer to the winner if she hadn't missed the break," said the veteran Newmarket handler.
"She stayed on very strong and hopefully the Moyglare could be on the cards for her next race. If it had been seven furlongs today she would have been done and dusted.
"She was out of the race early as she lost the advantage of the one draw. Then the jockey had to be patient with her, but she finished so strong.
"With a break from the one draw we would have been in the shadow of the winner."
NO NAY NEVER wins G1 stylishly on debut in Coolmore Colours
No Nay Never in doubt
Last Updated: August 18 2013, 14:58 BST
American raider No Nay Never stretched his 100% record to three with a classy performance in the Darley Prix Morny at Deauville.
The Norfolk Stakes winner, now running in the Coolmore colours of new owner John Magnier, quickly shrugged off the attentions of Muharaaj and Jallota before seeing off the late bid of Vorda. He returned at 2.2-1 on the local pari-mutuel and 7/4 with British bookmakers.Wesley Ward's speedy colt flew out of the stalls and was soon in command under David Flores.
The Philippe Sogorb-trained filly was also defending an unbeaten record but she was behind early on after being slowly away.
She stayed on well but could not get in a blow at the impressive winner. Clive Brittain's Rizeena made strong late progress to take third place just ahead of the Mick Channon-trianed Jallota.
Ward said of his one-length winner: "That was great, I was so excited. The race went just as we had hoped it would.
"We don't have a plan yet. We will make a plan next week sometime.
"The horse will be back at home on Tuesday."
Brittain felt Rizeena would have been closer but for her tardy getaway.
"I was very pleased with the run. She would have been closer to the winner if she hadn't missed the break," said the veteran Newmarket handler.
"She stayed on very strong and hopefully the Moyglare could be on the cards for her next race. If it had been seven furlongs today she would have been done and dusted.
"She was out of the race early as she lost the advantage of the one draw. Then the jockey had to be patient with her, but she finished so strong.
"With a break from the one draw we would have been in the shadow of the winner."
Kingsbarns among Voltigeur entries
Fri 16th Aug 2013, 09:43
The Aidan O'Brien-trained Kingsbarns (Healy Racing Photos)
Kingsbarns is an intriguing name among eight Aidan O'Brien-trained contenders in the Neptune Investment Management Great Voltigeur Stakes at York on Wednesday.
Last year's Racing Post Trophy winner, who still holds an entry in the Juddmonte International on the same day, has yet to race this season after suffering a setback when being prepared for a Classic challenge in the spring.
O'Brien had planned to work him after racing at the Curragh last Sunday but the quick ground there forced the Ballydoyle trainer to rethink that plan, although he reported the colt in fine form and progressing well.
The Coolmore team have a wealth of talent at their disposal, with Queen's Vase winner Leading Light another in the running for this St Leger trial. Foundry, Sir Walter Scott and Hall Of Mirrors have also yet to run this term, while Fortify, Kingdom and Plinth are the other O'Brien confirmations.
One-time Derby favourite Telescope is in the field, as expected, with Sir Michael Stoute seeking quick compensation following the colt's eclipse in the Rose of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock last week.
Cap O'Rushes won the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood for Godolphin and he is one of two possibles for the owners, along with Secret Number, who finished a close-up fifth in that race.
The pair are trained by Charlie Appleby and Saeed bin Suroor respectively.
The Gordon third Spillway could try his luck again for Eve Johnson Houghton, while Mutashaded, Nichols Canyon, Royal Skies and Willie The Whipper round out the list of 16 possibles.
Roger Varian's Mutashaded will gallop over the next couple of days before his participation is confirmed.
Lightly-raced, he was last seen finishing third behind Hillstar in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot on just his third start.
Owner Hamdan Al Maktoum's racing manager Angus Gold said: "The Great Voltigeur has always been the plan.
"Roger will just check his well-being this weekend before committing him to the race.
"He's had one or two disappoint a little of late so he just wants to make sure.
"He'll probably work on Friday or Saturday and then make a decision.
"Roger also has Elkaayed who ran in the Gordon Stakes so he'd have a bit of a line through him.
"This looks the right race and he has been in good form since Ascot."
Al Kazeem, left, and Camelot (Healy Racing Photos)
Al Kazeem will face a maximum of eight rivals in Wednesday's Juddmonte International Stakes at York.
The five-year-old has been one of the success stories of the season with wins in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, Prince Of Wales's Stakes and Eclipse and he will aim to add another Group One to his growing list of achievements.
Aidan O'Brien has a host of top-class options, including last year's dual Derby winner Camelot, who has finished behind Al Kazeem twice already this season.
The Ballydoyle handler also has the option of running Queen Anne winner Declaration Of War, Epsom Derby hero Ruler Of The World and one of last year's leading juveniles Kingsbarns, although he is also entered in the Neptune Investment Management Great Voltigeur Stakes on the same day and is yet to run this term.
Jim Bolger's Irish Derby winner Trading Leather and Sir Michael Stoute's Royal Ascot winner Hillstar are other three-year-olds engaged while James Toller's Rewarded is the final contender.
Richard Hannon has left in Sussex Stakes winner Toronado, who would be stepping up to 10 furlongs for the first time if he is allowed to take his chance.
As expected, French runner Cirrus Des Aigles will not be making the journey over following his defeat last weekend.
Al Kazeem's trainer, Roger Charlton, revealed that his stable star is no certainty to run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and that he could run in the Champion Stakes at Ascot instead.
"I think it's not definite that he's going to go for the Arc," said Charlton.
"We'll just keep all the options open. I don't think he [John Deer, owner] wants to commit to any particular race at this stage. I suppose, in theory, if you had to choose one race where he has the better chance, you'd say he's got a better chance in the Champion Stakes."
The Arc is worth £2m to the winner, about three times as much as the Champion Stakes, but Charlton said that is unlikely to be a factor in the final decision.
"If he didn't have a gut-wrenching race at York, the Irish Champion Stakes could be on the agenda, followed by a choice between Paris and Ascot."
"He's had a nice break and he's favourite for a hugely valuable race over a distance that he's been winning over. There's a chance that the ground might have a bit more cut in it than he's been used to recently, which will be to his advantage."
Asked whether this would be Al Kazeem's final year on the track before a stud career, Charlton said that his owner would decide but added: "I suppose it's looking more like that. He hasn't got a lot to prove. And what do you do next year, run in the same races? Run the risk of something going wrong?
"To prove he stays a mile and a half is not really an advantage because we know he does. So that doesn't leave anything much. It's all about whether the owner says, I'm getting more fun out of having a wonderful racehorse, or whether he says the obvious thing to do is retire him."
Kingsbarn among eight Ballydoyle contenders for Great
Voltigeur Stakes
Updated: Thursday, 15 Aug 2013 13:00
Kingsbarn and Joseph O'Brien winning the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster last term
Kingsbarns is an intriguing name among eight Aidan O'Brien-trained contenders in the Neptune Investment Management Great Voltigeur Stakes at York on Wednesday.
Last year's Racing Post Trophy winner, who still holds an entry in the Juddmonte International on the same day, has yet to race this season after suffering a setback when being prepared for a Classic challenge in the spring.
O'Brien had planned to work him after racing at the Curragh last Sunday but the quick ground there forced the Ballydoyle handler to rethink that plan, although he reported the colt in fine form and progressing well.
The Coolmore team have a wealth of talent at their disposal, with Queen's Vase winner Leading Light another in the running for this St Leger trial.
Foundry, Sir Walter Scott and Hall Of Mirrors have also yet to run this term, while Fortify, Kingdom and Plinth are the other O'Brien confirmations.
One-time Derby favourite Telescope is in the field, as expected, with Michael Stoute seeking quick compensation following the colt's eclipse in the Rose of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock last week.
Cap O'Rushes won the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood for Godolphin and he is one of two possibles for the owners, along with Secret Number, who finished a close-up fifth in that race.
The pair are trained by Charlie Appleby and Saeed bin Suroor respectively.
The Gordon third Spillway could try his luck again for Eve Johnson Houghton, while Mutashaded, Nichols Canyon, Royal Skies and Willie The Whipper round out the list of 16 possibles.
Mekong River and Joseph O'Brien, right (Healy Racing Photos)
Green Tag made every yard of the seven furlong juvenile maiden to serve up a 33/1 shock in the opener at Gowran Park, but he subsequently lost the race in the stewards room.
This is a race that Aidan O’Brien has won in six of the last eight years with the likes of Battle Of Marengo, Daddy Long Legs and Irish Derby winners Treasure Beach and Frozen Fire.
It was therefore no surprise that his Mekong River went off the red-hot 4/9 favourite on debut, especially when main rival Intensified was ruled out through stiffness.
Fergal Lynch bounced Green Tag out from the stalls into the lead and the gelding led Mekong River (who was unbalanced several times) as they raced inside the furlong pole. However, Green Tag veered sharply left causing Joseph O’Brien to stop riding on Mekong River.
The favourite finished well from there though and was a neck down on Green Tagat the line. There was a lengthy stewards enquiry after which the placings were reversed.
Asknotwhat at 14/1 under Pat Smullen was bang in contention at the business end. He suffered slight interference in coming home third.
Michael O’Callaghan, trainer of Green Tag, commented: “I thought he’d run well at Galway, but he was all at sea and green as grass. I felt he would appreciate the better ground today.”
Indian Maharaja heads Aidan O'Brien's battalion of entries for the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on October 26.
The Ballydoyle trainer has won three of the last five renewals with Kingsbarns, Camelot and St Nicholas Abbey all featuring on the roll of honour.
Indian Maharaja moved to the head of the market for next year's Investec Derby after winning a Listed event at Tipperary last week and is one of 22 entries for O'Brien, with beaten Phoenix Stakes favourite War Command, Australia and Great White Eagle other notable names.
The John Gosden-trained Kingman, the current 2000 Guineas favourite, attracted plenty of attention when winning on his debut at Newmarket and is an eyecatching entry along with Peter Chapple-Hyam's Hydrogen, an as-yet unraced half-brother to 2006 Racing Post Trophy winner and eventual Derby victor Authorized.
Paul Cole's impressive Chesham Stakes winner Berkshire is also among the entries along with Godolphin's Sweet Solera-winning filly Ihtimal.
Mars Guineas & Derby sixth joins Mike De Kock stable in
Newmarket from Aidan O'Brien. Coolmore Stud retain a share
Mars switches to De Kock
Mon 12th Aug 2013, 12:39
Mars pictured winning his maiden in Dundalk (Healy Racing Photos)
Mars, who finished third in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, is to leave Aidan O'Brien and join Mike de Kock.
A syndicate including Bernard Cantor, who owns horses with William Haggas, has acquired a majority share in the three-year-old but the Coolmore triumvirate of John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith will retain a interest in the Galileo colt.
As well as running well at Ascot, Mars finished sixth in both the 2000 Guineas and the Derby and finished fourth in the Eclipse but was disappointingly beaten at odds-on in the Meld Stakes by Scintillula.
South African De Kock has fared well with horses who have joined from O'Brien with the likes of Archipenko, Eagle Mountain and most recently David Livingston all winning decent races.
"From what I've seen this is a serious racehorse and I can't wait to train him," said De Kock on www.mikedekockracing.com.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to compete at the highest level with a top horse and my thanks go to Coolmore and the syndicate."
Mars will join De Kock's small string based in Newmarket in the coming weeks.
Stable acquires top UK colt
August 11, 2013 By admin
A syndicate comprising Mary Slack, Bernard Kantor and Larry Nestadt has acquired the majority share in top three-year-old Mars from Coolmore Stud in Ireland, who will retain a share in the former Aiden O’Brien-trained colt. He will be joining Mike de Kock’s stables at Newmarket, UK.
Mars, by Galileo from Massarra (Danehill), has raced six times for one win over 1400m, but his other runs include several eye-catching performances at top level.
Mars was a fast-finishing sixth in the Gr1 Investec Derby over 2400m, beaten only 3.75-lengths by Ruler Of The World after entering the straight last and being baulked for a run twice.
Dropped in distance to 1600m, he ran on well again for third to Dawn Approach and Toronado in the Gr1 St James’ Palace Stakes at Ascot, beaten 2.75-lengths. Following that, he was also placed in the Gr1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes over 2000m and the Gr3 Meld Meld Stakes over 1800m.
Mike is hugely excited about Mars and said: “From what I’ve seen this is a serious racehorse and I can’t wait to train him. This is a wonderful opportunity to compete at the highest level with a top horse and my thanks go to Coolmore and the syndicate.”
Form Bloodstock’s Jehan Malherbe commented: “Mars is not only a top quality racing prospect, but he has a stallion’s pedigree being bred from the same cross as Frankel. Also, his dam is a half-sister to Invincible Spirit, a good stallion in his own right.”
Mars will spend a few more weeks resting in Ireland before being transferred to Mary Slack’s Abbington Place at Newmarket, where Mike’s UK runners are based and trained from.
Previous runners purchased from Coolmore to race for Mike de Kock include Archipenko (Gr QEII Cup, stallion at Landawes) and Eagle Mountain (Gr1 Hong Kong Cup), who were both owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum
Kingsbarns pictured winning his maiden at Navan (Healy Racing Photos)
One-time Derby favourite Kingsbarns missed an intended gallop after racing at the Curragh due to drying ground.
Aidan O'Brien had hoped to work the unbeaten colt, who has not run since winning the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster in October after an early-season setback meant he had to miss the 2000 Guineas and then Epsom.
Kingsbarns' only other start came in winning a Navan maiden, a couple of weeks before his impressive Doncaster performance.
The son of Galileo still holds a number of big-race entries during the remainder of the campaign.
Tapestry pricks her ears as she is driven out by Joseph O'Brien to win the Debutante Stakes
Tapestry made it two from two as she took the Group 2, Friarstown Stud Debutante Stakes, providing Aidan and Joseph O’Brien with a double on the card (won the first with Terrific). The daughter of Galileo (also the sire of Terrific), won on her debut over the course last month, and stepped up in trip by a furlong, to seven, she followed up this afternoon. Sent off the 4/5 favourite, she was settled in third as her stablemate Perhaps set the pace under Seamie Heffernan. She was ridden to challenge over a furlong from home, getting on top in the closing stages, and going on to score by a length and three parts at the line. Perhaps kept on well to take second at 11/4 (opened at 7/2 on-course), while Avenue Gabriel was half a length back in third. Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "I’m delighted with her. She came forward nicely from her debut. "It was an nice easily run pace and she’ll learn plenty from today too. "She could go for the Moyglare, but she could go a lot of ways. My two-year-old fillies are running nicely so far. The winner is a Galileo and so is the second." Boylesports were impressed by Tapestry and she is now there 6/1 favourite, from 12s, for the Guineas, while Paddy Power have left her unchanged at 12/1 for the same race. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
Mars Guineas & Derby sixth joins Mike De Kock stable in
Newmarket from Aidan O'Brien. Coolmore Stud retain a share
Stable acquires top UK colt
August 11, 2013 By admin
A syndicate comprising Mary Slack, Bernard Kantor and Larry Nestadt has acquired the majority share in top three-year-old Mars from Coolmore Stud in Ireland, who will retain a share in the former Aiden O’Brien-trained colt. He will be joining Mike de Kock’s stables at Newmarket, UK.
Mars, by Galileo from Massarra (Danehill), has raced six times for one win over 1400m, but his other runs include several eye-catching performances at top level.
Mars was a fast-finishing sixth in the Gr1 Investec Derby over 2400m, beaten only 3.75-lengths by Ruler Of The World after entering the straight last and being baulked for a run twice.
Dropped in distance to 1600m, he ran on well again for third to Dawn Approach and Toronado in the Gr1 St James’ Palace Stakes at Ascot, beaten 2.75-lengths. Following that, he was also placed in the Gr1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes over 2000m and the Gr3 Meld Meld Stakes over 1800m.
Mike is hugely excited about Mars and said: “From what I’ve seen this is a serious racehorse and I can’t wait to train him. This is a wonderful opportunity to compete at the highest level with a top horse and my thanks go to Coolmore and the syndicate.”
Form Bloodstock’s Jehan Malherbe commented: “Mars is not only a top quality racing prospect, but he has a stallion’s pedigree being bred from the same cross as Frankel. Also, his dam is a half-sister to Invincible Spirit, a good stallion in his own right.”
Mars will spend a few more weeks resting in Ireland before being transferred to Mary Slack’s Abbington Place at Newmarket, where Mike’s UK runners are based and trained from.
Previous runners purchased from Coolmore to race for Mike de Kock include Archipenko (Gr QEII Cup, stallion at Landawes) and Eagle Mountain (Gr1 Hong Kong Cup), who were both owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum
Kingsbarns pictured winning his maiden at Navan (Healy Racing Photos)
One-time Derby favourite Kingsbarns missed an intended gallop after racing at the Curragh due to drying ground.
Aidan O'Brien had hoped to work the unbeaten colt, who has not run since winning the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster in October after an early-season setback meant he had to miss the 2000 Guineas and then Epsom.
Kingsbarns' only other start came in winning a Navan maiden, a couple of weeks before his impressive Doncaster performance.
The son of Galileo still holds a number of big-race entries during the remainder of the campaign.
Tapestry pricks her ears as she is driven out by Joseph O'Brien to win the Debutante Stakes
Tapestry made it two from two as she took the Group 2, Friarstown Stud Debutante Stakes, providing Aidan and Joseph O’Brien with a double on the card (won the first with Terrific). The daughter of Galileo (also the sire of Terrific), won on her debut over the course last month, and stepped up in trip by a furlong, to seven, she followed up this afternoon. Sent off the 4/5 favourite, she was settled in third as her stablemate Perhaps set the pace under Seamie Heffernan. She was ridden to challenge over a furlong from home, getting on top in the closing stages, and going on to score by a length and three parts at the line. Perhaps kept on well to take second at 11/4 (opened at 7/2 on-course), while Avenue Gabriel was half a length back in third. Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "I’m delighted with her. She came forward nicely from her debut. "It was an nice easily run pace and she’ll learn plenty from today too. "She could go for the Moyglare, but she could go a lot of ways. My two-year-old fillies are running nicely so far. The winner is a Galileo and so is the second." Boylesports were impressed by Tapestry and she is now there 6/1 favourite, from 12s, for the Guineas, while Paddy Power have left her unchanged at 12/1 for the same race. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
Terrific, who cost 1,300,000 Guineas at Tattersalls last October, got off the mark on the second time of asking, as she took the opener at the Curragh, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden, for Joseph and Aidan O’Brien.
The bay daughter of Galileo finished twelfth of sixteen on her debut over the course on Derby weekend, over twelve lengths behind the winner Avenue Gabriel.
Her initial effort came over seven furlongs, and upped in trip to a mile, and fitted with blinkers for the first time, she went off the well-supported 9/4 second favourite (4/1 this morning and opened at 7/2 on-course).
The full-sister to Together (won a Group 1 in America for O’Brien), made virtually all today, kicking for home two furlongs out, and staying on well inside the final furlong to see off the challenge of the 2/1 favourite, Gorteo and Johnny Murtagh, by half a length.
Afternoon Delight (11/2) ran a nice race on her debut, completing the placings five lengths back under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld.
Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "She was very green on her debut, that’s why she wore blinkers today.
"She was unusually green, and she tried to stop in the middle of the race, she must have spooked at something.
"The blinkers helped her concentrate today.
"She is well-bred and we’ve always liked her. She is smart filly and she could be anything."
War Command ran out an easy winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot (Healy Racing Photos)
War Command will aim to back up the huge impression he created in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot in Sunday's Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt bolted up by six lengths, just 11 days after making a winning debut.
He has been given a mid-season break to recover from those exertions and will aim to give O'Brien an unbelievable 13th win in the race since just 1998.
"He's in good form. I couldn't have been happier when he won at Leopardstown on his debut," said his jockey Joseph O'Brien, who overlooked War Command to ride Stubbs in the Coventry.
"We were hoping he'd run well at Royal Ascot, but he bolted up. He's a lazy worker but he has a good attitude and he never kills himself at home.
"You can take notice of how a race works out but it's more important to have your own horse in good form.
"He's had a little break and has strengthened up. He'd have no problem with six or seven furlongs and we'd be hoping for a good run on Sunday."
O'Brien will also runs Wilshire Boulevard, winner of the Anglesey Stakes last time out.
The sole challenger from England is Mick Channon's Ambiance, fourth in the Norfolk Stakes at Ascot and a close third in the Molecomb at Goodwood.
"I thought he ran really well at Goodwood," said Ted Voute, owner Prince Faisal's racing advisor.
"He's so laid-back that when he hit the front it was like he was in a gallop at home.
"Maybe that's as good as he is, I don't know, but the two-year-old form has been a bit all over the place this season and he deserves a go in a race like this."
John Murphy supplemented the promising Big Time after he finished second to Sudirman in the Railway Stakes.
"We're looking forward to it. The horse is in the form of his life," said Murphy.
"It was either this or the Prix Morny. We decided to come here as it's on our doorstep and he's quite a big horse, so we decided it might be better not to travel.
"I think he's improved since his last run, but I'm sure the other trainers are thinking the same.
"Aidan's horse looked the real deal in Ascot, so we'll see what happens.
"We'll know a lot more on Sunday night, that's for sure.
"This could be our horse's last run of the year, or he could go for the National Stakes afterwards."
David Wachman's Sudirman and Big Time meet again with the former's jockey, Wayne Lordan, looking forward to the challenge.
"He won quite well when he won the Group Two and he's a progressive horse who'd come on well from his maiden," Lordan told At The Races.
"He's in good order. It's a hard race to win but we're going into it with a nice horse with a chance.
"War Command stands out, he was very impressive at Ascot but we're happy with out horse so we'll go and have a go.
"He's had a nice break, he's a big horse but he came out of it well.
"He can race a bit lazy but you know when you get stuck into him there's a lot under the bonnet so hopefully he can prove that again."
Sniper, the Ger Lyons-trained maiden, completes the six-runner field.
Sea Siren got the better of Russian Soul on her last start in the Belgrave Stakes at Fairyhouse (Healy Racing Photos)
Multiple Group One-winning mare Sea Siren and July Cup third Slade Power face off in an intriguing battle for the Paypal Supporting Irish Autism Action Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
Sea Siren struck three times at the highest level when trained by John O'Shea in Australia and made a pleasing debut for Aidan O'Brien's stable when landing the Listed Belgrave Stakes at Fairyhouse a month ago.
The Eddie Lynam-trained Slade Power is a significant threat in this six-furlong Group Three, however, having progressed with each start this season, most recently running a blinder behind Lethal Force at Newmarket.
Lynam said: "We have to give Sea Siren six pounds and she is a very good mare, but my fellow is in good form and I'm very happy with him."
Ken Condon is anticipating a bold show from In Salutem, runner-up in a conditions race at Naas last week.
Condon said: "He should have a better record than he has. He has only one win to his name but he probably should have three. He flatters to deceive at times.
"He has always done nice homework but hasn't really translated it on to the racecourse. I know he is going to be an outsider on Sunday but I think putting in him a better race might see him in a better light."
David Marnane has declared Dandy Boy and Red Dubawi, but is set to rely on the former as Red Dubawi ran at Tipperary on Friday evening.
Dandy Boy makes his first start since finishing down the field in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Marnane said: "He's had a break since Ascot and he will appreciate the ground and the trip. It is a hot race but I'm hoping for a good solid run from him."
Mick Halford plans to make a late call on the participation of Russian Soul, who enjoyed a deserved victory in the same Tipperary contest in which Red Dubawi finished eighth on Friday.
Andrew Oliver's Sendmylovetorose looks to build on a promising comeback run at Galway, while Michael Dods and sends Mass Rally across from the UK.
Hamza is another UK raider making the trip across from the Kevin Ryan yard, while after winning at Tipperary on Friday, An Saighdiur completes the line-up, however he is unlikely to take part.
Indian Maharaja made it two from two as he took the Listed Coolmore Canford Cliff Stakes in convincing fashion.
The Aidan O’Brien trained colt was sent off the 3/10 favourite, after he impressively won his maiden at Gowran last month by six and a half lengths.
The regally-bred son of Galileo, settled behind the leaders in fourth, and was ridden to close a furlong and a half from home.
He hit the front a furlong out, asserting soon after, going on to score comfortably by three lengths.
Jim Bolger’s newcomer Ceisteach opened on-course at 33/1 but was well supported trackside and went off just 14’s.
The daughter of New Approach kept on well closing stages to take second, getting each-way money for her supporters.
Captain’s Affair and Boom The Groom were sent off the second and third choice of punters, but they both disappointing finishing in fifth and last respectively.
Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "He'll learn plenty from that, he's still very green.
"He's a lovely horse, he relaxed and quickened up well.
"I couldn't be any happier with him. I gave him a little slap and he quickened up well.
"He's an exciting horse. He won over a mile the first day and seven today - he has plenty of pace and he relaxes and stays."
Ernest Hemingway keeps on best in the closing stages to beat Scintillula (centre) and Royal Diamond (on the rail) (Healy Racing Photos)
Ernest Hemingway put in a tough performance to just edge out both Royal Diamondand Scintillula in the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes.
Providing Aidan & Joseph O’Brien with a double on the card (took the second withFriendship), the four-year-old son of Galileo was sent off the 11/8 favourite.
Used as a pacemaker in the past, the bay colt sprang to prominence on his last start, as he stayed on strongly in the closing stages to win the Group 3 Curragh Cup, beating Royal Diamond by five lengths.
That race was over a mile and six, and dropping back to a mile and a half this evening, he was settled in rear.
He moved into a closer third at the halfway stage and he was ridden entering the straight.
Royal Diamond attempted to make all under Johnny Murtagh, but he was challenged by the winner on the outside and Scintillula in the middle a furlong from home.
Ernst Hemingway got on top 100 yards out, and he kept on best from there to score by half a length.
Royal Diamond took the runner-up spot at 9/4, Scintillula (2/1) was a further half a length back in third under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger, while St Jean finished last of the four, just three and a quarter lengths back under Chris Hayes for Kevin Prendergast.
Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "He relaxed really well but he idled like mad going to the line.
"He is a horse that is progressing and the Irish Leger fits into his programme well."
Friendship & Joseph O'Brien on their way to victory (Healy Racing Photos)
Friendship got off the mark on the fifth time of asking as he eased to victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 2yo Maiden.
Ridden by Joseph O’Brien, and trained by his father Aidan, the white-faced son of Galileo broke well and made all, asserting over a furlong out, and staying on strongly from there to score easily by six lengths.
Bogardus put in a satisfactory effort on his debut to take second at 16/1 underDeclan McDonogh for Patrick Prendergast, while another newcomer, Sinndar Desert(16/1), was four and a quarter lengths back in third under Chris Hayes for Paul Deegan.
The winner, who holds a whole host of big race entries, was sent off the 3/10 favourite, with his price shortening considerable this morning when Corona Borealis was taken out.
Joseph O’Brien said afterwards: "Fast ground is his thing and he bounced off of it this evening. The ground was plenty slow in Galway for him.
"He won as he was entitled to do and we thought he would have won his maiden by now.”
O’Brien went on to talk about War Command saying: “His last bit of work is tomorrow morning and then we will decide about Sunday (the Phoenix Stakes).”
Colm O'Donoghue is in line to return to action at the Curragh on Sunday having been on the sidelines since fracturing his collarbone at Limerick in June.
O'Donoghue, who is preparing for a six-month stint in Hong Kong, sustained the injury after being unseated from Diamond Lucy when the filly clipped the heels of another runner in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF MaideHe said: "I've been back riding out since last Monday, the injury has healed up well and Dr Adrian McGoldrick and his brother, surgeon Fergal, have been brilliant to me.
"I'm hoping to get a few rides at the Curragh, but I'm heading out to Hong Kong next week for six months so my focus is on that.
"The Hong Kong Jockey Club issues licences for six months and Mick Kinane was the last Irish jockey to be issued one. Three of us have been issued licences, the other jockeys are from South African and Italy.
Kingsbarns pictured winning his maiden at Navan last year (Healy Racing Photos)
Kingsbarns will not run in the Bet Online At thetote.com Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
Aidan O'Brien's colt, who has not been seen in competitive action since winning the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster last October, will instead have a racecourse gallop after racing at the Co Kildare circuit.
The decision was made not to run Kingsbarns in the Royal Whip after he was put through his paces on the gallops on Wednesday morning.
O'Brien said: "We're conscious of where he's coming from (having been off the track for so long).
"He's made great progress over the last few weeks, but, at this stage, we'd prefer to work him after racing on Sunday rather than race him."
O'Brien will instead rely upon Fortify, who was sixth in a handicap at Galway last week.
The trainer said: "He worked well and he'll be our runner in the race."
War Command pictured on his way to victory at Royal Ascot (Healy Racing Photos)
War Command and Ambiance have been given the go-ahead to compete in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday. The unbeaten former won the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot by six lengths in June and is now set to step into Group One company. Trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "War Command worked well this morning and will definitely take his place in the Phoenix. "There's also the possibility that we'll run Fountain Of Youth and Wilshire Boulevard." Johnny Murtagh, meanwhile, will partner Ambiance in Sunday's contest. Murtagh, who has been in inspired form this summer, will receive the leg-up aboard Mick Channon's colt for the first time as regular jockey Martin Harley is in action at Windsor on the same day. Ted Voute, racing and bloodstock manager for his owner Prince Faisal, said: "Ambiance runs at the weekend and is in very good form. Martin is busy at Windsor so we've got Johnny Murtagh on board, which is never a bad thing - especially on home turf." Ambiance has been highly tried this summer, with a Listed win at Sandown and a solid fourth in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot the highlights. He was last seen finishing a close-up third in the Molecomb Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.
Tapestry pictured winning on her debut at the Curragh (Healy Racing Photos)
Trainer Aidan O'Brien is likely to be triple-handed in the Friarstown Stud Debutante Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
The Ballydoyle handler has whittled down his options for the informative Group Two over seven furlongs to Minorette, Perhaps and Tapestry.
Minorette looked impressive on her sole start, when victorious at Naas in July, whereas Perhaps boast the stronger form, having got to within a length of stablemate Wonderfully in a Group Three at Leopardstown.
Tapestry is also unbeaten from one outing, when she beat Chroussa by half a length over six furlongs at the Curragh last month.
O'Brien said: "In the Debutante we intend to have three runners - Minorette, Perhaps and Tapestry. They all worked this morning and worked well."
Venus De Milo: looked a different class to her rivals
PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)
Venus De Milo to skip York for Vermeille bid
BY PAUL EACOTT7:09PM 6 AUG 2013
Report: Cork, Tuesday
Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Give Thank Stakes (Group 3), 1m4f, 3yo+ fillies
VENUS DE MILO looks set to bypass the Yorkshire Oaks and will instead go for the Prix Vermeille as the Irish Oaks runner-up made it three wins from four starts with a comfortable win.
The daughter of Duke Of Marmalade was sent off the 1-4 favourite to bounce back to winning ways after her troublesome path in the Irish Oaks last time and it was basically a case of the further she went the further clear of her pursuers she stretched.
Joseph O'Brien put up 1lb overweight on Venus De Milo but that mattered not a jot as she made virtually all the running under him before scooting clear in the final furlong to win by three-and-a-half-lengths from Bunairgead.
With none of her rivals keen to go on, O'Brien decided to take it up early on board the favourite and she bowled along seemingly happily at the head of affairs. Although late on she did show a sign of greeness, Venus De Milo's backers never really had anything to worry about as she was in a different class to her rivals.
Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "She's an improving filly and this was an important race for her. Joseph said that making the running wasn't ideal as she was doing plenty in front. But at the same time, you never know when these sort of races can get messy."
Venus De Milo has an entry in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks later in the month but her trainer suggested she was unlikely to head there.
"She might mature into a really nice mare as she's big and strong," he continued. "She's come a long way in a short space of time. The plan was to come here for this and then go for the Prix Vermeille at Longchamp so that's the way we'll go with her now. I've been thrilled with her since the Irish Oaks."
Venus De Milo is the second beaten horse to come out of the Irish Oaks and win a Group race after Scintillula, fourth home in that race, subsequently claimed the notable scalp of Mars.
Aidan O'Brien's Irish Oaks runner-up Venus De Milo booked her Prix Vermeille ticket with an easy win in Cork's most valuable Flat race, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Give Thanks Stakes, today.
Ridden by the trainer's son and Champion Jockey Joseph O'Brien (carrying one pound over-weight at 8st13lbs) the daughter of Duke Of Marmalade made all and stayed on strongly in the straight for a three and a half lengths win over Bunairgead.
Aidan O'Brien Senior stated “it was lovely to come here for this and the track is in super order. It's an important race for her to win and while it wasn't ideal being in front, you never know what can happen in these type of races if things get messy.
“She's a lovely, big mare and will have a rest now before coming back for the Prix Vermeille at Longchamp in September.”
War Command striding clear at Royal Ascot (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien is delighted with Coventry Stakes winner War Command ahead of Sunday's Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.
He heads the field for the six-furlong Group One and looked an immense prospect after his stunning victory at Royal Ascot.
O'Brien has won the race 12 times through the likes of George Washington, Holy Roman Emperor and Mastercraftsman as well as last year with Pedro The Great.
He has half of the 10-strong field, with War Command joined by Fountain Of Youth, the unraced Giovanni Boldini, Wilshire Boulevard and Bluebell.
War Command has been confirmed a runner, but only Wilshire Boulevard, who collected the Anglesey Stakes over the course and distance a fortnight ago, was mentioned to join him in the Ballydoyle squad.
"War Command has been in great form since Royal Ascot and we are really looking forward to running him on Sunday," said O'Brien.
"We will wait until later in the week as regards the other horses, but Wilshire Boulevard is also up for consideration for the race."
Kingsbarns, one of last season's leading juveniles, could make his long-awaited reappearance in the Bet Online thetote.com Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained Galileo colt won the Racing Post Trophy last season on just his second start, only 17 days after making a winning debut.
Unfortunately, he picked up an injury when being prepared for the 2000 Guineas and is only now ready to return.
He is unlikely to have it all his own way, however, as Mark Johnston has entered the progressive Maputo.
Another high-class entry is Jim Bolger's filly Scintillula, who turned over O'Brien's Mars last time out.
Caponata, Bible Belt, Uleavemebreathless, Fortify and Qewy make up the remaining possibles.
Kingsbarns' participation hinges on a piece of work at Ballydoyle tomorrow morning.
O'Brien said: "We will work the horse in the morning and make a final decision after that.
"Fortify also holds an entry in the race and it will be a similar situation with him."
Kingsbarns, one of last season's leading juveniles, could make his long-awaited reappearance in the Bet Online thetote.com Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
Kingsbarns: Could return to the track on Sunday
Unfortunately, he picked up an injury when being prepared for the 2000 Guineas and is only now ready to return.The Aidan O'Brien-
trained Galileo colt won the Racing Post Trophy last season on just his second start, only 17 days after making a winning debut.
He is unlikely to have it all his own way, however, as Mark Johnston has entered the progressive Maputo.
Another high-class entry is Jim Bolger's filly Scintillula, who turned over O'Brien's Mars last time out.
Caponata, Bible Belt, Uleavemebreathless, Fortify and Qewy make up the remaining possibles.
Great White Eagle is driven out close home by Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Great White Eagle put in an impressive display to score on his debut in the opener at Naas this afternoon, the Michael T O’Maille Race.
The Aidan O’Brien trained son of Elusive Quality was 3/1 this morning with Paddy Power, opening on-course at 5/2, touching 7/4, before going off the 2/1 second favourite.
Given a patient ride by Joseph O’Brien, the bay colt cruised into the lead a furlong out, keeping on well from there to record a comfortable two and three parts of a length success.
Recent course and distance winner Gold Peregrine was sent off the 11/10 favourite for rider/trainer Johnny Murtagh.
He was under pressure a fair way out, but he did keep on close home to take second, while Remember You was a short head back in third under Wayne Lordanfor David Wachman at 9/1.
Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "You’d have to be delighted with that for a first run. He was just ready to run and I was delighted with the way he travelled.
"Joseph said he has plenty of speed and he knew after a furlong and a half that he was going better than the others.
"We might look at the Round Towers Stakes at the Curragh for him now."
The winner cost $120,000 as a yearling, and was sold for a massive 760,000 Guineas at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale in April (a European record breeze-up price).
Paddy Power have introduced Great White Eagle into the betting for next year's 2000 Guineas, making him a 16/1 chance.
Mars, left, could have an Australian engagement (Healy Racing Photos)
The Aidan O'Brien-trained Mars and Willie Mullins' Simenon, who was last seen finishing second in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, are among the entries for the Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup, two of the feature events of the Australian calendar later this year.
Jockey/trainer Johnny Murtagh could have an Australian runner in his first training season as Royal Diamond is on the list for the Caulfield Cup along with Dermot Weld's Voleuse De Coleurs.
The contests, which form part of Racing Victoria's Spring Carnival meeting, are run on October 26 and October 19 respectively with plenty of European challengers in contention.
Last week's Goodwood winner Forgotten Voice and the globetrotting Red Cadeaux are also entered for the Cox Plate. Forgotten Voice was a Group Three winner in Sussex last week and his trainer, champion National Hunt handler Nicky Henderson, has given him the option of this mile and a quarter heat.
Andrew Balding's Side Glance, the Hughie Morrison-trained Chil The Kite, David Lanigan's Main Sequence, Guest Of Honour from Marco Botti's yard and Jane Chapple-Hyam's Mull Of Killough hold entries.
French runners Maxios, Hammerfest, Mandour and Trevieres complete a list of 12 European entries in the Cox Plate that also features last year's Melbourne Cup hero Green Moon, the highly-rated It's A Dundeel and top mare Atlantic Jewel.
A total of 158 horses have been nominated for that race with 173 nominated for the Caulfield Cup over a mile and a half.
Green Moon is in that race too, as are all but Side Glance, Mull Of Killough , Guest Of Honour and Chil The Kite.
Ed Dunlop's Red Cadeaux is the headline British-trained entry while Lanigan also has Biographer in the reckoning and Botti has entered Dandino and Jakkalberry.
William Haggas has entered Sun Central and Stencive, who was beaten by the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Opinion at Royal Ascot and that one is also entered.
French possibles include Only A Pleasure, Top Trip and Trevieres while Very Nice Name is also in the frame.
Nevis, who was last seen winning the Lingfield Derby Trial for Aidan O'Brien is entered but is now listed as trained by Australian handler Robert Hickmott.
Leading Light among four Aidan O'Brien horses for Arc
Updated: Monday, 30 Sep 2013 10:58 |
Leading Light (r) won the St Leger in Doncaster
Trainer Aidan O'Brien has confirmed Ladbrokes St Leger hero Leading Light will be supplemented for Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.
The Montjeu colt has displayed admirable versatility so far this year, winning twice over a mile and a quarter before stepping up to two miles to take the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot.
He came back to a mile and three-quarters to claim Classic glory at Doncaster earlier this month and will now pit his wits against the world's top mile-and-a-half performers in France.
Epsom Derby hero Ruler Of The World, Camelot and Kingsbarns are the other potential Ballydoyle representatives in the Arc.
"I think we're going to supplement the Leger horse and then obviously we'll get closer to the weekend (before knowing) about ground" - Aidan O'Brien
O'Brien told At The Races: "The four (Arc) horses are Ruler Of The World, Leading Light, Camelot and Kingsbarns.
"I think we're going to supplement the Leger horse and then obviously we'll get closer to the weekend (before knowing) about ground (conditions) because Camelot would only run if it was good or better.
"He (Leading Light) obviously hasn't done a lot (since Doncaster) - it's not that long ago - but everything he's done we've been happy with."
Roger Charlton's Al Kazeem also remains on target for Europe's premier middle-distance prize after pleasing in a workout with Prix de l'Opera-bound stable companion Thistle Bird over the weekend.
"They both worked well on Saturday morning over eight furlongs on our summer gallops, which are in fantastic condition," the Beckhampton trainer told his website, www.rogercharlton.com.
"Although Al Kazeem has had some tough races and on ground faster than he would have preferred, from what I can see he still retains his enthusiasm and his speed figures compared well on Saturday morning with his work before both the Prince of Wales's Stakes and the Eclipse.
"The Arc will be his seventh race of the season but only his 15th race spread over four seasons.
"It is never an exact science to know whether a horse has gone over the top or about to produce another high-class performance but the vibes are good.
"There is no disputing that this year's race is going to be contested by the best horses in Europe and two very smart colts from Japan.
"His class has enabled him to win his Group One races over ten furlongs but I also think he is capable of excelling over twelve furlongs as he did in the Jockey Club Stakes.
"We will need all the assistance we can get in Europe's most exciting race but some ease in the ground and going right handed will help him."
Trainer Aidan O'Brien has confirmed Ladbrokes St Leger hero Leading Light will be supplemented for Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Antepost: Leading Light 20/1
Leading Light: Will be supplemented for the Arc
The Montjeu colt has displayed admirable versatility so far this year, winning twice over a mile and a quarter before stepping up to two miles to take the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot.
He came back to a mile and three-quarters to claim Classic glory at Doncaster earlier this month and will now pit his wits against the world's top mile-and-a-half performers in France.
Profiles
Leading Light (IRE)
A P O'Brien
Epsom Derby hero Ruler Of The World, Camelot and Kingsbarns are the other potential Ballydoyle representatives in the Arc.
O'Brien told At The Races: "The four (Arc) horses are Ruler Of The World, Leading Light, Camelot and Kingsbarns.
"I think we're going to supplement the Leger horse and then obviously we'll get closer to the weekend (before knowing) about ground (conditions) because Camelot would only run if it was good or better.
"He (Leading Light) obviously hasn't done a lot (since Doncaster) - it's not that long ago - but everything he's done we've been happy with."
Say, a close third in the Matron Stakes, arrived at Keeneland late Saturday night and took up residence in the quarantine barn for her expected start in Saturday's $400,000 Grade 1 First Lady Stakes at the track.
Eye Of The Storm pictured winning at Listowel on his last start (Healy Racing Photos)
Eye Of The Storm got his revenge onMissunited as he took the last at the Curragh this afternoon, the Listed Loughbrown Stakes, providing Aidan and Joseph O’Brien with a double on the card.
The three-year-old son of Galileo finished second to Missunited in the Listed Oyster Stakes over a mile and a half at Galway earlier this month, but he gained revenge today over the longer trip of two miles.
He had since won the Listed Listowel Stakes, and he was sent off the 8/13 favourite (opened on-course at 9/10) to follow up here.< Missunited was sent off the 7/2 second favourite, and the Mick Winters trained mare attempted to make all under Seamie Heffernan, with the eventual winner settling towards the rear in sixth.
As they entered the straight Missunited stayed on the rail, while her rivals drifted wide, with Joseph O’Brien getting serious aboard the winner over two furlongs out.
The chestnut victor responded well to pressure, and he got on terms at the furlong pole, keeping on best from there to just edge ahead close home, winning by three parts of a length at the line.< Missunited took second, while Leah Claire ran a cracker, finishing just a length back in third under Danny Grant for Willie McCreeryat 20/1.
Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "We weren’t sure about the two miles but he got it well. He travelled well and I don’t think he needs to go that far.
"I’d say he is finished for the year now and he could make up into a cup horse next year.
"I think he got a kick as a foal which resulted in him losing an eye."
Geoffrey Chaucer and Joseph O'Brien on their way to victory, with Altruistic back in third (Healy Racing Photos)
Geoffrey Chaucer made it two from two as he took the feature race at the Curragh this afternoon, the Group 2 Juddmonte Beresford Stakes, for Aidan and Joseph O’Brien.
The son of Montjeu won his maiden at Leopardstown in July, beating Tarfasha(finished third in the Blenheim Stakes earlier) by a neck, and he was sent off the 4/7 favourite to follow up this afternoon.
Settled in fourth, the bay colt was pushed along two furlongs out, and he responded well to pressure, hitting the front around a furlong from home, keeping on well from there to score by a length and a quarter.
Oklahoma City made it a one, two for Aidan O’Brien, as he took second under Seamie Heffernan at 5/1, while Altruistic was three parts of a length back in third under trainer/jockey Johnny Murtagh.
Exogenesis was taken out of the contest this morning after been sold.
Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "He didn’t learn much in front the last day. We were hoping there would be more pace on today, which there was, and he was still a bit green when hit the front.
"If everything goes to plan he will go to Doncaster for the Racing Post Trophy."
O’Brien went on the talk about the runner-up, saying: "I knew he was crying out to go further and on pedigree there is plenty of stamina on the dam’s side.
"He is in the sales race at Newmarket and it is quite possible he could go there." <Geoffrey Chaucer is now a 16/1 for the Epsom Derby with Paddy Power, Boylesports and Ladbrokes.
The red-hot favourite Geoffrey Chaucer ran out a convincing winner of the Juddmonte Beresford Stakes at the Curragh.
Geoffrey Chaucer: Beresford winner
The 4/7 favourite stuck to his task well despite carrying his head awkwardly and knuckled down to record a one and a quarter length victory from stablemate Oklahoma City.The son of Montjeu was always travelling sweetly under Joseph O'Brien and took up the running from the long-time leader All Set To Go just over a furlong from home.
Geoffrey Chaucer's success means Aidan O'Brien has now trained the winner of the Beresford Stakes on 13 separate occasions, including the 2009 winner St Nicholas Abbey.
The trainer said: "He didn't learn much the first day and we were hoping there'd be more pace today, which there was.
"He learned nothing in front the first day, but I'd say he learned plenty today and he was still a bit green when he hit the front.
"If everything goes to plan, he'll go to Doncaster for the Racing Post Trophy (October 26)."
O'Brien was also pleased with the effort of the runner-up, adding: "I knew he was crying out to go further. In his pedigree there is plenty of stamina on the dam's side. He's in the sales race at Newmarket (£500,000 Tattersalls Millions 2YO Trophy, October 5) and that's a possibility."
His jockey was pleased with the way in which he ran and thought that he would come on again for the run.
"We've gone a nice clip there and he's shown that he's a nice horse - I think he'll go on from that," said Joseph O'Brien.
"There were only three runners on his first start and I had to make the running which wasn't ideal. We came here to learn and he's relaxed early which has helped. We hoped he'd learn a bit from this and I think he has.
"It rode like a good renewal of the race. I'd imagine he's up there with the best two-year-olds that we have and a race like the Racing Post Trophy could suit him.
"He'll have no problem with a mile and hopefully he'll go on and progress. I think he'll be better at three as he's a big horse and very raw at the moment. He's one to look forward to."
Geoffrey Chaucer made it two wins from as many starts with a workmanlike victory in the Juddmonte Beresford Stakes at the Curragh in a one-two for the Aidan O'Brien team.
The Montjeu colt looked the part when narrowly making a winning debut at Leopardstown and was a heavily backed 4-7 favourite as he stepped up to Group Two level against four opponents.
All Set To Go made a bold bid from the front, but Geoffrey Chaucer and Joseph O'Brien mowed him down in the final furlong and asserted close home to score a shade cosily by a length and a quarter from running-on stablemate Oklahoma City.
The Ballydoyle trainer said: "He didn't learn much the first day and we were hoping there'd be more pace today, which there was. He learned nothing in front the first day, but I'd say he learned plenty today and he was still a bit green when he hit the front. If everything goes to plan, he'll go to Doncaster for the Racing Post Trophy (October 26)."
O'Brien was also pleased with the effort of the runner-up, adding: "I knew he was crying out to go further. In his pedigree there is plenty of stamina on the dam's side. He's in the sales race at Newmarket (£500,000 Tattersalls Millions 2YO Trophy, October 5) and that's a possibility."
The winning jockey said: "First time out there were three runners and I had to make the running, which wasn't ideal. We wanted to drop in and learn a bit today, relax him and finish out, and that's what he did. He's a nice horse and I think he has a big future."
Paul Deegan's Shining Emerald turned in a brilliant display to overcome odds-on favourite Guerre in the Listed Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Blenheim Stakes.
A 16-length winner on his third attempt in heavy ground at Listowel earlier this month, the juvenile was a 7-2 shot for his latest assignment, with Deegan admitting pre-race he was concerned about the quicker underfoot conditions.
Those worries proved unfounded, however, as Shining Emerald quickened up smartly from the rear to shoot past Guerre in the final furlong and score by a comfortable three lengths in the hands of Chris Hayes.
Deegan said: "I'm absolutely delighted with him. He quickened well and put it to bed well. He's smart. I was concerned about the ground, but it's nice he showed he can change gear and change gear very effectively on nice, good ground. He's exciting and he's not done with for the year yet. We might have to revise plans now. He could go to England."
Deegan and Hayes almost made it a double in the valuable Mongey Communications Joe McGrath Handicap, but their representative English Deer was denied by Tommy Stack's 10-1 shot Nero Emperor.
Second on his most recent appearance, Nero Emperor came from the back of the field under Wayne Lordan and got the verdict by a head to secure his first victory since his only previous win at Dundalk in November 2011. Tylery Wonder and Invincible Ridge were third and fourth respectively.
Wrote: won the Grade 1 Breeders' Juvenile Turf for Aidan O'Brien
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
Wrote to stand at Northwest Stud
BY BLOODSTOCK WORLD STAFF10:00AM 28 SEP 2013
BREEDERS' CUP Juvenile Turf winner Wrote and multiple Graded stakes winner Duke Of Mischief will stand at Northwest Stud near Ocala in Florida for the 2014 breeding season.
A four-year-old son of High Chaparaal, Wrote won three races during his juvenile season for Aidan O'Brien which culminated with an impressive two and a quarter length victory at Churchill Downs in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf.
He ran four times at three, posting his best effort in the UAE Derby when finishing third behind Daddy Long Legs.
Wrote ran once at four, finishing last of eight runners in the Grade 2 Monmouth Stakes for Andrew Mitchell.
He is out of the Green Desert mare Desert Classic, the dam of four winners from four runners, who was bought for 875,000gns by Mount Brilliant Farm at last year's Tattersalls December sale.
The seven-year-old Duke Of Mischief netted $1,905,747 during his career, winning seven of his 30 starts.
The son of Graeme Hall's biggest success came in the Grade 2 Charles Town Classic, a race in which he beat high-class pair Game On Dude and Tizway.
Out of the winning Real Courage mare My Lady Amelia, Duke Of Mischief is a half-brother to Grade 3 winner Lord Robyn. My Lady Amelia is a half sister to Belgian Horse of the Year Yakousa.
Stud fees for the pair will be announced at a later date.
Afonso De Sousa and Joseph O'Brien on their way to victory (Healy Racing Photos)
Afonso De Sousa overcame a lengthy absence to take the last at Dundalk this evening, the Dundalk Stadium - Light Up Your Night Race, providing Aidan and Joseph O’Brien with a double on the card (earlier scored with Red Rocks Point).
The successful three-year-old son of Henrythenavigator won his maiden at Leopardstown on his third start in July of 2012, and he then finished third of five to Dundonnell in the Group 3 Acomb Stakes at York the following month.
Stepped up in trip to a mile and two for the first time, and having his first run since York, the bay colt was sent off a 2/1 chance having opened at 6/4 on-course.
Having raced mainly in second, he improved to lead entering the straight, and he kept on well under pressure to hold off the challenge of Dabadiyan (11/10 favourite), scoring by a length and a half at the line.
The runner-up was bidding for his fourth win in-a-row, but he couldn’t match the winner in the home straight, and he had to settle for second under Declan McDonogh for Mick Halford.
Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "He is a lovely big horse. He was prepped to go to Dubai but he had a little setback and then he was ready in the middle part of the year but he had another setback.
"He is very genuine and he did another circuit as I couldn’t pull him up."
Red Rocks Point is driven out by Joseph O'Brien (left) to beat Cheeky Chappie (Healy Racing Photos)
Red Rocks Point got off the mark on the first time of asking as he took the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 2yo Maiden, under Joseph O’Brien for his father Aidan.
The bay son of Fastnet Rock was well-supported on-course, and having opened at 3/1, he was backed into 7/4 favouritism at the off.
Having raced in mid-division, he was pushed along briefly four furlongs out, and he was ridden and progressed into third two furlongs from home.
He hit the front inside the final furlong, and he wandered slightly under pressure in the closing stages, but he held on to score by a neck.
Cheeky Chappie, for David Wachman and Wayne Lordan, finished a gallant second at 10/1, while Zarib came through to take third, two and three parts of a length back under Declan McDonogh for Mick Halford at 16/1.
Joseph O’Brien said afterwards: "He is a grand horse and he is quite laid back. He was quite lazy during the race and he is by a very exciting sire."
Geoffrey Chaucer and Oklahoma City will attempt to give trainer Aidan O’Brien his 13th Juddmonte Beresford Stakes success at Curragh this Sunday.
O’Brien has an outstanding record in the Group Two Juddmonte Beresford Stakes and the champion trainer, who is chasing his 13th success in the race, has a strong representation in the featured contest at the Curragh this Sunday.
O’Brien is responsible for two of the six runners in the race with Geoffrey Chaucer and Oklahoma City. He will face tough opposition from Exogenesis trained by Ger Lyons, the Andy Oliver-trained All Set To Go, Not to Yield trained by Dermot Weld and Altruistic trained and ridden by Johnny Murtagh.
A strong support programme includes the Group Three C.L. Weld Park Stakes with trainer Dermot Weld hoping to win the race named to honour his late father with Tarfasha. Other notable contenders include the John Oxx trained My Titania, Chroussa trained by Jim Bolger and recent Tipperary winner Diamond Stilettos.
The Aidan O’Brien trained Guerre is among the eight runners in the Listed Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Blenheim Stakes, while Galway Hurdle winner Missunited returns to the flat when the Michael Winters trained mare lines up in The Irish Field Loughbrown Stakes where she will face the Dermot Weld trained Unaccompanied and Eye of the Storm trained by Aidan O’Brien most notably
Meanwhile, there are 25 entries for the valuable Mongey Communications Joe McGrath Premier Handicap including Twenty One Choice trained in Britain by Ed De Giles and 22 runners in The Irish Times Handicap
- - 1st race 2.10pm
Admission 15 euro Seniors and Under 25s 8 euro, Under 16s free (accompanied by an adult)
To celebrate the All Ireland Hurling Final replay between Cork and Clare, the Curragh is offering all ticket holders, FREE admission to the races on Sunday 29th September. Ticket holders simply have to bring their All Ireland Hurling Replay Ticket to the races to avail of this offer.
The race day is themed for the Irish Pony Club to celebrate the end of their busy summer season with a fun and exciting day for all the family to enjoy and presentations made throughout the afternoon to winners of various pony club disciplines. All Pony Club Members gain free admission.
The Jog for Jockeys, a 5k and 10k run over the spectacular Curragh plains takes place during the morning of the race day with proceeds going to the Injured Jockeys Fund, for details see www.jogforjockeys.ie
Aidan O'Brien is responsible for 13 of the entries after the latest forfeit stage of the Dewhurst
The master of Ballydoyle has surprisingly won only two previous renewals of the seven-furlong Group One (Rock Of Gibraltar, 2001 and Beethoven, 2009), which so often sees the crowning of the season's champion juvenile.
Among this year's baker's dozen are Great White Eagle, War Command and Michaelmas, although that trio are all engaged in the six-furlong Middle Park Stakes on the same afternoon.
O'Brien still has two unraced colts in the race in Red Rocks Point and Johann Strauss.
Aidan O’Brien out to land number 13 in Sunday’s Juddmonte Beresford Stakes, while Irish Pony Club will celebrate another successful year
September 24, 2013
O’Brien out to land win number thirteen in Sunday’s Group Two Juddmonte Beresford Stakes at the Curragh
Trainer AIDAN O’BRIEN has an outstanding record in the Group Two Juddmonte Beresford Stakes and the champion trainer, who is chasing his 13th success in the race, has a strong representation in the featured contest at the Curragh this Sunday. O’Brien is responsible for 7 of the 11 horses left in at today’s five-day entry stage, while the Andy Oliver-trained All Set To Go has been supplemented to the race.
O’Brien can choose between Agena, Friendship, Geoffrey Chaucer, Illinois, Kingfisher Oklahoma City and Mekong River. “The horses are all very well and they will do their final piece of work tomorrow (Wednesday) after which we will make a decision regarding plans for Sunday,” commented the Ballydoyle trainer.
Kingsbarns pictured winning his maiden at Navan (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien has four horses "in the mix" for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with running plans likely to be firmed up next week.
The Ballydoyle trainer is seeking a second Arc after Dylan Thomas in 2007, and at this stage can call on Ruler Of The World, Leading Light, Kingsbarns and Camelot, although ground conditions are crucial to the latter.
Epsom Derby hero Ruler Of The World stated his case when narrowly beaten in the Prix Niel, while Queen's Vase winner Leading Light landed the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster to earn a possible supplementary entry for the Longchamp showpiece on October 6th.
O'Brien said: "At the moment we have in the mix Ruler Of The World, Leading Light, Camelot and Kingsbarns. Camelot will only run if the ground is good or better.
"Leading Light will have to be supplemented and he will work next week before any decision is made. He's lazy but is not short of class."
One-time Derby favourite Kingsbarns has had just one run since winning last year's Racing Post Trophy, that when a heavily-eased last of six in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
O'Brien said: "It would be a big call after Leopardstown and he's also in the Champion Stakes at Ascot.
"We have always thought the world of him, he seemed to bang his knees together crossing the road down the back straight at Leopardstown. Joseph (O'Brien) waited about a furlong to see if his action would come back but the race was over then and he looked after him."
O'Brien added that he was likely to be represented by Wonderfully in the Shadwell Fillies' Mile at Newmarket on Friday but that Darwin and Cristoforo Colombo were set to bypass the Joel Stakes on the same card.
Angel Chorus, middle, comes through to take the spoils in Listowel (Healy Racing Photos)
Angel Chorus swept through under Sara O’Brien to run out the ready victor of the mares bumper in Listowel.
There was two and a half lengths in it at the end of two miles, but when she found the gap just over a furlong out, after suffering some buffeting, the four-year-old filly by Dylan Thomas quickened away nicely.
Champion flat trainer Aidan O’Brien commented: “That was great. It got a little bit tight out there, but she travelled well and got through the gap. It’s a lovely place to get a winner.
“She had a good run the last day and she’ll probably go for a winners’ bumper next and has the option of running on the flat. She could go jumping for someone at some stage.”
Angel Chorus gave her supporters a 4/1 return. Rock High Lady at 12s came in second with 5/2 favourite Loch Ard Lady third, beaten three lengths by the winner.
Egyptian Warrior slammed the opposition at Listowel (Healy Racing Photos)
His siblings vary from Rock Of Gibraltar staying hurdler Gimli's Rock to his own-brother, Racing Post Trophy scorer, Kingbarns, and on outing number sevenEgyptian Warrior got off the mark in the Listowel Printing Works Maiden underJoseph O'Brien.
Now wearing blinkers having sported cheek-pieces in the past, Egyptian Warriorstayed on much too powerfully in the closing stages of this mile and a half contest to slam Hareth by seven lengths with the well-gambled favourite Park Place having to settle for third.
Joseph acknowledged of his mother and father's charge: "It was probably a fairly ordinary race but he picked up well. The blinkers probably helped.
"He was disappointing in a couple of bumpers but the ground was bottomless and today's ground was soft but it wasn't winter soft." (TW & EM)
Eye Of The Storm scores in style (Healy Racing Photos)
It proved straight forward for Eye Of The Storm as he justified his short price in the Edmund & Josie Whelan Memorial Stakes at Listowel this afternoon.
Joseph O'Brien, completing a double on the card, tracked leader Inis Meainthroughout in the mile-and-a-half listed contest before letting his mount hit the front with just under half a mile to run.
The champion jockey asked his mount for an effort in the straight and he galloped on strongly in the closing stages to post a cosy two-and-a-half length success over the early leader.
The well-backed 10/11 favourite (from 5/4) was confirming Galway placings withInis Meain as the pair had been second and third behind Missunited nine days ago.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained winner had been making his return from a break then having last run in April when just denied by Sugar Boy in the Sandown Classic Trial.
“He didn't do the right thing at Galway. It was his first run for a long time and he ran off the first bend. That cost me the race as he lost six lengths,” said O'Brien junior.
“The plan today was to get him relaxed and lets things happen after that. It was his first time left handed and we were worried about that but he quickened up well. He wants nicer ground.”
Craftsman was backed like defeat was out of the question in the opener at Listowel and got the job done under Joseph O'Brien.
The son of MasterCraftsman opened 8/13 on course but was punted into 2/5 for the seven-furlong Listowel Arms Median Auction Maiden.
The Ballydoyle colt tracked the leaders before taking closer order entering the straight as Upper Silesian tackled front-runner Screenshot.
The hotpot was ridden to lead just inside the final furlong and kept on well in the closing stages for a two-length success.
The Panhandler, who had attracted support at fancy prices this morning (40/1 into 16/1), got up close home to nab Upper Silesian for the runner-up spot.
Craftsman had just lost out by half a length on his debut at Gowran Park earlier in the month.
“He's a grand horse and he had a nice run first time out. He shows plenty of pace so the trip was no problem. He handles an ease but that was very testing,” said the winning rider afterwards.
Leading Light has 8st 4lbs for the Melbourne Cup (Healy Racing Photos)
Dunaden and Green Moon, winners of the last two Emirates Melbourne Cups, head the weights for this year's renewal at Flemington Park on November 5.
The Mikel Delzangles-trained Dunaden has been alloted 58.5kg (9st 3lb) by the handicapper following his 2011 success while Robert Hickmott's Green Moon, who struck gold 12 months ago, has been given 57.5kg (9st 1lb) as he tries for back-to-back wins.
Ed Dunlop's Red Cadeaux lost out to Dunaden in a tight finish and has 56.5kg (8st 13lb) this time around, 3lb more than last year while Delzangles' runner has been eased 1lb.
"Dunaden has been allotted the top weight for the second year running, however I have reduced his weight by 0.5kg to 58.5kg in recognition of the fact he was beaten almost 10 lengths by Green Moon in last year's race when favourite," said Greg Carpenter, general manager of Racing Victoria.
"Whilst Dunaden enjoys a weight reduction, history still presents a significant challenge as no original top weight has won the Cup since Comic Court in 1950. In fact 20 of them have tried and not one of them has placed so he will rightly claim a place in history if triumphant," he said.
Tom Dascombe's Brown Panther had to miss an intended prep run in the Irish St Leger last weekend as he was not 100% but he remains in the mix and has been given 55kg (8st 9lb).
Irish Leger winner Voleuse De Coeurs has 54kg (8st 7lb) but connections have indicated she is likely to head to France in the autumn rather than Australia.
Her trainer Dermot Weld still has Pale Mimosa in the mix on 50kg (7st 12lb), a weight also allotted to John Hammond's Hammerfest, the Aidan O'Brien-trained Foundry, Andre Fabre's Only A Pleasure, Opinion from Sir Michael Stoute's yard, the Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained Caravan Rolls On and Ed Walker's Ruscello.
O'Brien has more prominent candidates in St Leger hero Leading Light on 52.5kg (8st 4lb) and Ernest Hemingway 53.5kg (8st 6lb) while the Willie Mullins-trained Simenon is also on 53.5kg.
Johnny Murtagh's Royal Diamond has 54.5kg (8st 8lb), the same mark as Marco Botti's Dandino and the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Ahzeemah, who finished second in the Irish Leger.
Godolphin also have Royal Empire on 54kg , Colour Vision on 52.5kg and Songcraft on 52kg (8st 3lb).
Mount Athos finished fifth last year for Luca Cumani and has 54kg again this time while Dunlop's Joshua Tree is on 55kg (8st 9lb).
David Lanigan has two contenders in Main Sequence on 53kg (8st 5lb) and Biographer on 50.5kg (7st 13lb).
Nicky Henderson's Forgotten Voice has 52.5kg with William Haggas' Sun Central on 51.5kg rounding out the European interest.
Gai Waterhouse has plenty of contenders headed by last year's second Fiorente (55kg), winner of the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes, while the Darren Weir-trained Puissance De Lune (54.5kg) is also prominent in the betting.
Hickmott's Sea Moon (56.5kg) is a familiar name having been formerly trained by Stoute while ex-John Gosden pair of Masked Marvel (54kg) and Thought Worthy (52.5kg) also feature.
Mekong River (navy) comes through to head Hidden Oasis in the closing stages (Healy Racing Photos)
Mekong River came from last to first to win the feature race at Listowel this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Premier Nursery.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien, and ridden by Joseph, the son of Galileo was maintaining his unbeaten record today, after winning his maiden (in the Stewards Room) at Gowran last month before following up at Killarney.
Having opened at 3/1 overnight with Paddy Power, he was available at just 7/4 with the same firm this morning, however he drifted to an opening show of 5/2 on-course before going off at 9/4 chance.
Fitted with a visor for the first time, he was settled towards the rear and he was being driven along in last as they entering the straight.
However he responded well for pressure, getting a lovely run through on the rail over a furlong from home, keeping on strongly in the closing stages to score by a length.
Hidden Oasis (7/2 overnight, and 2/1 to 15/8 favourite on-course) hit the front a furlong out and he looked the most likely winner under Fran Berry for David Wachman, however he had no answer to the winners challenge, and he had to settle for second, with Colour Blue just a neck back in third.
Joseph O’Brien said afterwards: "He is improving away with racing and he is a grand horse. I was happy to get the gap on the rail and he quickened up well when he got it.
"He seems to be coming along and it is hard to know how good he is."
Kizuna just edged out Ruler Of The World in a tremendous finale involving two Derby winners in the Qatar Prix Niel, the first of the three Arc trials, at Longchamp.
It was Japanese Derby hero Kizuna who got the verdict on the nod over Epsom victor Ruler Of The World in a tight finish.
Despite having endured a troubled passage to the line, Ryan Moore brought the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt with a late run and there was just a whisker in it.
A photo-finish was called, with the Shozo Sasaki-trained Kizuna, ridden by Yutaka Take, getting the verdict by a short head.
The Andre Fabre-trained Ocovango was third, with his stablemate Flintshire, who had gone into the race as ante-post favourite for the Arc, only fourth.
Guerre, right, beats Atlantic Sea, left, and Diamond Stilettos at the Curragh (Healy Racing Photos)
Favourite Guerre kicked off the Leger meeting at the Curragh with a snug victory in the two-year-old maiden.
The American-bred son of War Front, trained by Aidan O’Brien, was popular in the betting ring before this first racecourse appearance as his price contracted to 11/10 on the off from an opening show of 6/4.
Diamond Stilettos bounced out smartly and took the field along in this contest over the straight six furlongs. Guerre though came through under Joseph O’Brien with a furlong and a half to run and quickened up nicely to beat the staying on Atlantic Sea (7/1) by three parts of a length.
Daimond Stilettos ran a very creditable race in third after showing up prominently throughout. She was just pipped for second by a head, but rewarded her each way punters at 66/1 and looked to be one for the horse tracker here as this could prove to be a hot maiden.
There was a two and a half length gap back to Zaindera in fourth of the 19 runners.
“He quickened up well, but he then got a bit tired and he was green too. He could turn into a Middle Park horse and could improve quite a bit,” Aidan O’Brien said.
Guerre holds an entry in next year’s Irish 2,000 Guineas.
Aidan O'Brien's Camelot will not run in the Group 2 Prix Foy at Longchamp today as the ground has gone too soft for him. The plan is to work him after racing this afternoon at the Curragh.
Last year's dual Derby winner won the Group 3 Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh in May, but was beaten by Al Kazeem in his subsequent two Group 1 outings in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and Prince Of Wales's Stakes.
Leading Light wins the St Leger Aidan's 4th and the 3rd for super Sire Montjeu YES Get in there
(APOB English Classics 20) 2000 Guineas 6 1000 Guineas 2 Derby 4 Oaks 4 St leger 4
Ballydoyle home of classic winners they just keep coming and coming well done lads and lasses@coolmorestud @aobballydoyle @JosephOBrien2
Leading Light (right) holds off Talent (red cap) to score
Leading Light produced a display of power to take the Ladbrokes St Leger for the most famous father-and-so
Light leads them home in the St Leger
Sat 14th Sep 2013, 16:19
Leading Light pictured on his way to victory at Royal Ascot (Healy Racing Photos)
Leading Light produced a display of power to take the Ladbrokes St Leger for the most famous father-and-son team in racing.
Jockey Joseph O'Brien, supplying his father Aidan with his fourth winner of Britain's oldest Classic, settled his mount in second place in the early stages as pacesetter Cap O'Rushes cut out a fairly sedate early tempo.
And although the leader tried to kick on from the front early in the home straight, the winner was always ideally positioned and he struck for home well over two furlongs out.
Galileo Rock, on his outside, tried to go with the winner and may have momentarily headed him briefly, but the successful 7/2 favourite simply had too many guns for his rivals and put clear air between himself and his rivals on the run to the furlong-pole that could not be overhauled.
Talent (8/1), who would not have been suited by the slow early gallop, cruised through the field to try and throw down her challenge to the winner but ultimately couldn't quite find as much as it looked she might.
She stayed on determinedly for second though, a length and a quarter adrift of the winner, and three-quarters of a length ahead of Galileo Rock. Godolphin's Libertarian hit top gear too late and finished fourth.
Leading Light produced a display of power to take the Ladbrokes St Leger for the most famous father-and-son team in racing.
Ascot Gold Cup Antepost: Leading Light 5/1
Leading Light: Leger winner
Jockey Joseph O'Brien, supplying his father Aidan with his fourth winner of Britain's oldest Classic, settled his mount in second place in the early stages as pacesetter Cap O'Rushes cut out a fairly sedate early tempo.
And although the leader tried to kick on from the front early in the home straight, the winner was always ideally positioned and he struck for home well over two furlongs out.Jockey Joseph O'Brien, supplying his father Aidan with his fourth winner of Britain's oldest Classic, settled his mount in second place in the early stages as pacesetter Cap O'Rushes cut out a fairly sedate early tempo.
Galileo Rock, on his outside, tried to go with the winner and may have momentarily headed him briefly, but the successful 7/2 favourite simply had too many guns for his rivals and put clear air between himself and his rivals on the run to the furlong-pole that could not be overhauled.
Talent (8/1), who would not have been suited by the slow early gallop, cruised through the field to try and throw down her challenge to the winner but ultimately couldn't quite find as much as it looked she might.
She stayed on determinedly for second though, a length and a quarter adrift of the winner, and three-quarters of a length ahead of Galileo Rock. Godolphin's Libertarian hit top gear too late and finished fourth.
And although the leader tried to kick on from the front early in the home straight, the winner was always ideally positioned and he struck for home well over two furlongs out.
Galileo Rock, on his outside, tried to go with the winner and may have momentarily headed him briefly, but the successful 7/2 favourite simply had too many guns for his rivals and put clear air between himself and his rivals on the run to the furlong-pole that could not be overhauled.
Talent (8/1), who would not have been suited by the slow early gallop, cruised through the field to try and throw down her challenge to the winner but ultimately couldn't quite find as much as it looked she might.
She stayed on determinedly for second though, a length and a quarter adrift of the winner, and three-quarters of a length ahead of Galileo Rock. Godolphin's Libertarian hit top gear too late and finished fourth.
Aidan O'Brien has supplemented Darwin for the Manguard Plus Solonaway Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
Darwin beats Gordon Lord Byron
Darwin will now step back up to a mile after connections paid €6,000 to get him into the race.The former American-based colt has made a fine start in Ireland, with victories at Naas and in a Group Three Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh.
O'Brien's three-year-old, who also holds an entry in the OLBG Park Stakes at Doncaster on Saturday, could be joined in the line-up by stablemates Most Improved, Afonso De Sousa and Indian Chief.
Twenty horses, including the likes of Fort Knox, Elleval and Leitir Mor, have been confirmed for the Group Three.
A three-pronged British contingent consists of Belgian Bill, Red Jazz and Cape Peron.
Aidan O'Brien has hailed juvenile star Australia as a dream horse following his dazzling Leopardstown victory over the weekend.
A son of Galileo out of the great racemare Ouija Board, Australia cost 525,000 guineas at Tattersalls last October and after suffering defeat on his racecourse bow in June, when he was very slowly away, he has won twice since.
Australia's six-length demolition job of the highly-regarded Free Eagle in last Saturday's ICON Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Trial Stakes saw him promoted to the head of the betting for next year's Investec Derby at Epsom, with most firms offering 6-1 about his Classic chance though Sky Bet offer 8-1 about the colt.
"Everyone probably knows we always thought he was the best horse we've ever had," O'Brien said.
"He lost three or four lengths in the stalls the first day and the next day he was very green.
"I don't want to be blowing up the horse but he was always doing things no two-year-old has ever done before."
Australia holds a clutch of entries in the big autumn juvenile events, including the Dewhurst Stakes and the Racing Post Trophy, but O'Brien will defer to the owning Coolmore syndicate as to future plans.
He said: "The lads will decide that, but he's something you dream of."
A stronger Aidan O'Brien- trained candidate could be the Great Voltigeur runner-up,Foundry. An impressive winner on his sole start as a juvenile, Foundry shaped extremely well on his return from a 290-day absence at York, showing much improved form as he stuck to his task well in the closing stages, indicating that he is likely to stay the St Leger trip. He makes more appeal than his stablemate, Leading Light, at a similar price,
A look ahead to Saturday's English Leger
Mon 9th Sep 2013, 18:01
Leading Light (Healy Racing Photos)
Godolphin's racing manager Simon Crisford offered Cap O'Rushes as the best-value option of the trio bidding to land his team a sixth Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster on Saturday.
The Gordon Stakes winner is more than twice the odds of Godolphin's shortest-priced challenger, Libertarian, and also bigger than Secret Number.
Sheikh Mohammed, who has had no shortage of success in the season's final Classic in his own maroon and white silks, saw Rule Of Law and Mastery enter the roll of honour this century before Encke caused an upset against Camelot 12 months ago.
Crisford poured some cold water on both Libertarian and Secret Number, who finished fifth in the Gordon before running a respectable third behind Telescope in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York.
Libertarian, who won the Dante Stakes and was second in the Investec Derby, now races for Charlie Appleby having left Karl Burke, but has not been sighted since trailing home second-last in the Irish Derby.
"Secret Number is a nearly horse, he doesn't quite manage to win on the big occasion. I'd be surprised if he was good enough," said Crisford.
"We bought Libertarian with this very much in mind and it has taken him a long time to get over that run.
"Karl said he never shows anything in his work and we're sort of guessing. If you said is he going to be the sixth St Leger winner for Godolphin, I'd say the jury's out. He's got a lot to prove."
Secret Number finished some way in front of Cap O'Rushes in the Voltigeur and only held on by a head from the fast-finishing Excess Knowledge at Goodwood.
Crisford said: "The ground was quick on the Knavesmire.
"Excess Knowledge is a short price and Cap O'Rushes is an unconsidered outsider. We beat him at Goodwood, although people will say Excess Knowledge was an unlucky loser.
"I'd say of our three, he's the most interesting contender by some way - at the prices."
Aidan O'Brien and Coolmore have three of the 14 confirmations themselves as they look for revenge after Camelot, although the trainer warned Eye Of The Storm had only been left in the line-up "in case he bolted in" at Galway on Monday night.
Leading Light, who missed the Voltigeur due to not being completely right, has been absent since landing the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot, while Foundry made a highly encouraging seasonal reappearance when second in the York trial.
Ryan Moore is likely to earn himself a ride for the team, having claimed the Derby on Ruler Of The World.
O'Brien said of jockey bookings: "I don't think it will be a problem. Obviously we have Joseph (O'Brien), Seamus (Heffernan) and if we run a couple, then Ryan would be there."
John Gosden, seeking a fifth St Leger victory, confirmed via a telephone interview at a media event in London that James Doyle will have his first Classic ride as Khalid Abdullah's retained jockey aboard Excess Knowledge.
William Buick will partner stablemate Feel Like Dancing, the Bahrain Trophy winner, while David Wachman will use Wayne Lordan once again for his leading contender and twice Classic-placed Galileo Rock.
Kieren Fallon maintains his association with Great Hall, having steered him to a Haydock handicap success.
"Richard Hughes was very complimentary when he won on him at Newmarket, but Kieren knows the horse well," said Brian Meehan.
Ralph Beckett said Epsom Oaks winner Talent "just needs a bit of juice" but should take her place in the line-up, while Havana Beat and Ralston Road were also confirmed runners by their trainers.
Five horses - Dashing Star, Dabadiyan, Plinth, Renew and Willie The Whipper - were removed at the latest stage while the ground on Town Moor is currently good, good to firm in places with a few showers around.
Darwin could be natural selection in Park Stakes at Doncaster
Updated: Monday, 09 Sep 2013 15:07 | 0 Comments
US import Darwin is unbeaten in two starts for Aidan O'Brien
Darwin highlights a strong Aidan O'Brien entry among 21 horses confirmed for Saturday's OLBG Park Stakes at Doncaster.
The three-year-old has won both his starts for the Ballydoyle handler since moving from America, most recently beating subsequent Sprint Cup winner Gordon Lord Byron at the Curragh in July.
O'Brien also has Jersey Stakes hero Gale Force Ten, Cristoforo Colombo and Afonso De Sousa in the seven-furlong Group Two event.
Queen Anne Stakes second Aljamaaheer could bid to atone for his recent French defeat dropping back in distance from a mile while Gregorian is in line to build on his Hungerford Stakes win for John Gosden.
Hungerford third Tawhid and fourth Caspar Netscher could try their luck again with Glory Awaits and Edward Lynam's lightly-raced filly Viztoria other interesting candidates from the Classic generation.
Last year's second Pastoral Player, Arnold Lane, Burwaaz, Dandy Boy, Lockwood, Pintura, Red Jazz, Sirius Prospect, Sovereign Debt, Professor and The Gold Cheongsam also stand their ground.
Excess Knowledge, Galileo Rock and Leading Light are among 14 confirmations for the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster on Saturday.
A year ago the Triple Crown-seeking Camelot was all the rage for the world's oldest Classic, but he suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Godolphin's Encke.
This season's renewal has a far more open look to it, with Excess Knowledge and Galileo Rock disputing favouritism with most bookmakers.
Excess Knowledge earned his place in the field when narrowly denied in a thrilling Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood and aims to give trainer John Gosden a fifth St Leger victory.
The Clarehaven maestro also has Bahrain Trophy winner Feel Like Dancing still in the reckoning.
Galileo Rock would not be winning out of turn, having been placed in both the English and Irish Derby for trainer David Wachman.
Leading Light, who completed a four-timer in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot, is one of three possible runners for trainer Aidan O'Brien.
The Ballydoyle handler, who has previously won the Leger with Milan (2001), Brian Boru (2003) and Scorpion (2005) also has Eye Of The Storm and Foundry engaged.
Godolphin are also strong-armed with Gordon Stakes winner Cap O'Rushes, Libertarian and Secret Number all in the mix.
Epsom Oaks winner Talent is another contender for trainer Ralph Beckett.
Great Hall, Havana Beat, London Bridge and Ralston Road complete the list of possible runners.
Five horses - Dashing Star, Dabadiyan, Plinth, Renew and Willie The Whipper - were removed at the latest entry stage.
Carlo Bugatti (nearside) beat Whitey O' Gwaun in the 1st at Galway
Carlo Bugatti (5/2 second favourite) displayed a willing attitude and plenty of ability to score on his debut in the opening Donnelly's Of Barna European Breeders Fund Maiden at Galway.
Coming down the hill in the final half mile Joseph O'Brien had to get after the son of Montjeu.
However it's more about what they do when they hit the rising ground at Ballybrit and the juvenile went into overdrive approaching the straight.
Favourite, Whitey O' Gwaun (a bit keen early on) for the Weld team, wasn't going to go down without a fight though and it was only in the closing stages that the Ballydoyle victor got on top, crossing the line three parts of a length to the good.
In a good sign of any maiden the rest were well stretched out behind with a six and a half length gap back to the third placed Bogardus (a 5/1 shot with the benefit of two previous runs).
Joseph, on his 103rd winner of the campaign, said: "He jumped well and he's a nice horse. He was caught wide which wasn't ideal and he was a bit green throughout the race."
The other Aidan O'Brien runner, Buonarroti (Seamie Heffernan up, a 7/1 chance) finished in fourth, beaten a total of nine lengths. (DM & EM)
Giovanni Boldini added his name to the powerful squad of two-year-olds to look out for at Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle base with a smooth racecourse introduction at Dundalk.
O'Brien: Unveiled another exciting juvenile runner
Sent off at 1-3 in a three-runner affair for the www.dundalkstadium.com Race over seven furlongs, the War Front colt, who cost 675,000 guineas as a yearling and holds a plethora of big-race engagements, was dropped in last by Joseph O'Brien and moved sweetly through the early stages.
Still with plenty of horse underneath him, O'Brien jnr let out an inch of rein a furlong and a half out and while he momentarily took his time to gather in leader Atlantic Sea he was always going to do so.
The winning rider said: "He was a little slowly away but relaxed well and they didn't go mad. He got a nice easy lead and my lad quickened but was quite idle when he got there, he had a good look at the line coming to it.
"He's a lovely horse on that fast ground and we have a couple of nice War Fronts now and he looks a stallion going places."
Giovanni Boldini (right) and Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Ballydoyle introduced another exciting two year old winner at Dundalk today whenGiovanni Boldini readily defeated his two rivals in the www.dundalkstadium.com Race.
The race attracted just four declarations but was reduced to three runners when Rodayna was taken out (stiff and sore).Giovanni Boldini, under Joseph O'Brien, was held up last of the three runners but quickened up well to move past Atlantic Seainside the final furlong for a length and a half success. Ninety one raced GlassaturaThere was the only previous winner in the race but finished three and a quarter lengths further back last.
Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien wasn't present the winning jockey and his son later reported “he was a little slowly away but relaxed well and they didn't go mad. He got a nice easy lead and my lad quickened but was quite idle when he got there; he had a good gawk at the line coming to it.
“He's a lovely horse on that fast ground and we have a couple of nice War Fronts now and he looks a stallion going places.”
Stan James Bookmakers later cut Giovanni Boldini to 25/1 (from 33s) for the 2014 2,000 Guineas.
Australia new Derby favourite after slamming Free Eagle
Last Updated: September 7, 2013 5:49pm
Australia goes clear to score from Free Eagle
Australia (5/2) ran out a clear winner of the ICON Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Trial Stakes as Free Eagle met with a shock defeat.
Kingfisher, a stablemate of the winner, cut out the early running with Free Eagle - the 2/5 favourite - in his slipstream, but in behind Joseph O'Brien had all moves covered.
He made his run approaching the furlong marker and the beautifully-bred winner, a son of Galileo and Ouija Board, swept past Free Eagle in a matter of strides.
The winning rider was all smiles as he passed the line well clear of the runner-up who had been favourite for next year's Investec Derby going into the race.
Australia is now the market leader for the Epsom Classic with both Sky Bet and Betfred going 6/1. Spokesman for the former firm, Michael Shinners, said: "As well as being bred like a champion, it looks as if Australia has the talent to live up to his pedigree. We were impressed."
O'Brien commented: "You have to be delighted with that. We always thought the world of him, even the lads thought the world of him when they bought him at the sales.
"He could run again, he doesn't have to as he's had three runs and learnt plenty. It was lovely to drop him in today in a nice race and he had to come around them and quicken up.
"He could go any way as he has plenty of speed as well. He could be a Dewhurst type or anything. He has some pace and he really turned it on.
"If he doesn't run again, we will train him for the Classics next year."
The United States is hard at work in front (Healy Racing Photos)
The United States looked like he would be swallowed up in the last two furlongs of the mile and a quarter Group 3 KPMG Enterprise Stakes, but he kept finding more to give trainer Aidan O’Brien a treble at Leopardstown.
Elleval looked to be the main dangerous as he cut a swathe through the field assisted by Fergal Lynch. He came through to dispute the lead a furlong out, but couldn’t conquer his rival who prevailed by half a length to justify 2/1 favouritism.
Aidan O’Brien said of the three-year-old son of Galileo: “He toughed it out. I was very worried about the ground as he had a bad run earlier on it.
“That’s as soft as he wants it. He’ll probably get a bit further, but I think he’s better on faster ground.”
David Marnane’s Elleval was incredibly weak in the betting market, drifting from 5/1 in early trading today out to an SP of 14/1.
This was The United States’s third win from four races in a contest that Aidan O’Brien has won four of the last six renewals of.
Zand attracted plenty of euro at the track as his price contracted to 5/2 from an opening show of 4/1. However, John Oxx’s three-year-old weakened in the home straight to finish sixth of the seven runners.
Jockey Joseph O'Brien was partnering his second winner of the day.
Australia, left, impresses at Leopardstown (Healy Racing Photos)
Impeccably-bred Australia routed his three rivals in the Group 3 ICON Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Trial Stakes when scorching home by six lengths for Aidan and Joseph O’Brien.
Dermot Weld’s Free Eagle was sent off the very warm 2/5 favourite on the back of his scintillating winning performance over course and distance just over three weeks ago.
Once Australia drew alongside Free Eagle a furlong and a half out the result was quickly confirmed as he strode away from his rival who couldn’t show the burst of pace that Foxrock patrons witnessed last month.
Joseph O’Brien said of the 5/2 shot: “He has a great attitude and all his homework has been very good. He changed his legs and when I brought him out he quickened up very well and won eased down by six lengths. He’s an exciting horse.
“You’d imagine the Dewhurst and Racing Post Trophy would be on his agenda. It’s slow ground out there. Unfortunately we got the rain the last day or so.”
Free Eagle, who prior to this race was favourite for the Epsom Derby, was the subject of a 20,000 euro bet in the ring to win 10,000. He wasn’t given a hard time by Pat Smullen when the winner streaked away. He took second, three and a half lengths ahead of Kingfisher. Dermot Weld said of Free Eagle: “He’s a big baby and we’ll put him away for next year.”
A delighted Aidan O’Brien said of the winner: “We always thought the world of him. He doesn’t know he’s a racehorse yet. He’s very special.
“It was good experience for him today, he had to come round and pass horses. He doesn’t have to run again this year. If he doesn’t I think he’ll know enough and we’ll train him for the Classics next year.”
Australia is by Irish Derby winner Galileo and out of Epsom and Irish Oaks winner Ouija Board.
This win brought up a Leopardstown double for Aidan O'Brien.
Agena, number 2, arrives at the winning post (Healy Racing Photos)
Agena, the O’Brien second-string, put his head on the line to deprive He’s No Saint in the seven furlong colts and geldings juvenile maiden in Leopardstown.
The son of Galileo was held up in second-last by Seamie Heffernan as the nine runners hit the home straight. From there he picked his way through and thundered home down the outside in the last 100 yards to win by a head at 10/1.
He’s No Saint (4/1) looked to have put away Masai with 200 yards to race, however, he was undone by the powerful finish displayed by Agena.
The O’Brien first-string, Masai, was heavily punted from 13/8 this morning down to 8/11 on the off. He made all but after a prolonged battle gave best to He’s No Saint and had to settle for third.
Winning handler Aidan O’Brien said: “He’s a nice horse. The two of them were raw horses just ready to start. Joseph’s horse (Masai) being in front wasn’t ideal and he was very green. We’ll look for a stakes race for the winner.”
Agena holds entries in the Group 2 Beresford Stakes at the end of this month and in next year’s Group 1 Irish 2,000 Guineas.
Regarding Declaration Of War who was taken out of the Irish Champion Stakes later on the card, due to the change in going, Aidan O’Brien explained: “He’s a fast-ground horse even though he has some form on softer. The plans [with him] are ground dependant.”
Joseph O’Brien, who was due to ride Declaration Of War, now rides Kingsbarns in the big race at 6.50pm.
Ballydoyle Group runners at Leopardstown – Aidan O’Brien’s comments
(6th September 2013)
ICON Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf Trial Stakes (Group 3)
“Australia showed his inexperience on his debut but he came on well to win nicely on his second start. He’s in good form and so is Kingfisher who improved well from his first run to win easily at Killarney. The better the ground, the more it will suit both of them.”
KPMG Enterprise Stakes (Group 3)
“The United States had to have a long break after his first run of the season in April, but he came back and won nicely at Tipperary last time. We’ve been happy with him since and, hopefully, the ground will be good or better as he appreciates those conditions.”
Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes (Group 1)
“Just Pretending last ran over one mile when third in the Irish 1,000 Guineas. She’s in good form and, hopefully, the ground will stay good or better as that suits her best. Say has been running consistently well recently. She won over nine furlongs at the Curragh last time and while she is dropping down another furlong in trip, she is in good form. Magical Dream ran well in the Nassau Stakes last time when she didn’t have much luck in running. She’s well and if there is ease in the ground that won’t be a problem for her.”
Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1)
“Declaration Of War hasn’t done a lot since York but he’s in good form and we’re happy with him. He is a horse with an incredible constitution as he showed at York when winning the Juddmonte International. He has won on soft but he loves fast ground so, hopefully, they won’t get much rain.
“We’ve been happy with the way Kingsbarns has been progressing since he went back into work. He’s been a long time off and is just ready to start back. We’re hoping he runs a good race.”
Matron Stakes contender Scintillula (Healy Racing Photos)
Elusive Kate has not been declared for the Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday.
John Gosden's four-times Group One scorer had been in the frame to travel to Ireland, but connections have instead chosen to abort the mission.
A strong 12-runner field has still been declared for the Group One over a mile.
French raider Kenhope is arguably the most interesting horse in the line-up. The three-year-old filly finished second to Sky Lantern in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, after which she claimed third spot behind Elusive Kate in the Prix Rothschild in July.
Aidan O'Brien saddles three runners in recent Curragh scorer Say, Just Pretending and Magical Dream, while Jim Bolger will be represented by Scintillula.
Fiesolana, trained by Willie McCreery, was supplemented for the Matron on Monday after she won the Fairy Bridge Stakes at Tipperary.
Lady Cecil sends Chigun to Ireland from her stables in Newmarket. The four-year-old filly was successful in a Group Three at the Curragh in May.
Caponata reverts to a mile after she finished second in the Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh last month, with Wannabe Better set for a brisk return to action after she struck in Listed company at Killarney a week and a half ago.
The popular Lily's Angel has her first start in a Group One since May 2012, with La Collina still in the hat for the Kevin Prendergast team.
One Spirit was fifth behind Say in the Group Three Dance Design Stakes last week and also tries her luck at the top table.
Al Kazeem is among eight declarations for the Irish Champion Stakes, although rain is sure to influence the final line-up.
The five-year-old had been due to bypass the 10-furlong feature in favour of a trip to France on Sunday week but the weather forecast has prompted a potential change in plan by Charlton and owner John Deer.
Al Kazeem suffered his first defeat of this campaign when beaten into third by Declaration Of War in the Juddmonte International at York last month and the pair could clash again.
While officials at Leopardstown would love to host a second encounter between the pair, clerk of the course Lorcan Wyer admits it would appear an unlikely event as each horse requires different conditions.
"We're not sure exactly how much (rain the track will get), but they are talking from Friday midnight through to the early part of Saturday. We are maybe looking at 15 or 20 millimetres of rain," he told At The Races.
"I can't tell you what the going is going to be on Saturday, but we are good to firm at the moment and I think the whole team has produced gorgeous racing ground, it's beautiful.
"We're kind of keeping all the plates spinning in the air at the moment. We stopped watering on Tuesday given the fact of rain coming in.
"I dare say if you came and walked the track on Friday night in advance of the rain, you might find it may be quicker than ideal for some horses, so we are playing poker a little bit at the moment.
"If the rain comes, looking on the positive side, 20mm is not coming in the space of an hour and a half, it's 20mm over a sustained period of time, maybe two or three millimetres per hour. If that's the case, the track is in fabulous condition and is well able to take that volume of rain.
"To give a guide to how it may go, I'd say it may be no worse than yielding or good to soft, but that's an estimated guess.
"Unfortunately, it may be slow enough for Al Kazeem, but if it's slow enough for him, it will be too slow for Declaration Of War.
"We would love to have them all here, but that's unlikely.
"If the forecast changes dramatically, we are well positioned as we put approximately 12mm on the track on Monday and Tuesday. The track will be well receptive to maybe selected light watering, just to ensure there's no jar in the ground."
Declaration Of War has been declared along with stablemate Kingsbarns, while other big names in the line-up include Trading Leather and The Fugue.
Completing the field are Euphrasia, Parish Hall and Princess Highway.
Joseph O'Brien has been booked to ride Declaration Of War with Seamie Heffernan down to ride Kingsbarns.
Plans for Aidan O'Brien's runners in the big races at Leopardstown this weekend are set to be finalised after the trainer has spoken with the Coolmore owners.
With Roger Charlton's Al Kazeem thought likely to be an absentee, Juddmonte International winner Declaration Of War was the horse for money in the Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes on Wednesday, with Paddy Power cutting the four-year-old to 7-4 favourite from 2-1.
O'Brien also had five other possibles at the confirmation stage on Monday, including Kingsbarns, who has not run since last season's Racing Post Trophy.
Declarations for the Irish Champion and the Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes are due to be made on Thursday morning.
Speaking at Gowran, Joseph O'Brien said: "Dad will talk to the owners and finalise plans this evening.
"Declaration Of War is a definite possible as long as the ground stays quick.
"Kingsbarns is another possible. Obviously he has been off for nearly a year and it would be a massive ask.
"There is a chance Ruler Of The World will also run, but he might go to France the following week instead for an Arc trial (Prix Niel)."
He added: "Just Pretending, Magical Dream and Say are our three in the Matron. The three of them might run as long as the ground stays quick.
"I'm not sure who I will be riding in both races."
The Solonoway Stakes at the Curragh is next on the agenda for Darwin (Healy Racing Photos)
Tapestry may have run her last race of the season in the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
Aidan O'Brien's filly was promoted to second after being interfered with by Kiyoshi in the Group One, won by Rizeena.
Tapestry had previously struck in the Debutante Stakes in good style and was supplemented for the Curragh showpiece.
"She ran very well," said O'Brien. "As for the rest of this year, she has the option of going for the Fillies' Mile at Newmarket (September 27) or we might just leave her off for the rest of the season."
Stablemate Darwin is due to have his next race in the Group Three Solonaway Stakes at the Curragh on September 15.
The American recruit has won at Naas and the Curragh so far this season and holds entries in the QEII Stakes and the Champion Stakes at Ascot.
"The plan for Darwin is to run him in the Solonoway Stakes at the Curragh, we'll hope to step him up (in class) after that," said O'Brien.
Victory Song beats from left to right, Tonabrocky, Cape Glory and Deep Speed (Healy Racing Photos)
Much like his dad Aidan, who broke through the 100-winner mark for the campaign today, Joseph O'Brien will soon be achieving that milestone as he moved on to a score of 97 as Ballydoyle completed a four-timer with Victory Song in the concluding Unaccompanied Maiden at the Curragh.
Earlier on the mark on Dazzling, Great White Eagle and Say, Joseph O'Brien got 11/10 chance Victory Song to the front three furlongs out and he stayed on well in the final furlong to account for Deep Speed (came home really well) by a length.
Cape Glory tumbled in the betting from around 7/1 earlier in the day into 5/2. However he was in trouble from over four furlongs out. To his credit he kept going to be three parts of a length off the principals.
"He's a grand big horse. He's back after a break and I was afraid that he might not be ready.
"He's got a great pedigree and he stays well," reported O'Brien senior. (GC & EM)
Irish Champion Stakes decision coming today or tomorrow "Aidan is keeping his cards close to his chest,"Declaration Of War, classy two-year-old Kingsbarns and Derby winner Ruler Of The World, Magician Camelot & Triumphant all remain in contention.
A trip to Paris on Sunday week looks increasingly like the next option for Al Kazeem with fast ground set to prevail at Leopardstown this weekend.
Roger Charlton's five-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic campaign so far, completing a Group One hat-trick in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh, the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.
He suffered his first defeat when third in a fast-ground Juddmonte International at York last month and with similar conditions likely in Ireland on Saturday, the Prix Foy at Longchamp on September 15 will come under consideration.
"If you look at the weather forecast there should be some rain on Wednesday into Thursday, but I don't think a lot," Charlton told At The Races.
"It will take a lot to change the ground there, so I would say he's extremely unlikely (to run) unless suddenly we read there's a thunder storm and it's going to pour with rain.
"We'll have a look at the Prix Foy as an alternative. That is the next thing we'll look at and then we'll decide if he runs and what he does after that. It's still in the air."
Leopardstown's racing and operations manager Nessa Joyce reported a dry and bright afternoon at the Foxrock venue on Tuesday and is not expecting any significant change until Saturday itself.
Joyce said: "It's an amazing day today. It's dry, bright and warm and there are people out and about in shorts.
"Temperatures might be a little cooler on Wednesday and Thursday, but it's due to be dry. I'm told it's very unlikely we'll get any rain over the next few days.
"MET Eireann say there is something from the south east brewing that could arrive on Saturday itself, so there is a chance of some showers then, but we'll have to see.
"We are watering at the moment and we expect to send out a going report of good to firm on Wednesday morning."
Aidan O'Brien's was repsonsible for six of the 13 entries at Monday's confirmation stage.
The sextet includes Juddmonte International winner Declaration Of War, brilliant two-year-old Kingbarns and Derby winner Ruler Of The World, but Joyce is as much in the dark as anyone else about which will line up.
"Aidan is keeping his cards close to his chest," she said.
"They won't be going into any of the races half-hearted and I'm sure they'll be picking carefully which should run in the Irish Champion.
"There is also The Fugue and Trading Leather in the race. I can see those two and one of Aidan's coming up the straight together, that would be great."
Say beats Aloof at the Curragh (Healy Racing Photos)
With odds-on favourite Along Came Casey (4/7) under-performing it was left to Sayto bring up a treble for Ballydoyle (earlier on the mark with Dazzling and Great White Eagle) when she landed the Group 3 Dance Design Stakes at the Curragh.
Also owned by the Coolmore triumvirate, Aloof (David Wachman) made the pace here but she couldn't contain Say's challenge inside the last as the latter got up to score by a length and a quarter.
Pearl Of Africa, a three-year-old, is certainly one for the future as she finished out her race really well to come home just half a length adrift in third.
Along Came Casey came with her bid in the final quarter mile but it was soon apparent that today wasn't going to be her day and she faded to finish last of the seven.
Aidan O'Brien disclosed: "We were struggling with her trip wise but a mile or a mile and one is obviously her trip.
"In all fairness to the poor filly the trainer did everything with her and she's remained consistent.
"She was even in York last week (finished second there behind Obsession in the Listed Galtres Stakes).
"She's in the Matron and if she's not gone home by then she might run there."
P J Smullen, rider of Along Came Casey trained by D K Weld, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran flat.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Along Came Casey, trained by D K Weld, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Great White Eagle gets the job done under Joseph O'Brien at the Curragh (Healy Racing Photos)
He beat Remember You by just over two and three parts of a length at Naas on his debut and Great White Eagle (1/3) defeated the same opponent today, this time by a margin of two lengths in the Group 3 Go And Go Round Tower Stakes at the Curragh. The victory completed an opening race double for Ballydoyle after Dazzlingin the first.
Remember You (David Wachman) is also owned by the Coolmore triumvirate as is third home Expedition and fifth place finisher Bluebell.
Aidan O'Brien's (100th winner of the campaign in Ireland) exciting Great White Eagle was waited with by son Joseph (his 95th winner of the season) before being delivered on the wide outside from a furlong and a half out.
The record-breaking breeze-up purchase soon led and there was only going to be one winner from there home as the son of Elusive Quality went on to confirm himself as one of the best juveniles we've seen in 2013.
Aidan O'Brien commented: "You'd have to be delighted with that. It was a tough race – there was plenty of pace on.
"He was trapped out wide and he had no choice but to come up the middle and it's a hard thing to do here.
"You'd have to be very happy.
"He was drawn out there – there was pace out there and it was tight.
"He followed up them up for as long as he could. He kept it safe by going wide and it's always the right thing to do.
"We'll step him up now with a choice of the National Stakes or the Middle Park and all those types of races.
"We didn't ask him to come forward and we let him coast into this race a bit.
"Next time we'll ask him to come forward a bit.
"What's good about this horse is that he has great pace and travels very strongly.
"You couldn't see him getting any further than a mile the way he travels." (GC & EM)
Dazzling leads them home in the first at the Curragh
Dazzling (Joseph O'Brien up), a newcomer by Galileo, lively in the market this morning before proving easy to back on track, landed the opening Sapphire European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden at the Curragh.
This May-foaled filly is a sister to Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Roderic O'Connor, who also finished second in the Dewhurst Stakes and won the Criterium International at two. On pedigree she (a 925,000 guineas yearling) is the type to progress well as the season unfolds; her dam (Secret Garden) was unraced as a two-year-old but she made up for lost time at three, winning twice including at Listed level.
Anyway, Dazzling made most in this mile contest and despite drifting away from the rail from over a furlong out, she was able to contain her Ballydoyle stable companion, Shell House (a huge eye-catcher under Ryan Moore) by two and three parts of a length.
Strong favourite Sparkle Factor challenged down the centre of the track but she had every chance and ended up three parts of a length adrift in third.
Aidan O'Brien said: "She's still very green but you'd have to be delighted the way she did it.
"We thought she'd be very green and we weren't sure if she'd know enough to win first time but she was well on top at the line.
"We could step up anywhere now with her.
"I knew he (Joseph) wanted to get a lead but he was maybe just left in front.
"She's a big strong powerful filly – a big mile and a half type."
Boylesports go 20/1 Dazzling for the Oaks next year. (GC & EM)
LEFT > Team O'Brien > Declaration of War Magician Giovanni Boldini Wilshire Boulevard & Cristoforo Colombo clear quarantine ready for a workout and last minute preparations
RIGHT > Declaration of War on the Santa Anita track ready for Saturdays Breeders Cup Classic
Aidan O'Brien at Santa Anita (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien is hopeful his two challengers can make an impression in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita on Friday.
O'Brien saddles Giovanni Boldini (Ryan Moore) and Wilshire Boulevard (William Buick), while Richard Hannon and Hughes are represented by Shamshon.
"Both of them like fast ground and we think both of them should get a mile," O'Brien told www.bloodhorse.com.
"They are coming out of solid races and they both haven't had busy campaigns.
"They are both good travellers and are very similar. They are two straightforward horses."
The European team in the Juvenile Turf is completed by Charlie Appleby's Godolphin runner Outstrip, who is partnered by top American jockey Mike Smith.
Appleby feels the fast surface will suit his youngster, who was third in more testing conditions in the Dewhurst Stakes last time.
Appleby said: "In Europe he shows plenty of pace early doors, so I'm hoping he can show that here as well and we can give ourselves a chance of getting into a good position.
"We've got a nice draw in four and Mike Smith knows his way around here, so all those are pluses so far.
"We've just got to hope the horse has got that tactical speed to get himself into a good position and hold that position.
"He's by Exceed And Excel and they generally like a quicker surface.
"We put the Dewhurst down to more testing conditions. He lost his footing a little bit in the dip and he didn't produce that turn of foot.
Tattersalls Horse In Training from Ballydoyle draft:
Special Thanks to Jason Doyle
Day 1
3 year old:
Freewheel (Galileo x La Chunga) Sold to David Nicholls for 37,000gns
Indian Chief (Montjeu x Buck Aspen) Sold to Bobby O'Ryan for 23,000gns
Line Drummer (Galileo x Miss Bio) Sold to ITS Bloodstock for 70,000gns
Twilight Zone (Danehill Dancer x All My Loving)
Sold to Paola Masiemo for 7,500gns
Victory Song (Dansili x All Too Beautiful)
Sold to Panorama Bloodstock Service for 28,000gns
------------------------------------
2 year old:
Five Star General (High Chaparral x Rainbow Queen)
Sold to Jana Duflova for 4,500gns
Folk Hero (Mastercraftsman x Plume Rouge)
Sold to Nicholas Caullery for 1,500gns
The Draughtsman (Danehill Dancer x Queen Cleopatra)
Sold to Ibrahim Hassan Al-Jehani for 5,000gns
Day 2
3 year old:
Forester (Danehill Dancer x Amenixa) Sold to Priscilla Peelman for 10,000gns
League Of Nations (Galileo x Last Love) Sold to Mark Cuschieri for 15,000gns
Piet Mondrian (Danehill Dancer x Last Second)
Sold to Abdulaziz Al Boenain for 55,000gns
Army Ranger (Galileo x D'Articleshore)
Sold to Mark Cuschieri for 9,000gns
Sardina (Galileo x Shouk)
Sold to Paul Nolan for 50,000gns
Lake Nova (Montjeu x Metaphor)
Sold to Fethard Bloodstock for 10,000gns
2 year old:
Fair Wind (High Chaparral x Night Teeny)
Sold to Bobby O'Ryan for 8,000gns
Emperors Song (Holy Roman Emperor x Song Of The Sea)
Sold to Celso Mendez Urena for 6,000gns
Declaration Of War pictured winning at Royal Ascot (Healy Racing Photos)
Declaration of War has been drawn in stall five as he attempts to give Aidan O'Brien a first victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic.
The American-bred colt won the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Juddmonte International at York during the summer and will run on dirt for the first time at the weekend.
He will be jockey Joseph O'Brien's only ride at the meeting.
The other European runner in the Classic is Marco Botti's Planteur who will break from stall three.
Last year's one-two Fort Larned (seven) and Game On Dude (nine) are back again with Mucho Macho Man leaving gate six.
Sky Bet cut Game On Dude to 5/2 favourite from 3/1 and spokesman Michael Shinners said: "Bob Baffert likes his draw in nine because he's outside the pace horses in the race and following positive track reports, too, we went 5/2 from 3s.
"He's been beaten in the Classic the last two years but everything points to a big run this time around and he looks a worthy favourite."
Declaration of War drawn in stall five for Breeders' Cup
Updated: Tuesday, 29 Oct 2013 10:02 |
Declaration of War will run on dirt for the first time at the weekend
Declaration of War has been drawn in stall five as he attempts to give Aidan O'Brien a first victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic.
The American-bred colt won the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Juddmonte International at York during the summer and will run on dirt for the first time at the weekend.
He will be jockey Joseph O'Brien's only ride at the meeting.
The other European runner in the Classic is Marco Botti's Planteur who will break from stall three.
Last year's one-two Fort Larned (seven) and Game On Dude (nine) are back again with Mucho Macho Man leaving gate six.
Noah Webster and Robbie Power in control at Naas (Healy Racing Photos)
Akorakor and The Doorman were the main protagonists in the two mile maiden hurdle at Naas, but it was Aidan O’Brien who unleashed Noah Webster to score convincingly.<Akorakor carried a lofty reputation into today having won his point-to-point easily in Lismore in March before winning the champion point-to-point bumper in Fairyhouse at the start of April. This was his first start for Mouse Morris. He was easy to back from 8/13 to 9/10 and didn’t get going today as he came in sixth of the seven runners.< Noah Webster made it three hurdle winners from three for champion flat trainer Aidan O’Brien since he started having runners in that sphere again. This was the son of Galileo’s first appearance over timber and he went off 14/1.
The win didn’t surprise jockey Robbie Power who said: “He did it very well. He was very impressive in a schooling hurdle in Tipperary the other day. He’s going to be a lot better hurdler than a flat horse. He jumped very well and jumped very quickly.”<Noah Webster raced in third, but delivered his challenge on the inside coming to the last and galloped strongly to the line in winning by four lengths. The Doorman, who was very well backed on course from 3/1 to 15/8, kept on for second. He also represented Mouse Morris.
The highest rating Noah Webster achieved on the flat was a mark of 55. He was a nine-race maiden on the flat.
Carriganog forged on from the second last and came home clear in Wexford’s two mile novice hurdle with Robbie Powerdonning the JP McManus silks.
The 8/11 favourite tracked Theatre Milland assumed the lead upon touching down after the second last. From there the contest was quickly over as he quickened away and flew the last in recording a facile 16-lengths success.
The Cookie Jar got up for second at 7/1, from 16/1 this morning, to the delight of his each way backers. He relegatedTheatre Mill into third by a neck.
JP McManus’s racing manager Frank Berry said: "He did it grand. He handled the ground and you couldn’t ask for any more. He will probably go for another novice in a few weeks time, but we will see what Aidan wants to do. He looks a big chaser in the making. He made those hurdles look small."
Robbie Power reported: "He was better today than he was at Clonmel. He was sharper in his jumping and he is a nice horse."<Carriganog was the horse that gave champion flat trainer Aidan O’Brien his first hurdles victory in 11 years when scoring in Clonmel at the start of October.
Adelaide (right) beat Fiscal Focus at Leopardstown (Healy Racing Photos)
Michael Hussey had a day to remember at Leopardstown today, adding to his feature race success on Craftsman when partnering Adelaide to victory in the mile maiden.
The newcomer by Galileo looked a smart prospect as he quickened up to claimFiscal Focus inside the final furlong and went away in the closing stages for a two-and-a-half length win.
His Ballydoyle stable-mate Gypsy King was sent off the 4/5 favourite but was well held in third.
“He's a nice horse. He switched off well and quickened up well when I asked him,” said Hussey.
“He loved the ground and will be a nice staying horse next year.”
Craftsman has Shining Emerald (mostly hidden) and Michaelmas beaten at Leopardstown (Healy Racing Photos)
Mick Hussey gained a big success when making all on Ballydoyle's supposed second string, Craftsman in the Group 3 JRA Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown.
There didn't appear to be any fluke about it either as the 7/1 chance had his stable companion Michaelmas and odds-on favourite Shining Emerald on the stretch to bridge the gap in the final quarter mile.
That never really looked likely and in the end the Listowel maiden victor and Birdcatcher third crossed the line a length and a short-head to the good.
Hussey explained: "He got his own way. The boss told me to go to the front and make every post a winning one.
"He quickened up well and he kept going.
"I thought he might get tired in the final furlong but he kept at it well. He handled the ground well too.
"That's brilliant – that's my first Group winner. It's my first winner since I joined the yard as well. I've been there since January.
"I rode a winner for them last year (Rain God at Dundalk on Friday October 19th) and I was asked after if I'd like to come down to work there." (GC & EM)
Ryan Moore on Johann Strauss Joseph O'Brien on Century Paul
Hannigan on Buonarroti Racing Post Trophy Jockey Bookings
Century heads O'Brien Post trio
Thu 24th Oct 2013, 12:15
Century winning at Curragh (Healy Racing Photos)
The supplemented Century heads a three prong attack on Saturday's Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster for Aidan O'Brien.
The son of Montjeu, who won his only start at the Curragh earlier in the month, will be joined by impressive Tipperary winner Buonarroti and the maiden Johann Strauss.
Johnny Murtagh's Altruistic and Pat Shanahan's Dolce N Karama add further Irish interest.
Richard Hannon will rely on Chief Barker after deciding to give the race a miss with National Stakes winner Toormore.
The pair, who are both owned by Middleham Park Racing, boast unbeaten records with each juvenile winning three times already this season.
However, it is thought the likely easy ground on Town Moor will suit Chief Barker, who beat subsequent Fillies' Mile winner Chriselliam last time time out, much more than previous Group One winner Toormore.
"Doncaster have had more than 12 millimetres of rain this week, so inevitably the ground will be slow, so we have decided to run Chief Barker and not Toormore, who will now be put away until next year when he will have a Guineas preparation," the trainer told www.richardhannonracing.co.uk.
"Toormore is all class but his speed would be blunted by soft ground, whereas Chief Barker, a good horse in his own right, is more the grinder so arguably better suited to the testing conditions."
Roger Varian supplemented his Autumn Stakes winner Kingston Hill earlier in the week and he takes his chance.
There were two other supplementary entries, the well-fancied Godolphin hope Pinzolo and Sir Michael Stoute's 11-length maiden winner Snow Sky.
Aiming to keep the prize in the north of England are Mark Johnston's Royal Lodge runner-up Somewhat and Kevin Ryan's The Grey Gatsby.
War looms for Joseph O'Brien in Breeders' Cup Classic
Updated: Wednesday, 23 Oct 2013 20:49
Declaration Of War will race on dirt for the first and last time in the Breeders' Cup Classic
Ryan Moore is set to come in for a few Ballydoyle rides at the Breeders' Cup with trainer Aidan O'Brien confirming his son Joseph will only be able to partner the Classic-bound Declaration Of War at Santa Anita next week.
O'Brien has four other entries - Magician, Cristoforo Colombo plus both Wilshire Boulevard and Giovanni Boldini in the Juvenile Turf - but Joseph will not be able to make the weight.
"He'll ride only the one, Declaration Of War," said O' Brien by telephone at a Breeders' Cup press conference.
"I imagine Ryan will ride most of the others."
Declaration Of War is having his final start before he retires to stud and has had a fabulous season, landing the Juddmonte International and Queen Anne as well as producing three other respectable efforts at Group One level.
Trying dirt for the first time, the son of War Front has the right sort of pedigree for the task and missed last weekend's British Champions Day meeting when the ground was too soft for him.
O'Brien said: "He ran in all those races, close enough over different distances, and he has an unbelievable constitution.
"He likes to be covered just off the pace to produce that burst. He has a lot of speed and first time on dirt, it will be interesting to see, but he's in good shape and we're very happy with him.
"There are dirt horses on both the sire and the dam's side, so we're looking forward to seeing him race."
O'Brien has had seven wins at the prestigious American meeting so far but it is 13 years since he went so close in the Classic, when the 'iron horse' Giant's Causeway was beaten a quarter of a length by Tiznow at Churchill Downs.
"I suppose this horse is like Giant's Causeway in many ways, but he must just be the stronger traveller," said the trainer
Breeders Cup Aidan O'Brien's string set to fly out on Tuesday afternoon and will clear quarantine by Thursday for canter at Santa Anita
Magician set for Turf test
Last Updated: October 23 2013, 16:25 BST
Aidan O'Brien has suggested Magician will take in the Breeders' Cup Turf rather than his option of the Mile at Santa Anita on November 2.
Breeders' Cup Filly And Mare Turf. Click here to bet.
Magician: Turf date likely at Santa Anita
Related Content
Live horse racing results
Racecards and form
Latest non-runners
Latest video form
Free £5 bet every week
An impressive winner of both the Dee Stakes at Chester and the Irish 2000 Guineas, the son of Galileo has not been seen since a very disappointing effort in the St James's Palace at Royal Ascot, for which he had suffered an intererrupted preparation.
"We left him in the mile and the mile-and-a-half races, and it's very possible he could go for the mile and a half," said O'Brien.
"He ran a mile and a quarter at Chester, where he travelled well and quickened up well, and he just went wrong before Ascot, and it was all a bit much to overcome.
Profiles
Magician (IRE)
A P O'Brien
"He's had a good break, a few days away, and we're happy with him. The faster ground, the better."
Were Magician to contest the Turf, traditionally one of the European squad's most profitable races, and one O'Brien has claimed with both St Nicholas Abbey and High Chaparral, he could face Irish Champion Stakes star The Fugue as well as Jeremy Noseda's American expert Grandeur.
John Gosden's The Fugue is the ante-post favourite, and is fancied by British Horseracing Authority handicapper Phil Smith.
He said: "She has beaten the boys and gets a fillies' allowance, so she looks to be our best chance."
Another doubly entered from the Ballydoyle team is Cristoforo Colombo, who was fifth in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket but has only won a minor event at Dundalk this season. He was seventh in a six-furlong event at the Curragh 10 days ago.
"He's in the Mile, that's the race we were thinking of running in," said O'Brien, who said the colt would be "a possible for the Turf Sprint" if he did not get into the Mile.
"It just didn't work for him last time, Joseph (O'Brien) said he's better than that. There's no doubt he wants fast ground."
Possible other European runners in the Mile are Flotilla and Mshawish for Mikel Delzangles, while Richard Hannon will take across either Toronado or Olympic Glory, but not both.
St Nicholas Abbey has suffered a setback involving "mild laminitic changes in the left fore" in his fight to recover from a fractured pastern.
Future Flat Races. Click here to bet.
St Nicholas Abbey: Fresh setback
Related Content
Live horse racing results
Racecards and form
Latest non-runners
Latest video form
Free £5 bet every week
Aidan O'Brien's six-times Group One winner had to be retired after suffering the leg injury on the gallops at Ballydoyle when being prepared for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Just two days after he underwent a major leg operation at Fethard Equine Hospital in July, the six-year-old had to have emergency surgery to be treated for colic. He had a further setback in August when it was discovered a steel weight-bearing pin in a cannon bone had broken.
Reports over the last few weeks had been positive, but Coolmore tweeted a statement on Wednesday evening which read: "St Nicholas Abbey has suffered a setback over the last 24 hours having developed mild laminitic changes in the left fore.
"This is disappointing as he is now weight bearing and walking well on the operated (fractured) leg which has healed amazingly well to date.
"Although laminitis could be a life threatening complication we are hoping the condition will stabilise.
"Obviously the next weeks are critical in his recovery but St Nicholas Abbey remains comfortable with a good appetite and incredible attitude."
St Nicholas Abbey has suffered a setback over the last 24 hours having developed mild laminitic changes in the left fore. This is disappointing as he is now weight bearing and walking well on the operated (fractured) leg which has healed amazingly well to date.
Although laminitis could be a life threatening complication we are hoping the condition will stabilise. Consultations are on-going between veterinary surgeons Dr Tom O’Brien and Dr Ger Kelly of Fethard Equine Hospital and the USA based Dr Dean Richardson (Head of Surgery at New Bolton Centre Pennsylvania) and Dr Scott Morrison (Head of podiatry at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Kentucky) regarding the best possible treatment plan for St Nicholas Abbey.
Obviously the next weeks are critical in his recovery but St Nicholas Abbey remains comfortable with a good appetite & incredible attitude.
Beach Of Falesa and Joseph O'Brien return to the winners enclosure (Healy Racing Photos)
Joseph O’Brien moved onto the 125 winner mark in his record-breaking season when producing Beach Of Falesa with a well-timed challenge to take the featured Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap.
The top-weight was certainly the class act here, and the presence of the 93-rated filly meant four of the nine runners had to race from out of the handicap proper.
O’Brien settled the four-year-old, owned by his mother Anne Marie and trained by his father Aidan, in rear and made steady progress between horses in the straight.
The 7/1 chance swept to the front over a furlong out, and kept on really well to beat the well-backed 100/30 favourite Sli Na Fiarana by nearly five lengths.
Sheilas Wish (9/2) was another half a length adrift in third.
Joseph O’Brien said, “She’s a difficult ride as she can be a bit keen. She relaxed really well today, and when things go right for her she’s a good mare on her day. Hopefully we might get her placed in a stakes race.”
Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien are set to team up at Santa Anita (Healy Racing Photos)
Ryan Moore is set to come in for a few Ballydoyle rides at the Breeders' Cup with trainer Aidan O'Brien confirming his son Joseph will only be able to partner the Classic-bound Declaration Of War at Santa Anita next week.
O'Brien has four other entries - Magician, Cristoforo Colombo plus both Wilshire Boulevard and Giovanni Boldini in the Juvenile Turf - but Joseph will not be able to make the weight.
"He'll ride only the one, Declaration Of War," said O' Brien by telephone at a Breeders' Cup press conference. "I imagine Ryan will ride most of the others."
Declaration Of War is having his final start before he retires to stud and has had a fabulous season, landing the Juddmonte International and Queen Anne as well as producing three other respectable efforts at Group One level.
Trying dirt for the first time, the son of War Front has the right sort of pedigree for the task and missed last weekend's British Champions Day meeting when the ground was too soft for him.
O'Brien said: "He ran in all those races, close enough over different distances, and he has an unbelievable constitution.
"He likes to be covered just off the pace to produce that burst. He has a lot of speed and first time on dirt, it will be interesting to see, but he's in good shape and we're very happy with him.
"There are dirt horses on both the sire and the dam's side, so we're looking forward to seeing him race."
O'Brien has had seven wins at the prestigious American meeting so far but it is 13 years since he went so close in the Classic, when the 'iron horse' Giant's Causeway was beaten a quarter of a length by Tiznow at Churchill Downs.
"I suppose this horse is like Giant's Causeway in many ways, but he may just be the stronger traveller," said the trainer.
Ballydoyle Entries Breeders Cup
Comments come from Breeders Cup Website not my personal opinions
CLASSIC
Declaration of War
Won two Group 1 races this year in England for sharp barn; dirt ability is obviously the big question 15-1
TURF
Magician
Did win the Irish 2000 Guineas, but his last start 4 1/2 months ago was poor; never been this distance 12-1
MILE
Magician
The Turf is his first choice even though he won the Irish 2000 Guineas; his last was poor, however 15/1
TURF SPRINT
Cristoforo Colombo
Mile is his first preference; off his form this year, though, he doesn't look like he belongs in either race 30-1
TURF JUVENILE COLTS
Giovanni Boldini
Improving form Ireland includes G1 third/synthetic stakes win, trainer won this race 2011 and 2012 6-1
Wilshire Boulevard
European import G3 winner unproven beyond 6f, unproven around a turn, vulnerable if he ships 8-1
Declaration Of War beating Trading Leather at York (Healy Racing Photos)
Declaration Of War will retire to Coolmore Stud in County Tipperary after he has signed off his racing career in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Saturday week.
The four-year-old, trained by Aidan O'Brien, has proved himself to be a top-notch performer this season with victories in two Group One races, the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Juddmonte International Stakes at York.
"Declaration Of War has danced every dance this season and will have one more run in the Breeders' Cup Classic," O'Brien told www.coolmore.com.
"He has an unbelievable constitution and is a lot like Giant's Causeway, a big, powerful, strong traveller, so we're hopeful he'll run well."
Coolmore manager Christy Grassick is excited to have the son of War Front to add to the stallion ranks next year.
"Unbeaten as a two-year-old in France, Declaration Of War won two of Britain's highest-profile Group Ones this summer and is a very imposing horse to look at," he said.
"His sire War Front is probably the most sought after stallion in America at the moment and his dam is a half-sister to star two-year-old and American classic winner Union Rags. He's a hugely exciting prospect."
Declaration Of War to Coolmore after Classic
(22nd October 2013)
Declaration Of War will retire to Coolmore’s headquarters in Fethard, Co. Tipperary following his final start in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on November 2. The son of War Front won the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes over a mile at Royal Ascot in June and added another Group 1 to his CV when defeating Trading Leather and Al Kazeem to win the Juddmonte International Stakes at York (pictured) in a time bettered only by Sea The Stars.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien said “Declaration Of War has danced every dance this season and will have one more run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. He has an unbelievable constitution and is a lot like Giant’s Causeway, a big, powerful, strong traveller, so we’re hopeful that he’ll run well.
“Unbeaten as a two-year-old in France, Declaration Of War won two of Britain’s highest profile Group 1’s this summer and is a very imposing horse to look at,” said Coolmore manager Christy Grassick. “His sire War Front is probably the most sought after stallion in America at the moment and his dam is a half-sister to star two-year-old and American classic winner Union Rags. He’s a hugely exciting prospect.”
Declaration Of War wins the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in June
PICTURE: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)
BY TONY SMURTHWAITE5:35PM 22 OCT 2013
DECLARATION OF WAR is to contest the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic on November 2 then head into retirement, according to a statement from Coolmore Stud on Tuesday.
The dual Group 1-winning son of War Front is to start stallion duties next year at Coolmore's headquarters in Fethard, County Tipperary, at a fee to be announced.
Before then he will head to Santa Anita for a farewell in a race that has eluded trainer Aidan O'Brien on a number of occasions, not least in dramatic circumstances in 2000 when Giant's Causeway missed out by a neck to Tiznow, and again in 2008 when Henrythenavigator beat all bar Raven's Pass.
O'Brien said: "Declaration Of War has danced every dance this season and will have one more run in the Breeders' Cup Classic. He has an unbelievable constitution and is a lot like Giant's Causeway, a big, powerful, strong traveller, so we're hopeful that he'll run well."
Bookmakers rate Declaration Of War a 10-1 shot for the Classic behind 7-2 favourite Game On Dude, who is unbeaten in six starts since losing out as 5-4 favourite in last season's Classic.
This season Declaraton Of War has won the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes over a mile at Royal Ascot in June and the Juddmonte International over 1m2½f at York in August. He began his career with Jean-Claude Rouget in France, winning both races as a two-year-old.
"Unbeaten as a two-year-old in France, Declaration Of War won two of Britain's highest-profile Group 1 races this summer and is a very imposing horse to look at," said Coolmore manager Christy Grassick.
"His sire War Front is probably the most sought after stallion in America at the moment and his dam is a half-sister to star two-year-old and American Classic winner Union Rags. He's a hugely exciting prospect."
Navan's Bet Online At thetote.com Maiden has been used by Aidan O'Brien as a springboard to stardom and the Ballydoyle trainer is double-handed this year.
The likes of Fame And Glory, Recital and Macarthur are on the roll of honour and aiming to follow in their hoofprints are recent C & D runner-up Belisarius and Montjeu newcomer Adjusted.
Jim Bolger broke O'Brien's stranglehold on the race 12 months ago with subsequent Group One winner Loch Garman and this time relies on Evason, who was just ahead of the reopposing Abushamah when second on his Tipperary debut.
Bolger should have high hopes for Freedom Square in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Nursery Handicap (1.35), which has attracted just the three runners. The top-weight has his sights lowered after contesting Listed races either side of the Futurity.
Bolger pitched Intense Light into the deep end on her racecourse introduction and she didn't let him down by finishing fourth in a Listed heat at the Curragh. She sets the standard in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Fillies Maiden.
O'Brien supplemented Century for the Racing Post Trophy on Monday and the form of his Curragh success goes on trial when Dermot Weld's fourth home Bush Pilot takes in the Tote Pick Six Maiden.
His stable companion Grecian Tiger has a bright jumping future but showed his mettle on the level by beating subsequent winner Egyptian Warrior at Gowran Park last month, and an initial mark of 80 doesn't seem too harsh for what is admittedly a competitive Tote Mobile Betting Handicap.
The richest contest on the card is the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap, which sees Saturday's Cork scorer Susiescot attempting to defy a 5lb penalty. She gets over a stone from O'Brien's top-weight Beach Of Falesa, who has been competing in Listed races.
Century makes a successful debut at the Curragh (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien has added Century to his potential team for Saturday's Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster.
The Ballydoyle handler has decided to supplement his Montjeu colt, who made a successful debut at the Curragh two weeks ago and he is one of four for O'Brien, along with Buonarroti, Johann Strauss and Red Rocks Point.
Kingston Hill has also been supplemented for the Group One over a mile, and trainer Roger Varian told his website: "He is in great form and hasn't put a foot wrong since winning the Autumn Stakes (Group Three at Newmarket earlier this month).
"He has shown on both his starts that he handles cut in the ground and we feel that there is more to come from him. He has the right profile for a race such as the Racing Post Trophy."
There were two other supplementary entries - Pinzolo and Snow Sky - among a list of 13 at the confirmation stage.
The Godolphin-owned Pinzolo, trained by Charlie Appleby, is unbeaten in two starts with wins at Newmarket and Newbury, while Snow Sky, owned by Khalid Abdullah and trained by Sir Michael Stoute, got off the mark at the third attempt when hacking up by 11 lengths in a Salisbury maiden over a mile.
Toormore, who took his 100% record to three with victory in the Group One National Stakes at the Curragh, could step up to a mile.
His trainer Richard Hannon has also left in Chief Barker, who is unbeaten in three races as well and took the scalp of subsequent Shadwell Fillies' Mile winner Chriselliam at Haydock last time.
Both are owned by Middleham Park Racing, and spokesman Tim Palin said: "We'll make a decision a bit later in the week. The rain could change the dynamic.
"We were at the Hannons on Sunday and saw them work. We were all delighted with both horses so it was decided to leave them both in. There are two different syndicates with just a couple of people in both.
"They are mainly mutually exclusive and both sets of owners were keen to leave them in and hopefully take their chance but we need to monitor things during the week, see what the weather does and what the going is and give them both a piece of work and see how that goes as well.
"If the ground was good it would favour Toormore, softer ground would suit Chief Barker. We will just monitor things and make a decision on Thursday. We're in the lap of the gods regarding the weather but other than that, there is no reason why both can't run.
"At this stage of his career Toormore doesn't need a slog in a bog. Those conditions would suit Chief Barker."
Classic Dec Of War - Dirt mile Afonso De Sousa - Fillies Juve Tapestry - Colts Juve Giovanni Boldini -Wilshire Boulevard Mile Afonso De Sousa Darwin Magician Turf Sprint Cristoforo Colombo Darwin Filly Mare Sprint Sea Siren
Four added to field for Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster
Updated: Monday, 21 Oct 2013 14:17
Kingston Hill won over a mile at the first attempt in the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket earlier this month
Kingston Hill, Pinzolo, Snow Sky and Century have all been supplemented for the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on Saturday.
The Roger Varian-trained Kingston Hill, owned by Paul Smith, has been added to the Group One feature over a mile after winning both his starts so far.
Varian told his website: "He is in great form and hasn't put a foot wrong since winning the Autumn Stakes (Group Three at Newmarket earlier this month).
"He has shown on both his starts that he handles cut in the ground and we feel that there is more to come from him.
"He has the right profile for a race such as the Racing Post Trophy."
The Godolphin-owned Pinzolo, trained by Charlie Appleby, is also unbeaten two starts with wins at Newmarket and Newbury.
Snow Sky, owned by Khalid Abullah and trained by Michael Stoute, got off the mark at the third attempt when hacking up by 11 lengths in a Salisbury maiden over a mile.
Century, trained by Aidan O'Brien, made a successful debut at the Curragh two weeks ago.
The son of Montjeu is one of four possibles from O'Brien's Ballydoyle stable along with Buonarroti, Johann Strauss and Red Rocks Point.
Toormore, who took his 100% record to three with victory in the Group One National Stakes at the Curragh, could step up to a mile.
His trainer Richard Hannon has also left in Chief Barker, who is also unbeaten in three races and took the scalp of subsequent Shadwell Fillies' Mile winner Chriselliam at Haydock last time.
Completing the list of entries are Altruistic, Dolce N Karama, Somewhat and The Grey Gatsby.
A Star Is Born (left) beats Al Murqab, with Diamond Daze in third (Healy Racing Photos)
The drop back to a mile proved just the ticket for A Star Is Born (7/1) as the well-bred Galileo filly gained a valuable winning bracket in the concluding maiden at Cork.
A full-sister to none less than multiple Group 1 winner Rip Van Winkle, she has been campaigned recently over a mile and a half but rallied strongly in the closing stages here to open her account.
Seamie Heffernan was seen at his strongest on the Ballydoyle-trained filly, staying on best in the closing stages to get the better of well-backed 5/2 chance Al Murqab by a neck.
Diamond Daze (12/1) was another length and a half back in third.
Heffernan said, “She shows us more at home but is late maturing and has quite a keen way of going.”
Ruler Of The World winning the Investec Derby at Epsom (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien does not expect the drop from a mile and a half to a mile and a quarter to inconvenience Epsom Derby hero Ruler Of The World in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot.
The Galileo colt has not run over so short a distance since winning his maiden at the Curragh back in April, and last time out finished seventh behind Treve in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
"The Arc didn't work out for him as he had little luck in running, but he came out of the race very well and we're very happy with him," the trainer told www.coolmore.com.
"We always thought dropping back to a mile and a quarter would be worth trying and we think the distance should suit him. He has shown he can handle ease in the ground and he is in good form."
Parish Hall is stepping back up to the top table in the Group One contest after suffering his fair share of problems since winning the 2011 Dewhurst.
Jim Bolger's colt retains plenty of ability and since returning from an 18-month absence he has won twice, most recently striking gold in a Group Three on the all-weather at Dundalk.
The trainer said: "Parish Hall missed the whole of last season, he's had a lot of problems. It's good that we've got him back and he won well at Dundalk, but the problem for him is that he much prefers the top of the ground. There's nothing else for him, though, so we may as well run as he's in such good form."
Godolphin's talented but fragile Farhh made a brilliant seasonal reappearance in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May, but he has not been seen in competitive action since and takes his chance over a mile and a quarter this weekend instead of tackling the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over a mile.
Trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: "He seems in very good form. He won the Lockinge, had an injury after the race and we gave him a nice break. He has come back and is working well and is in good condition. He won well at a mile in the Lockinge, but also he has run the mile and a quarter very well in the past and good to soft ground is no problem for him.
"He is fit and well. Cirrus Des Aigles is the one to beat, he is a very good horse. But, at the same time, Group One races are always tough and our horse is good enough to be there."
Masai strides to victory under Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Masai completed a quick double for Joseph O’Brien, as he took the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, on his third career start.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien, the son of Oasis Dream finished an encouraging third on his debut at Leopardstown in September, but he then disappointed on heavy ground at Listowel.
Having opened at 4/6 this morning with Paddy Power, the bay colt went from 4/9 to his starting price of 2/5 clear favourite on-course.
Settled behind the leaders, he came with his challenge on the outside two furlongs out, hitting the front a furlong from home, keeping on well from there to score comfortably by three and a half lengths.
Kernoff (12/1) kept on nicely to take second under Shane Foley for Mick Halford, while Bonjour Bob was back in third under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons at 4/1.
Joseph O’Brien, who was recording his 123rd winner of the season, said afterwards: "We ran him on soft ground as we thought he might just get away with it, but he just couldn’t handle the ground at Listowel. He was much happier on that surface and he stayed on well."
The winner who cost 135,000 Guineas as a yearling, holds an entry in the 2000 Guineas at the Curragh next year.
Ryan Moore rides Ruler Of The World in the QIPCO Champions Stakes rather than Sir Michael Stoute's Hillstar.
Moore is stable jockey for the Newmarket handler and it had, therefore, been widely expected that he would partner the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes third.
He is, however, set to continue his partnership with Aidan O'Brien's Ruler Of The World, having guided him to victory in the Investec Derby at Epsom in June and been aboard for the colt's last two runs in France.
Champion Jockey Richard Hughes will now ride Hillstar, winner of the King Edward VII Stakes at the Royal meeting.
The field of ten runners is headed by ante-post favourite Cirrus Des Aigles who is bidding to regain his crown at Ascot on Saturday.
The French-trained seven-year-old took the honours in 2011 and put up a sterling effort when beaten only a length and three-quarters by Frankel 12 months ago.
He has taken time to come to form this season after suffering a setback late last year, but victories on his last two starts have shown Corine Barande-Barbe's stable star is no back number.
Farhh has been declared for this race rather than the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. The Saeed bin Suroor-trained entire has not raced since winning the Lockinge Stakes over a mile at Newbury in May.
Godolphin have a second representative in Hunter's Light from the same yard.
The line-up is completed by Mukhadram, Main Sequence, Parish Hall, Morandi and Triple Threat.
O'Brien withdrew his three other entries - Declaration Of War, Kingsbarns and Magician - at the final declaration, with Kingsbarns running in the QEII.
Trading Leather and Sky Lantern were the other absentees.
Ballydoyle's domination of the domestic scene continues apace and Sparrow's win in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden at The Curragh today was yet another winner for one of world racing's super-powers.
Sparrow, completing a double on the day for trainer Aidan and his jockey/son Joseph O'Brien, was the 126th winner of the season for O'Brien Senior and a 121st for the winning jockey, who recently broke Michael Kinane's 20 year old record for winners ridden in one season.
Following Sparrow's (the heavily backed 4/9 favourite) win, the winning trainer stated “Joseph was very happy with her and she's progressed with every run. We'll leave her off until next year and start her off in one of the Guineas Trials next year.
“Joseph felt she would like to go up in trip and she won't be going back to sprints.”
Dance With Another and Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Joseph O'Brien notched up win number 119 of a record breaking year for the Champion Jockey elect when taking the opening Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden at The Curragh today on Dance With Another, trained by his father Aidan O'Brien.
By daughter of Danehill Dancer and out of triple Classic placed Quarter Moon, Dance With Another raced prominently throughout and stayed on well inside the final furlong to comfortably defeat Achnaha.
The mile event was the first of five maiden races at the venue for its closing fixture of the year and Aidan O'Brien Senior stated “she (Dance With Another) is progressing with her runs and has been coming on. When she got to the front she just veered around a bit though and Joseph said she probably wants to get there later; her dam was a bit like that also.
“She probably won't run again this year but we'll start her off early next year. She'll stay well and should handle a dig in the ground.”
Aidan O'Brien could rely on either Kingsbarns or Ruler Of The World in Saturday's Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot after admitting to fears about ground conditions for both Declaration Of War and Magician.
The Ballydoyle handler left the quartet of runners in this weekend's 10-furlong Group One at Monday's confirmation stage, with Kingsbarns, Declaration Of War and Magician also among the entries for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on the same card.
However, with ground conditions at Ascot looking certain to be on the easy side, Declaration Of War could be saved for a trip to the Breeders' Cup meeting in California next month, while Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Magician, not seen since finishing last in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, also looks likely to miss Champions Day.
Speaking at Limerick on Monday afternoon, O'Brien told At The Races: "Declaration Of War could maybe struggle to run, because if the ground is not good or better he won't run.
"If he doesn't run, he'll probably go straight to the (Breeders' Cup) Classic. Magician is a little bit the same, he wants real good ground as well.
"Ruler Of The World and Kingsbarns are in and both of those have form with ease in the ground, so maybe they'll run if the rain keeps coming as it is.
"He's (Kingsbarns) in the Queen Elizabeth and he's in the Champion and Ruler Of The World is only in the Champion. Whether the two of them will run in one or they'll split up, I'm not sure."
Last year's Racing Post Trophy hero Kingsbarns has made just one appearance as a three-year-old, finishing tailed off in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
"The Fugue and himself just collided after crossing the road in Leopardstown and we think he knocked his legs together as Joseph (O'Brien) felt he lost his action for a furlong," said O'Brien.
"He couldn't move on him when that was happening and when you sit on him for a furlong and half, he was too far out of it then and he just let him coast home. He's been in good form since."
A total of 15 horses are still in contention for the Champion Stakes, with French ace Cirrus Des Aigles taking top billing.
Winner of the race in 2011 and second to the brilliant Frankel 12 months ago, Corine Barande-Barbe's pride and joy endured a disappointing start to the campaign but looked right back to his best when winning the Prix Dollar at Longchamp last time.
Godolphin's hugely talented but fragile five-year-old Farhh is set to make his first appearance since his brilliant win in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May, but connections have yet to decide whether he will run in the Champion Stakes or the QEII.
Jim Bolger has both Parish Hall and Trading Leather engaged at the confirmation stage and Richard Hannon's Sky Lantern is another with a Champion Stakes entry as an alternative to the QEII.
Mukhadram and Hillstar are others still in the Champion Stakes mix.
By: Dave Ord, Will Hayler, Michael Shinners and Ben Linfoot
Last Updated: October 14 2013, 16:17 BST
Dave Ord (DO), Will Hayler (WH), Michael Shinners (MS) and Ben Linfoot (BL) take a look back at Future Champions Day and what we learnt from the weekend.
The Dewhurst - usually an excellent guide to the next year's Classics. Same again this time?
DO: It seemed the done thing to crab War Command in the immediate aftermath of his win on Saturday but I was reasonably impressed. He travelled well through the first five furlongs and while he needed shaking up to fend off Cable Bay, he was well on top at the finish. He looks to have a very solid 2000 Guineas profile and if he turns up at Newmarket next spring, he won't be a double figure price.
MS: I felt that War Command was workmanlike rather than scintillating. In winning the race he showed his versatility on the ground and also proved that he has the battling qualities to be a very good 3 year old. However in beating Cable Bay by just under 2 lengths, his performance also suggested that he needs to improve over the winter if he is going to take next year's 2000 Guineas. We went 8/1 from 10/1.
BL: The absence of Kingman was undoubtedly a blow to the race but I would be wary of dismissing the Dewhurst form despite Cable Bay's proximity in second. Charlie Hills' horse was flattered to finish where he did, lying closer to the pace than Outstrip and Anjaal and getting first run on the pair. In time I'm sure those two will prove to be better than they appeared to be on Saturday. As for the winner, I was impressed by his effort considering he's a completely different horse on fast ground. If there's 'firm' in the going description come the Guineas next May, he's a huge player.
WH: I have to agree with Ben. At this stage, I'd rather be with War Command than Kingman for the 2000 Guineas, but the former is nearly twice the price of the latter in places. It's almost certain to be quicker ground at Newmarket next spring than it was on Saturday and that's sure to suit.
Last year's 2000 Guineas and dual Derby winner Camelot has been retired, owners Coolmore have announced.
Aidan O'Brien celebrates with Camelot after last year's Derby
Camelot was being trained for the Breeders' Cup Turf next month but was found to be lame this morning.Trained by Aidan O'Brien, the four-year-old fell short of his best form this season, winning just one of his three starts.
Unbeaten as a two-year-old, including a Group One win in the Racing Post Trophy, Camelot excelled at three.
Victory in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket was followed by a smooth display in the Derby at Epsom before he had to show his courage to win the Irish equivalent.
The son of Montjeu then attempted to become the first horse since Nijinsky to win the Triple Crown but had to settle for a three-quarter-length second to Encke in the St Leger before finishing down the field in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
After that race he was struck down with a bad bout of colic and while he returned with a Group Three win at the Curragh this season, he finished behind Al Kazeem in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot and did not run again.
"From the very first time we saw him at the sales we just loved him," O'Brien told www.coolmore.com.
"He was the perfect racehorse, a beautiful horse with a terrific action. Speed, class and a super-intelligent horse to go with it - he had it all.
"Unfortunately we never saw the same brilliance on the racecourse as we had done before his colic operation, but he was showing signs of it at home in recent weeks so it's obviously disappointing that he won't get the opportunity to run again."
Camelot will stand at Coolmore next season, with his fee yet to be announced.
Camelot retired
Mon 14th Oct 2013, 13:16
Camelot (Healy Racing Photos)
Last year's 2000 Guineas and dual Derby winner Camelot has been retired, owners Coolmore have announced.
Trained by Aidan O'Brien, the four-year-old fell short of his best form this season, winning just one of his three starts.
Camelot was being trained for the Breeders' Cup Turf next month but was found to be lame this morning.
Unbeaten as a two-year-old, including a Group One win in the Racing Post Trophy, Camelot excelled at three.
Victory in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket was followed by a smooth display in the Derby at Epsom before he had to show his courage to win the Irish equivalent.
The son of Montjeu then attempted to become the first horse since Nijinsky to win the Triple Crown but had to settle for a three-quarter-length second to Encke in the St Leger before finishing down the field in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
After that race he was struck down with a bad bout of colic and while he returned with a Group Three win at the Curragh this season, he finished behind Al Kazeem in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot and did not run again.
"From the very first time we saw him at the sales we just loved him," O'Brien said.
"He was the perfect racehorse, a beautiful horse with a terrific action. Speed, class and a super-intelligent horse to go with it - he had it all.
"Unfortunately we never saw the same brilliance on the racecourse as we had done before his colic operation, but he was showing signs of it at home in recent weeks so it's obviously disappointing that he won't get the opportunity to run again."
Camelot will stand at Coolmore next season, with his fee yet to be announced.
Guineas and Derby winner Camelot is retired
(14th October 2013)
Brilliant 2-year-old and triple classic winner Camelot has been retired from racing and will stand at Coolmore for the 2014 breeding season. The son of Montjeu who was being trained for the Breeders’ Cup Turf was found to be lame pulling out this morning and although not a serious injury it would mean missing exercise for at least a week which would preclude him from going to Santa Anita.
An unbeaten Group 1 winner of the Racing Post Trophy as a 2-year-old, Camelot returned to action with a win in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket where he came from near last with only two furlongs to run. He then became only the third horse since Nijinsky to land the Guineas/Derby double following Nashwan and Sea The Stars when scoring by an eased-down five lengths (pictured). Next time out he landed the Irish Derby before losing out narrowly to surprise winner Encke when bidding for Triple Crown glory in the St Leger.
“From the very first time we saw him at the sales we just loved him” said trainer Aidan O’Brien. “He was the perfect racehorse, a beautiful horse with a terrific action. Speed, class and a super-intelligent horse to go with it – he had it all. Unfortunately we never saw the same brilliance on the racecourse as we had done before his colic operation but he was showing signs of it at home in recent weeks so it’s obviously disappointing that he won’t get the opportunity to run again.”
The only Guineas winner by Montjeu, Camelot is out of Kingmambo’s daughter Tarfah, winner of the Group 3 Dahlia Stakes. A 525,000 guineas yearling purchase at Newmarket he was the highest-priced colt to enter training at Ballydoyle that year.
Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag are the latest colts to make the move from Aidan O'Brien to South African maestro Mike de Kock.
It has proved a fruitful switch in recent years, with Ballydoyle cast-offs Eagle Mountain, Archipenko and Master Of Hounds among those to have gone on to score at the highest level for De Kock.
It was confirmed in August the talented Mars would be making the move and now Jersey Stakes winner Gale Force Ten and Group Three winner Flying The Flag have also been snapped up.
However, Coolmore supremo John Magnier will be retaining an interest in both horses.
De Kock said: "We are delighted in having secured the pair of colts and thanks to Coolmore for their continued support.
"Mary Slack and Michael Javett have both been very supportive of our international ventures this year and we are excited for Jessica Slack, who has taken her first step into buying shares of already raced prospects at this level."
Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag will be shipped to Dubai for the 2014 International Racing Carnival and De Kock said: "Besides their racing ability and promise for Dubai, both have stallion potential."
Mike De Kock gets Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag
Last Updated: October 14, 2013 10:11am
Gale Force Ten: Gone to Mike de Kock
Sky Bet
Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag are the latest colts to make the move from Aidan O'Brien to South African maestro Mike de Kock.
It has proved a fruitful switch in recent years, with Ballydoyle cast-offs Eagle Mountain, Archipenko and Master Of Hounds among those to have gone on to score at the highest level for De Kock.
It was confirmed in August the talented Mars would be making the move and now Jersey Stakes winner Gale Force Ten and Group Three winner Flying The Flag have also been snapped up.
However, Coolmore supremo John Magnier will be retaining an interest in both horses.
Speaking on his website, De Kock said: "We are delighted in having secured the pair of colts and thanks to Coolmore for their continued support.
"Mary Slack and Michael Javett have both been very supportive of our international ventures this year and we are excited for Jessica Slack, who has taken her first step into buying shares of already raced prospects at this level."
Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag will be shipped to Dubai for the 2014 International Racing Carnival and De Kock said: "Besides their racing ability and promise for Dubai, both have stallion potential."
Heirloom (centre) stays on best for Joseph O'Brien to beat Sir Walter Scott (right) (Healy Racing Photos)
Heirloom led home a 1-2 for Ballydoyle when completing a double for Aidan & Joseph O’Brien in the Join Go Racing In Kildare 2014 Finale Stakes.
The Dansili colt came off a strong pace to lead a furlong out, and kept on well to beat long-time absent stablemate Sir Walter Scott by two and a quarter lengths to leave the record-breaking Joseph O'Brien on the 119 winner mark for the season.
Jazz Girl ensured the mile and a half contest was a truly run affair, and was closely tracked by Drifting Mist with the remainder of the nine-runner field well strong out.<Drifting Mist took it up briefly early in the straight asp>Jazz Girl gave way and, although headed by the winner a furlong out, held on for third spot in this Listed event.
“He stays well and I was delighted with both of them.Heirloom has been progressing with every run. He wants nice ground and a fast run mile and a half. He’s a big horse who should continue to progress next year,” said O’Brien.
Century gets the better of Marakoush (Healy Racing Photos)
Century made a winning debut in the opener at the Curragh this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 2yo Maiden, scoring for the father and son team of Aidan and Joseph O’Brien.
The bay son of Montjeu was 7/2 this morning with Paddy Power, but he opened on-course at 5/2, before going off an 11/4 chance.
Held up towards the rear in the early stages, he was pushed along and made progress in eighth from two furlongs out.
He was ridden to challenge a furlong from home, soon hitting the front, going on from there to score by a length and a half.
All the money came for the John Oxx trained newcomer Marakoush, and after opening at 3/1 this morning with Paddy Power, he went from 11/4 to clear 15/8 favouritism on-course.
He hit the front two furlongs out but he had no answer when headed by the winner inside the final furlong, and he had to settle for second, while Prince Of All ran a cracker to finish two and a half lengths back in third under Fergal Lynch for Paul Deegan at 25/1.
Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "He was very slow coming out and I thought he couldn’t win from there.
"He was very green, he had to come through horses and he will have learned a lot from that.
"He was just ready to start. We will see how he comes out of this and it is possible he could run again this year."
Aidan O'Brien's War Command in charge at Dewhurst Stakes in
Newmarket
Updated: Saturday, 12 Oct 2013 15:57 |
War Command came home a length and a half clear
War Command gave trainer Aidan O'Brien a belated first two-year-old Group One triumph of the season when lifting the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
However, it was a workmanlike rather than an impressive victory for the Coventry Stakes winner.
War Command, the 10-11 favourite, was hard ridden by Joseph O'Brien to hold 20-1 shot Cable Bay by a length and a quarter. Outstrip was third and Anjaal fourth.
The winning jockey told Channel 4 Racing: "The ground was plenty slow for him. When he got to the front he was idling like mad.
"He was waiting for a horse to come to him but did enough. I think he's getting more professional with each race.
"He's definitely a Guineas type. I think he will have no trouble getting a mile and I think the faster the ground, the better he will be."
O'Brien senior said: "I'm delighted with the horse as I was very worried about the ground. He's a good-actioned horse and when it was very quick at Ascot, that was what he wanted.
"There is only one Dewhurst and we had to get him out. I'd say he's done for the year now and I think he'll get a mile next season."
War in Command in the Dewhurst
Sat 12th Oct 2013, 15:43
War Command (Healy Racing Photos)
War Command justified strong market support to give Aidan O'Brien a third win in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
The Coventry Stakes winner was sent off the 10/11 favourite and travelled powerfully through the early stages under the trainer's son Joseph. However he had to be asked a serious question to shake off Cable Bay inside the distance.
The son of War Front responded willingly to seize the initiative and score by a length-and-a-quarter from the gallant 20/1 runner-up.
Outstrip raced in the winner's slipstream but could never land a a blow in third while Anjaal was fourth despite never looking happy at any stage of the race.
The winning jockey told Channel 4 Racing: "The ground was plenty slow for him. When he got to the front he was idling like mad.
"He was waiting for a horse to come to him but did enough. I think he's getting more professional with each race.
"He's definitely a Guineas type. I think he will have no trouble getting a mile and I think the faster the ground, the better he will be."
War in Command gives Aidan O'Brien more Dewhurst joy
Last Updated: October 12, 2013 3:42pm
War Command gets the better of Cable Bay to win the Dewhurst
War Command justified strong market support to give Aidan O'Brien a third win in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
The Coventry Stakes winner was sent off the 10/11 favourite and travelled powerfully through the early stages under the trainer's son Joseph. However he had to be asked a serious question to shake off Cable Bay inside the distance.
The son of War Front responded willingly to seize the initiative and score by a length-and-a-quarter from the gallant 20/1 runner-up.
Outstrip raced in the winner's slipstream but could never land a a blow in third while Anjaal was fourth despite never looking happy at any stage of the race.
The winning jockey told Channel 4 Racing: "The ground was plenty slow for him. When he got to the front he was idling like mad.
"He was waiting for a horse to come to him but did enough. I think he's getting more professional with each race.
"He's definitely a Guineas type. I think he will have no trouble getting a mile and I think the faster the ground, the better he will be."
O'Brien senior said: "I'm delighted with the horse as I was very worried about the ground. He's a good-actioned horse and when it was very quick at Ascot, that was what he wanted.
"There is only one Dewhurst and we had to get him out. I'd say he's done for the year now and I think he'll get a mile next season."
Cable Bay's trainer Charlie Hills said: "He ran another great race and he's been very consistent. How he hasn't won a Group race, I don't know.
"We've been beaten just over a length by a good horse and hopefully he can keep progressing next year."
Charlie Appleby, responsible for the third home, Outstrip, said: "We're a bit disappointed as he didn't pick up like he did at Doncaster.
"Maybe it's just the year getting to him now. I think we'll put him away and if he can furnish and develop, hopefully we can see him as a Guineas horse."
Giovanni Boldini and Seamie Heffernan stride clear in the Listed Star Appeal Stakes (Healy Racing Photos)
Giovanni Boldini got back to winning ways when taking the featured Irish Stallion Farms EBF Star Appeal Stakes in effortless fashion.
The War Front colt impressed on his debut here last month before justifying the immediate jump into Group 1 company when third to Toormore in the National Stakes.
The Ballydoyle inmate was not surprisingly sent off the 1/2 favourite for this Listed event, and never gave those who supported him a moments worry.
Seamie Heffernan elected to track the pace, and oozed confidence on the ‘jolly’ in the straight.
The response was immediate when asked to quicken a furlong out, and he soon quickened clear to beat Mandatario (7/2) by a facile four and three quarter lengths.Miss Mousey was nearly three lengths further back in third.
Heffernan said, “I was very confident going out and I was proved right. He’s a grand colt and he has a bit of class.”
Say (purple and white) finishing third in the Matron Stakes
PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)
O'Brien's Say bids for better at Keeneland
BY NICHOLAS GODFREY11:22AM 11 OCT 2013
Preview: USA, Saturday 10.21pm BST (live on ATR)
Keeneland: Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (Grade 1)1m1f, turf, 3yo fillies
JUST seven days after a no-show in the mud at Keeneland, Ballydoyle's Say (Aidan O'Brien/James Graham) turns out again, this time with blinkers added in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup.
The Matron Stakes third, whose dam Riskaverse won the Keeneland Grade 1 in 2002, was well fancied in last weekend's First Lady, where an insipid performance can perhaps be forgiven given the filthy conditions that prevailed as the race was run in torrential downpour.
Likely favourite in Saturday's race is former French-trainedAlterite (Chad Brown/John Velazquez), who made a winning debut for her new trainer in the Grade 1 Garden City at Belmont last month, where former the Ed Dunlop-trainedConcise (Graham Motion/Edgar Prado) ran well in third.
Grade 2 winner Kitten's Dumplings (Mike Maker/Julien Leparoux) and Grade 1-placed Emotional Kitten (Wesley Ward/Garrett Gomez) both represent leading owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey.
Guineas and Derby winner Camelot is retired
(14th October 2013)
Brilliant 2-year-old and triple classic winner Camelot has been retired from racing and will stand at Coolmore for the 2014 breeding season. The son of Montjeu who was being trained for the Breeders’ Cup Turf was found to be lame pulling out this morning and although not a serious injury it would mean missing exercise for at least a week which would preclude him from going to Santa Anita.
An unbeaten Group 1 winner of the Racing Post Trophy as a 2-year-old, Camelot returned to action with a win in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket where he came from near last with only two furlongs to run. He then became only the third horse since Nijinsky to land the Guineas/Derby double following Nashwan and Sea The Stars when scoring by an eased-down five lengths (pictured). Next time out he landed the Irish Derby before losing out narrowly to surprise winner Encke when bidding for Triple Crown glory in the St Leger.
“From the very first time we saw him at the sales we just loved him” said trainer Aidan O’Brien. “He was the perfect racehorse, a beautiful horse with a terrific action. Speed, class and a super-intelligent horse to go with it – he had it all. Unfortunately we never saw the same brilliance on the racecourse as we had done before his colic operation but he was showing signs of it at home in recent weeks so it’s obviously disappointing that he won’t get the opportunity to run again.”
The only Guineas winner by Montjeu, Camelot is out of Kingmambo’s daughter Tarfah, winner of the Group 3 Dahlia Stakes. A 525,000 guineas yearling purchase at Newmarket he was the highest-priced colt to enter training at Ballydoyle that year.
Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag are the latest colts to make the move from Aidan O'Brien to South African maestro Mike de Kock.
It has proved a fruitful switch in recent years, with Ballydoyle cast-offs Eagle Mountain, Archipenko and Master Of Hounds among those to have gone on to score at the highest level for De Kock.
It was confirmed in August the talented Mars would be making the move and now Jersey Stakes winner Gale Force Ten and Group Three winner Flying The Flag have also been snapped up.
However, Coolmore supremo John Magnier will be retaining an interest in both horses.
De Kock said: "We are delighted in having secured the pair of colts and thanks to Coolmore for their continued support.
"Mary Slack and Michael Javett have both been very supportive of our international ventures this year and we are excited for Jessica Slack, who has taken her first step into buying shares of already raced prospects at this level."
Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag will be shipped to Dubai for the 2014 International Racing Carnival and De Kock said: "Besides their racing ability and promise for Dubai, both have stallion potential."
Mike De Kock gets Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag
Last Updated: October 14, 2013 10:11am
Gale Force Ten: Gone to Mike de Kock
Sky Bet
Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag are the latest colts to make the move from Aidan O'Brien to South African maestro Mike de Kock.
It has proved a fruitful switch in recent years, with Ballydoyle cast-offs Eagle Mountain, Archipenko and Master Of Hounds among those to have gone on to score at the highest level for De Kock.
It was confirmed in August the talented Mars would be making the move and now Jersey Stakes winner Gale Force Ten and Group Three winner Flying The Flag have also been snapped up.
However, Coolmore supremo John Magnier will be retaining an interest in both horses.
Speaking on his website, De Kock said: "We are delighted in having secured the pair of colts and thanks to Coolmore for their continued support.
"Mary Slack and Michael Javett have both been very supportive of our international ventures this year and we are excited for Jessica Slack, who has taken her first step into buying shares of already raced prospects at this level."
Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag will be shipped to Dubai for the 2014 International Racing Carnival and De Kock said: "Besides their racing ability and promise for Dubai, both have stallion potential."
Heirloom (centre) stays on best for Joseph O'Brien to beat Sir Walter Scott (right) (Healy Racing Photos)
Heirloom led home a 1-2 for Ballydoyle when completing a double for Aidan & Joseph O’Brien in the Join Go Racing In Kildare 2014 Finale Stakes.
The Dansili colt came off a strong pace to lead a furlong out, and kept on well to beat long-time absent stablemate Sir Walter Scott by two and a quarter lengths to leave the record-breaking Joseph O'Brien on the 119 winner mark for the season.
Jazz Girl ensured the mile and a half contest was a truly run affair, and was closely tracked by Drifting Mist with the remainder of the nine-runner field well strong out.<Drifting Mist took it up briefly early in the straight asp>Jazz Girl gave way and, although headed by the winner a furlong out, held on for third spot in this Listed event.
“He stays well and I was delighted with both of them.Heirloom has been progressing with every run. He wants nice ground and a fast run mile and a half. He’s a big horse who should continue to progress next year,” said O’Brien.
Century gets the better of Marakoush (Healy Racing Photos)
Century made a winning debut in the opener at the Curragh this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 2yo Maiden, scoring for the father and son team of Aidan and Joseph O’Brien.
The bay son of Montjeu was 7/2 this morning with Paddy Power, but he opened on-course at 5/2, before going off an 11/4 chance.
Held up towards the rear in the early stages, he was pushed along and made progress in eighth from two furlongs out.
He was ridden to challenge a furlong from home, soon hitting the front, going on from there to score by a length and a half.
All the money came for the John Oxx trained newcomer Marakoush, and after opening at 3/1 this morning with Paddy Power, he went from 11/4 to clear 15/8 favouritism on-course.
He hit the front two furlongs out but he had no answer when headed by the winner inside the final furlong, and he had to settle for second, while Prince Of All ran a cracker to finish two and a half lengths back in third under Fergal Lynch for Paul Deegan at 25/1.
Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "He was very slow coming out and I thought he couldn’t win from there.
"He was very green, he had to come through horses and he will have learned a lot from that.
"He was just ready to start. We will see how he comes out of this and it is possible he could run again this year."
Aidan O'Brien's War Command in charge at Dewhurst Stakes in
Newmarket
Updated: Saturday, 12 Oct 2013 15:57 |
War Command came home a length and a half clear
War Command gave trainer Aidan O'Brien a belated first two-year-old Group One triumph of the season when lifting the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
However, it was a workmanlike rather than an impressive victory for the Coventry Stakes winner.
War Command, the 10-11 favourite, was hard ridden by Joseph O'Brien to hold 20-1 shot Cable Bay by a length and a quarter. Outstrip was third and Anjaal fourth.
The winning jockey told Channel 4 Racing: "The ground was plenty slow for him. When he got to the front he was idling like mad.
"He was waiting for a horse to come to him but did enough. I think he's getting more professional with each race.
"He's definitely a Guineas type. I think he will have no trouble getting a mile and I think the faster the ground, the better he will be."
O'Brien senior said: "I'm delighted with the horse as I was very worried about the ground. He's a good-actioned horse and when it was very quick at Ascot, that was what he wanted.
"There is only one Dewhurst and we had to get him out. I'd say he's done for the year now and I think he'll get a mile next season."
War in Command in the Dewhurst
Sat 12th Oct 2013, 15:43
War Command (Healy Racing Photos)
War Command justified strong market support to give Aidan O'Brien a third win in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
The Coventry Stakes winner was sent off the 10/11 favourite and travelled powerfully through the early stages under the trainer's son Joseph. However he had to be asked a serious question to shake off Cable Bay inside the distance.
The son of War Front responded willingly to seize the initiative and score by a length-and-a-quarter from the gallant 20/1 runner-up.
Outstrip raced in the winner's slipstream but could never land a a blow in third while Anjaal was fourth despite never looking happy at any stage of the race.
The winning jockey told Channel 4 Racing: "The ground was plenty slow for him. When he got to the front he was idling like mad.
"He was waiting for a horse to come to him but did enough. I think he's getting more professional with each race.
"He's definitely a Guineas type. I think he will have no trouble getting a mile and I think the faster the ground, the better he will be."
War in Command gives Aidan O'Brien more Dewhurst joy
Last Updated: October 12, 2013 3:42pm
War Command gets the better of Cable Bay to win the Dewhurst
War Command justified strong market support to give Aidan O'Brien a third win in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
The Coventry Stakes winner was sent off the 10/11 favourite and travelled powerfully through the early stages under the trainer's son Joseph. However he had to be asked a serious question to shake off Cable Bay inside the distance.
The son of War Front responded willingly to seize the initiative and score by a length-and-a-quarter from the gallant 20/1 runner-up.
Outstrip raced in the winner's slipstream but could never land a a blow in third while Anjaal was fourth despite never looking happy at any stage of the race.
The winning jockey told Channel 4 Racing: "The ground was plenty slow for him. When he got to the front he was idling like mad.
"He was waiting for a horse to come to him but did enough. I think he's getting more professional with each race.
"He's definitely a Guineas type. I think he will have no trouble getting a mile and I think the faster the ground, the better he will be."
O'Brien senior said: "I'm delighted with the horse as I was very worried about the ground. He's a good-actioned horse and when it was very quick at Ascot, that was what he wanted.
"There is only one Dewhurst and we had to get him out. I'd say he's done for the year now and I think he'll get a mile next season."
Cable Bay's trainer Charlie Hills said: "He ran another great race and he's been very consistent. How he hasn't won a Group race, I don't know.
"We've been beaten just over a length by a good horse and hopefully he can keep progressing next year."
Charlie Appleby, responsible for the third home, Outstrip, said: "We're a bit disappointed as he didn't pick up like he did at Doncaster.
"Maybe it's just the year getting to him now. I think we'll put him away and if he can furnish and develop, hopefully we can see him as a Guineas horse."
Giovanni Boldini and Seamie Heffernan stride clear in the Listed Star Appeal Stakes (Healy Racing Photos)
Giovanni Boldini got back to winning ways when taking the featured Irish Stallion Farms EBF Star Appeal Stakes in effortless fashion.
The War Front colt impressed on his debut here last month before justifying the immediate jump into Group 1 company when third to Toormore in the National Stakes.
The Ballydoyle inmate was not surprisingly sent off the 1/2 favourite for this Listed event, and never gave those who supported him a moments worry.
Seamie Heffernan elected to track the pace, and oozed confidence on the ‘jolly’ in the straight.
The response was immediate when asked to quicken a furlong out, and he soon quickened clear to beat Mandatario (7/2) by a facile four and three quarter lengths.Miss Mousey was nearly three lengths further back in third.
Heffernan said, “I was very confident going out and I was proved right. He’s a grand colt and he has a bit of class.”
Say (purple and white) finishing third in the Matron Stakes
PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)
O'Brien's Say bids for better at Keeneland
BY NICHOLAS GODFREY11:22AM 11 OCT 2013
Preview: USA, Saturday 10.21pm BST (live on ATR)
Keeneland: Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (Grade 1)1m1f, turf, 3yo fillies
JUST seven days after a no-show in the mud at Keeneland, Ballydoyle's Say (Aidan O'Brien/James Graham) turns out again, this time with blinkers added in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup.
The Matron Stakes third, whose dam Riskaverse won the Keeneland Grade 1 in 2002, was well fancied in last weekend's First Lady, where an insipid performance can perhaps be forgiven given the filthy conditions that prevailed as the race was run in torrential downpour.
Likely favourite in Saturday's race is former French-trainedAlterite (Chad Brown/John Velazquez), who made a winning debut for her new trainer in the Grade 1 Garden City at Belmont last month, where former the Ed Dunlop-trainedConcise (Graham Motion/Edgar Prado) ran well in third.
Grade 2 winner Kitten's Dumplings (Mike Maker/Julien Leparoux) and Grade 1-placed Emotional Kitten (Wesley Ward/Garrett Gomez) both represent leading owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey.
A horse-by-horse guide to the runners in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes.
By Ben Coley. Last Updated: October 11, 2013 2:14pm
War Command: No excuses here
Sky Bet
War Command gets the vote to score, as Ben Coley offers us his horse-by-horse guide to the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes.
ANJAAL: Progressive colt who looked to improve for a step up in trip to land the July Stakes last time. Form of that race has taken more than one knock but did shape as though this step up to seven would suit, and should the ground remain on the fast side of good he'll have plenty in his favour. Almost certainly needs to step up again but that perfectly possible and not discounted lightly.
CABLE BAY: More exposed than Anjaal but officially rated 1lb superior on the back of four respectable runs in Pattern company since Leicester maiden win. Form of latest course-and-distance second yet to be tested but the feeling is a repeat would not be enough to trouble the principals, while pedigree raises doubts as to whether quick ground would prove as suitable as the slower surfaces on which he's so far raced. Disappointing if he's good enough.
FRIENDSHIP: Slow-burner from powerful yard seeking their first win in the race since Beethoven's 2009 success. It was a hot National Stakes in which he was well held last time and it's reasonable to hope he may get closer to the leaders here, especially if first-time cheekpieces eke out further improvement, but on his ninth start it's questionable how much more there might be to come and Friendship's role here is surely to act as companion to stablemate War Command.
OUTSTRIP: Impressive winner of the Champagne Stakes (Cable Bay well beaten) last time, having previously given the unbeaten Toormore a real fright in Goodwood's Vintage Stakes. That form puts him far clear of Friendship and at the head of the home contingent, and trainer Charles Appleby's embryonic record at Newmarket is eye-catchingly positive. Godolphin won the race last year with Dawn Approach and with this fellow improving with every start, they look to hold live claims of a repeat.
STORMADAL: Trainer enjoyed a superb day here when saddling the winner of the Betfred Cambridgeshire but on all known form this son of Shamardal cannot win. Beaten in a handicap off a relatively lowly mark of 88 last time with no apparent excuses, and this drop in distance doesn't look ideal either. If he's not sixth of six, he's over-achieved.
WAR COMMAND: Ante-post favourite who got back on track with a ready win in the Futurity Stakes last time, having previously been turned over at 2/5 at the Curragh. That price owed to his monstrous performance previously in winning the Coventry Stakes and while the form of that Royal Ascot race has worked out very poorly, the visual impression created remains vivid. Stablemate set things up for him perfectly last time and a repeat looks likely.
VERDICT: Aidan O'Brien will be delighted that Jim Bolger isn't back to go for a sixth win in the last eight renewals of this contest, and can keep the prize in Ireland with WAR COMMAND set to take all the beating. His defeat in the Phoenix Stakes is easy to forgive as he'd already looked like seven furlongs was needed, and with Friendship set to ensure a solid tempo he'll have no excuses here on ground which will suit. Outstrip will also be suited by a decent end-to-end gallop and if forecast rain materialises that too will aide his chance. However, he looks just a step behind War Command in terms of professionalism at the moment and while a strict line through Surdiman gives him the edge, I see things differently. Anjaal needs to progress but looks capable of doing so and could outrun his odds, while Cable Bay has a chance of sorts on the figures and deserves to take his chance.
Camelot could use the QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday week as a springboard towards the Breeders' Cup meeting in November.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien is also considering a race on the Dundalk all-weather as the four-year-old former three-time Classic winner edges closer to his return to the track.
O'Brien said: "He may run either in Ascot or in a Listed race a Dundalk.
"We have one eye on the Breeders' Cup, he's a horse that needs good ground. Conditions would normally suit him in America."
Camelot has been cautiously campaigned since he suffered an attack of colic last autumn and has not been sighted on the racecourse since finishing fourth in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.
Great White Eagle appears to have edge in Middle Park Stakes
Updated: Thursday, 10 Oct 2013 17:43
Great White Eagle has won his two starts to date with considerable ease
Great White Eagle heads a quality field of 13 runners in Saturday's vision.ae Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.
Aidan O'Brien’s charge, who is unbeaten in two starts, skips the seven-furlong Dewhurst in favour of the six-furlong Group One.
David Wachman runs Sudirman, a winner of the Railway and Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh before finishing second to Richard Hannon's Toormore in the National Stakes.
Kevin Ryan holds a strong hand, with the Gimcrack winner Astaire and last Saturday's hugely impressive Cornwallis scorer Hot Streak travelling down from his Hambleton base.
Joining him on the trip from the north of England is the Richard Fahey-trained Supplicant, winner of his last three races, including the Mill Reef.
Hannon runs the durable Brown Sugar and Shamshon, while Olly Stevens supplemented Green Door earlier in the week.
Bahamian Heights, Jallota, Justice Day, Saayerr, and Speedfiend compete the field.
Aidan O'Brien set to wage War on Dewhurst Stakes field
Updated: Thursday, 10 Oct 2013 16:25 |
War Command will bid for a first win at the highest level in the Dewhurst
Aidan O'Brien relies upon War Command and Friendship from a choice of eight in Saturday's Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
The Ballydoyle handler will just run the impressive Coventry Stakes winner War Command, who subsequently met with defeat in the Phoenix Stakes behind Sudirman before returning to winning ways in the Futurity Stakes.
David Wachman's Sudirman was not declared for the Group One over seven furlongs and instead takes the plunge in the Middle Park Stakes on the same card.
Friendship finished fourth in the Futurity and filled the same spot in the National Stakes.
Godolphin supplemented Outstrip and Be Ready earlier in the week, but only the former will represent Sheikh Mohammed's operation after his impressive win in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster.
Richard Hannon will saddle the Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned Anjaal, who has not been seen since winning the July Stakes nearly 100 days ago.
Cable Bay will run for Charlie Hills after a string of good efforts, most recently in the Group Three Tattersall Stakes.
Ismail Mohammed, fresh from the biggest success of his career when Educate took the Cambridgeshire, will run Stormardal.
Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said Be Ready misses the race with a bad scope and is hoping the decision to bypass a trip to Longchamp last weekend pays off with Outstrip.
Crisford said: "We gave Sunday's Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp a miss with Outstrip hoping for better ground in the Dewhurst.
"That is a decision that might backfire, we will have to wait and see.
"However, Outstrip only wouldn't like extremes of ground and, although there is some rain forecast, I don't think that we are going to get extremes."
Aidan O'Brien relies upon War Command and Friendship from a choice of eight in Saturday's Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
The Ballydoyle handler will just run the impressive Coventry Stakes winner War Command, who subsequently met with defeat in the Phoenix Stakes behind Sudirman before returning to winning ways in the Futurity Stakes.
David Wachman's Sudirman was not declared for the Group One over seven furlongs and instead takes the plunge in the Middle Park Stakes on the same card.
Friendship finished fourth in the Futurity and filled the same spot in the National Stakes.
Godolphin supplemented Outstrip and Be Ready earlier in the week, but only the former will represent Sheikh Mohammed's operation after his impressive win in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster.
Richard Hannon will saddle the Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned Anjaal, who has not been seen since winning the July Stakes nearly 100 days ago.
Cable Bay will run for Charlie Hills after a string of good efforts, most recently in the Group Three Tattersall Stakes.
Ismail Mohammed, fresh from the biggest success of his career when Educate took the Cambridgeshire, will run Stormardal.
Camelot could use the QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday week as a springboard towards the Breeders' Cup meeting in November.
Champion Stakes Antepost: Camelot 10/1
Camelot: Breeders' Cup the target
O'Brien said: "He may run either in Ascot or in a Listed race a Dundalk.Trainer Aidan O'Brien is also considering a race on the Dundalk all-weather as the four-year-old former three-time Classic winner edges closer to his return to the track.
"We have one eye on the Breeders' Cup, he's a horse that needs good ground. Conditions would normally suit him in America."
Camelot has been cautiously campaigned since he suffered an attack of colic last autumn and has not been sighted on the racecourse since finishing fourth in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.
Lot 235 and Lot 236: John Magnier buys consecutive lots: a bay colt from Camas Park for 300,000gns (an 85,000gns pinhook), before purchasing again from Newsells Park going to 350,000gns for a Danehill Dancer daughter out of Yummy Mummy, a sister to Fame And Glory.
Aidan O'Brien congratulates his record-breaking son Joseph aboard Marvellous (Healy Racing Photos)
The name of the winning horse, i.e. Marvellous wouldn't be a bad description for Joseph O'Brien's effort in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Fillies) Maiden at Navan, a race that yielded success number 116 of the campaign thus beating Michael Kinane's score, the previous top total of 115, achieved in 1993.
Half-an-hour earlier Joseph had equalled the landmark score on Sardinia but his chances of getting over the line in the next looked forlorn as he was 'after' the newcomer Marvellous from before the time they straightened up.
There were plenty travelling better at that stage but when it mattered most the winning Galileo filly found the more to prevail by half-a-length from another first-timer, the well-touted I'm Yours. Third home Red Raven didn't get the clearest of passages and she finished off well in third, just another head adrift at the line.
Aidan O'Brien acknowledged afterwards: "I thought she'd be too green, but that hill in Navan – well it's a long way up there."
The Ballydoyle maestro then added: "We'll probably put her away now – she's a nice filly for next year.
Joseph O'Brien rides a record-equalling 115th winner of the Flat
season in Ireland on Sardinia.
Joseph equals the record
Wed 9th Oct 2013, 15:32
Sardinia (eventual winner) leads the field away from stands at Navan
In 1993 Michael Kinane set a record of 115 winners ridden in an Irish flat racing season. The same year Joseph O'Brien was born and today the young Ballydoyle pilot equalled his fellow Tipperary man's feat when Sardinia landed the October Maiden at Navan.
Heavily invested upon for his debut at Roscommon nine days back when finishing third, the victorious Galileo colt made no mistake today equipped with first-time blinkers.
The 7/4 favourite soon led and he slipped the field from the end of the back straight. It was soon looking bleak for the rest and Waaheb, the victor's main market rival, could get no closer than six lengths at the line.
Joseph reflected: "At the start of the season I was hoping to ride 100 winners. The horses have been running very well and I've had plenty of support from the owners of Ballydoyle as well as all the other trainers who have supported me.
"This horse stays well and he has a good attitude. I got a nice easy lead for the first mile and he stayed on really well in the straight."
Meanwhile successful trainer and proud father Aidan commented: "This lad was very green in Roscommon. He stays very well and he'll make a lovely horse in time.
"He's a half-brother to Alexandrova (a triple Oaks winner in 2006)." (AM & EM)
Looking forward to watching this today For those interesetd you can watch live here from 12.00>> http://www.tattersalls.com/4DCGI/Sale/Live
COOLMORE
Galileo has 3.6m gns Tatts record-breaker
(9th October 2013)
Champion sire Galileo became responsible for the dearest yearling ever sold in Europe on Tuesday evening courtesy of a colt selling for 3.6 million gns at Tattersalls.
The striking youngster, a full-brother to this year’s G1 Oaks runner-up Secret Gesture out of the Danehill mare Shastye, was offered from Newsells Park Stud in front of a packed sale ring.
David Redvers kicked off bidding at 1 million gns and he soon gained a determined opponent in John Magnier. As Redvers dropped out, his client Sheikh Fahad Al Thani took over the bidding until Magnier had the final say.
M V Magnier signed the buyer’s ticket and commented: “He has the pedigree, he ticks all the right boxes and he is by Galileo out of a Danehill mare, which is a magical cross. Galileo, of course, speaks for himself, but you ‘d never think you’d have to go that far.”
Julian Dollar of Newsells Park Stud added: “In my heart of hearts I’d hoped he’d make seven figures but that was incredible. He’s always been a gorgeous horse with a lovely temperament and a real professional. You can get lucky when you have all the right ingredients like that.”
Galileo dominated the October Yearling Sale session additionally with a colt and filly bringing 525,000gns apiece (bought by M V Magnier and Badgers Bloodstock).
It continued a trend at all the major yearling sales so far. Galileo had two yearlings make 1 million euros at the Arqana August Sale while his representatives realised up to 680,000 euros at the Goffs Orby Sale.
John Magnier purchases Galileo yearling for record 3.6million guineas
Updated: Tuesday, 08 Oct 2013 23:32
Lot 144 was the highlight on a strong day of sales at the October Yearling Sale, setting John Magnier back just under €4.5m
A full-brother to Secret Gesture set a new European record for a yearling sold at auction as John Magnier paid 3.6million guineas at Tattersalls in Newmarket on Tuesday.
The colt, bred by Newsells Park Stud, attracted an opening bid of 1m gns, but it was Magnier who emerged on top after first David Redvers, then owner Sheikh Fahad Al Thani, tried to secure the son of Galileo.
"He has the pedigree, he ticks all the right boxes, he is by Galileo out of a Danehill mare - let's hope he has an engine," said MV Magnier, the Coolmore supremo's son.
"Galileo, of course, speaks for himself, but you'd never think you'd have to go that far."
River Dancer, who set the previous yearling record when he changed hands for 3.4m guineas at this sale in 2000, won a Leopardstown maiden and the Group 3 Prix La Force at Chantilly when he ran under the tutelage of Aidan O’Brien as Diaghilev.
His biggest win came in the Group 1 Audemars Piguet QEII Cup at Sha Tin in Hong Kong.
The son of Saddler’s Wells never recouped his purchase price on the racecourse and missed out on a chance at a stud career after being gelded.
Great White Eagle could take his chance in the Newmarket Group 1 (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien is responsible for eight of the 14 six-day acceptors for Saturday's Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
His octet includes Coventry and Futurity Stakes winner War Command and the unbeaten Great White Eagle, while Craftsman, Friendship, Giovanni Boldini, Michaelmas, Oklahoma City and Wilshire Boulevard complete the Ballydoyle team.
Buonarroti and Joseph O'Brien winning in Tipperary (Healy Racing Photos)
Joseph O’Brien moved ever closer to Mick Kinane’s record number of winners in an Irish flat season as he won the mile and one juvenile maiden in Tipperary on the impressive Buonarroti.
Aidan O’Brien’s two-year-old colt had finished fourth on debut in Galway last month, two places behind Whitey O’ Gwaun who reopposed today.
The form was turned around emphatically as Buonarroti made all and pulled away in the home straight with a quarter of a mile to run.
The 7/4 favourite came in by eight and a half lengths. He was supported from 9/4 this morning. Jim Bolger’s Evason, on his first racecourse outing, stayed on well to get up for second at 14/1, a neck in front of fellow 14/1 shot Abushamah who had been prominent throughout.
Joseph O’Brien, after partnering his 114th winner of the season, said: “He jumped and travelled nicely and quickened up well. I thought he would improve a lot from Galway. The lads that ride him at home said he had. He’s a nice staying prospect and was impressive.”
This year’s English St Leger winner Leading Light won this race last season for Aidan O’Brien. He is one of the leading fancies for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Longchamp today at 3.15pm. This was Aidan O’Brien’s eighth winner in the last two weeks.
Mick Kinane rode 115 winners in the Irish flat season of 1993.
Joseph O’Brien pulled level with Mick Kinane’s record number of winners in an Irish flat season as he brought up number 114 on board the impressive Buonarroti in Tipperary.
Aidan O’Brien’s two-year-old colt had finished fourth on debut in Galway last month, two places behind Whitey O’ Gwaun who reopposed today.
The form was turned around emphatically as Buonarotti made all and pulled away in the home straight with a quarter of a mile to run.
The 7/4 favourite came in by eight and a half lengths. He was supported from 9/4 this morning. Jim Bolger’s Evason, on his first racecourse outing, stayed on well to get up for second at 14/1, a neck in front of fellow 14/1 shot Abushamah who had been prominent throughout.
Joseph O’Brien said: “He jumped and travelled nicely and quickened up well. I thought he would improve a lot from Galway. The lads that ride him at home said he had. He’s a nice staying prospect and was impressive.”
This year’s English St Leger winner Leading Light won this race last season for Aidan O’Brien. He is one of the leading fancies for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Longchamp today at 3.15pm.
This was Aidan O’Brien’s eighth winner in the last two weeks.
Tattersalls Millions glory for O'Briens with Oklahoma City
Updated: Saturday, 05 Oct 2013 15:50 |
Aidan O'Brien: 'He's a tough, hardy horse and loved the ground and trip'
Aidan O'Brien's Oklahoma City cost 675,000 guineas but repaid a huge chunk of that when landing the £500,000 Tattersalls Millions 2YO Trophy at Newmarket.
The most expensive colt in the field, and sent off at 3-1, the Beresford Stakes runner-up hit the front two furlongs out under Joseph O'Brien and asserted his superiority in the final furlong, with Postponed one and a half lengths away in second and Bon Voyage a neck back in third.
O'Brien senior said: "It was a good run last week over a mile (second to stablemate Geoffrey Chaucer) and he went into the race with very solid form and off a very solid run.
"He's a tough, hardy horse and loved the ground and trip. It's very possible he'll run again this season, but he needs fast ground."
Paddy Power gave the winner an opening show of 25-1 for the 2000 Guineas.
Former Ballydoyle Inmate Seville Wins Metropolitan Handicap
For Team Williams & Becomes 37th individual G1 winner for
Cristoforo Colombo gets his head in front at Dundalk (Healy Racing Photos)
Joseph O'Brien moved to within one of Mick Kinane’s record number of wins in an Irish flat season in Ireland when driving Cristoforo Colombo through to win in Dundalk.
Kinane had 114 winners in 1993 and O’Brien brought up number 113 this season on the 4/5 favourite trained by his father Aidan.
Once O’Brien sent him on to win this six furlong race with two to go, he had more than enough to keep Tennessee Wildcat (22/1) at bay. The latter came at him deep inside the final furlong, but went down by a length with Gary Carroll in the plate.
Joseph O’Brien said: “He’s a lovely horse. We spent all winter trying to get him to relax so he would get a mile. He didn’t get a mile at Newmarket.
“He got a break and we brought him back. He still doesn’t know how to sprint yet, but when the penny dropped today he quickened up well. He has a chance of making a decent sprinter.
“He still thinks he’s running over a mile and just relaxes too much early on.”
This was a step down in class for Cristoforo Colombo who this season had been fifth in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket in May and a close-up eighth in a Group 3 at the Curragh last month.
Last season, as a juvenile, he was second in the Group 2 Railway Stakes and fourth in the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes.
MV Magnier spoke after purchased €2,850,000 Montjeu colt also the news they hope to have Camelot and St Nicholas Abbey to stand at Coolmore Stud in Spring.
"He's a very good mover and all the lads thought he was an exceptional Montjeu," said Magnier. "It's plenty of money but obviously he's very well bred. Montjeu has been very good to us - they're not making them any more but hopefully we'll have two exciting sons, Camelot and St Nicholas Abbey, to stand for us next year."
MV Magnier also issued a positive update on St Nicholas Abbey.
"Hopefully he'll be standing with us next year," he said. "He still has a long road ahead but his recovery is now going well and [vet] John Halley is very happy with how he's doing. We're very grateful for the wonderful job the vets have done with him." thanks to JASON DOYLE
The latest shuffle of the pack for Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe sees 19 possibles stand their ground for the big race.
Aidan O'Brien has pulled Camelot and Kingbarns out of the contest, but stablemate Leading Light, the St Leger winner, is one of three supplemented into the line-up alongside Treve and the Czech-trained Meandre.
Outsiders Manndawi and Yellow And Green were the two other horses taken out of the contest at the final stage.
The Fugue, for whom doubts have been expressed by connections over the prospect of soft ground, has been taken out of the line-up for the Prix de l'Opera on the same card but remains engaged in the Arc.
Criquette Head-Maarek's Treve will be reunited with Thierry Jarnet after Frankie Dettori fractured his ankle at Nottingham on Wednesday and another veteran French pilot in Gerald Mosse has been booked to ride Leading Light.
Mosse has won big races all over the world, including the 1990 Arc on Saumarez, and is often used by British and Irish-based trainers looking to take advantage of his local knowledge of the tracks in France.
O'Brien was on the lookout for a new jockey for the St Leger winner as Joseph O'Brien would not be able to get down to 8st 11lb, the allocated weight for three-year-olds.
Ryan Moore is set to continue his partnership with O'Brien's Investec Derby winner Ruler Of The World.
Aidan O'Brien's first winner over jump since ISTABRAQ!!Carriganog
O'Brien back with a winner over the jumps
Thu 3rd Oct 2013, 15:45
A happy Robbie Power after winning on Carriganog (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien's first runner over jumps in a decade got the job done in style asCarriganog landed the Laganore Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.
Robbie Power did the steering on the Shantou gelding. A 9/2 shot, Carriganog, who'd shown promise in a couple of bumpers, led entering the straight and despite being a bit green before the last went on to comprehensively defeat Roman General by five lengths.
Power reported: "He'll improve a lot for the experience as he's still a big baby.
"We had him for about three weeks and we did most of the schooling with him. Aidan sent him up to us (Robbie and his father, the legendary Con) as he'd been a bit tricky in his bumpers.
"He was always good from day one – a natural to jump. He's a very nice horse, hopefully with a bright future."
The brilliant Istabraq, Theatreworld and Urabande are just some of the names that come to mind when one recalls O'Brien's glory days in the jumping sphere in the past. (TW & EM)
John Gosden's unbeaten 2000 Guineas favourite Kingman is a notable defector as a field of nine were declared for Sunday's Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp.
The Khalid Abdullah-owned juvenile was left in the seven-furlong contest at the forfeit stage earlier in the week, but connections have decided against making the trip to Paris with the leading Classic hope.
Kingman holds entries in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket on October 12 and the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on October 26.
There is still a strong British challenge in the line-up in the shape of Charlie Appleby's Godolphin runner Outstrip, second to Toormore at Goodwood and an impressive winner of the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster last month.
Richard Hannon is set to saddle Newbury maiden winner Barley Mow, while Aidan O'Brien relies on Wilshire Boulevard.
The field is completed by unbeaten Spanish runner Noozhoh Canarias, Freddie Head's Charm Spirit, Al Muthana, Another Party, Karakontie and Baby Foot.
The latest shuffle of the pack for Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe sees 19 possibles stand their ground for the big race.
Aidan O'Brien has pulled Camelot and Kingbarns out of the contest, but stablemate Leading Light, the St Leger winner, is one of three supplemented into the line-up alongside Treve and the Czech-trained Meandre.
Outsiders Manndawi and Yellow And Green were the two other horses taken out of the contest at the final stage.
The Fugue, for whom doubts have been expressed by connections over the prospect of soft ground, has been taken out of the line-up for the Prix de l'Opera on the same card but remains engaged in the Arc.
Leading Light expected to be added (Healy Racing Photos)
All bar one of the entries for Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe stood their ground at the latest forfeit stage.
The sole withdrawal was the German-trained Iniciar, which leaves a total of 20 possibles ahead of Thursday's supplementary stage.
Criquette Head-Maarek's Treve and the Aidan O'Brien-trained St Leger winner Leading Light are expected to be added to the field while connections of Meandre could also pay the 100,000 euros fee to join the Arc line up.
Final declarations for the race will be made on Friday morning.
Connections of Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe runners will need to brace themselves for potential rainfall close to Sunday's race.
A field of 21 horses stood their ground at the first forfeit stage, with the leading ante-post hopes still in the mix, while the likes of Treve and Leading Light are expected to be supplemented for €100,000 on Thursday.
The ground at the Paris course was reported as officially good to soft on Tuesday by the International Racing Bureau, and it will be generally warm and dry in the region until Friday night.
John Lee, a forecaster for MeteoGroup, said: "There is a chance of a shower but it is otherwise generally dry on Wednesday, and Thursday will have sunny periods with the chance of an isolated shower, but most areas are staying dry.
"There does appear to be an area of unsettled weather on Friday afternoon and early into Saturday.
"This includes the chance of thunder, which could bring a spell of heavy rain, although it looks at this stage as if this could disappear quite quickly. It will be mostly cloudy and dry after that.
"The temperatures are generally good, around 21C throughout the week during the day, which is above what is usually expected in early October."
Ground should not be a concern for Novellist, who has won on conditions ranging from good to firm to soft.
Trainer Andreas Wohler is confident his representative will strip much fitter than when winning at Baden Baden last time out.
Novellist is unbeaten this season, including three times at the highest level, but he really sprang to prominence when routing top-class opposition in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
Next time out in Germany he was nowhere near as impressive in seemingly weaker company, despite it being a Group One, but Wohler was using the race purely as a stepping stone.
Man-of-the-moment Johnny Murtagh was on board at Ascot and he will take over in the saddle once more at Longchamp.
"The horse is very well and he did his last piece of work (on Monday)," Wohler told At The Races.
"Everything has gone smooth and fine since his last race and hopefully it will for the next couple of days so we are looking forward to Sunday.
"He's a different type of horse since Baden Baden. It was a Group One race but we treated it as a prep race.
"A single-figure draw would be perfect, I don't think anybody would be happy with an outside draw.
"Johnny did everything right at Ascot, I spoke to him yesterday and he's really looking forward to it.
"He hasn't been to Germany to ride him but we've spoken a couple of times to keep him up to date.
"Orfevre couldn't be more impressive in his trial and he's a horse with a lot of class. We just need a bit of luck, like everybody."
Japanese runner Orfevre was denied victory in the dying strides of the race last year and he is primed to try his luck again after running an impressive trial when winning the Prix Foy.
He is set to be joined by fellow Japanese contender Kizuna, winner of the Prix Niel for trainer Shozo Sasaki.
Just behind Kizuna that day was Aidan O'Brien's Derby winner Ruler Of The World and he is one possible for Ballydoyle, along with last year's Derby winner Camelot and Racing Post Trophy winner Kingsbarns
Andre Fabre has left in Intello, Flintshire, Ocovango, Pirika and Penglai Pavilion, while Al Kazeem, Joshua Tree, The Fugue and Very Nice Name are other possibles.
Ballydoyle four-handed in bid for Prix de L'arc de Triomphe
LEADING Light looks set to join Ruler Of The World, Camelot and Kingsbarns for this weekend's meeting at Longchamp.
Leading Light and Joseph O'Brien
TRAINER Aidan O’Brien has confirmed Ladbrokes St Leger hero Leading Light will be supplemented for Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.
The Montjeu colt has displayed admirable versatility so far this year, winning twice over a mile and a quarter before stepping up to two miles to take the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot.
He came back to a mile and three-quarters to claim Classic glory at Doncaster earlier this month and will now pit his wits against the world’s top mile-and-a-half performers in France.
Ruler Of The World, Camelot and Kingsbarns are the other potential Ballydoyle runners.
O’Brien said: “We’ll get closer to the weekend (before knowing) about ground (conditions) because Camelot would only run if it was good or better.”
Roger Charlton’s Al Kazeem also remains on target after pleasing in a workout with Prix de l’Opera-bound stable companion Thistle Bird.
Ladbrokes: 2 Orfevre, 4 Treve, 6 Novellist, 8 Kizuna, 9 Flintshire, 10 Intello, Ruler Of The World, 12 Leading Light, 14 Al Kazeem, 16 Ocovango, 20 The Fugue, 33 bar.
St Nicholas Abbey winning this year's Investec Coronation Cup (Healy Racing Photos)
Veterinary surgeons treating St Nicholas Abbey in his recovery from a fractured pastern and then a bout of colic "couldn't be happier" with the former star middle-distance performer.
Aidan O'Brien's six-times Group One winner had to be retired after suffering the leg injury on the gallops at Ballydoyle when being prepared for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
A few days after surgery, the six-year-old contracted colic, and he had a further setback when it was discovered a steel weight-bearing pin in a cannon bone had broken.
However, recent reports have been upbeat and a tweet from Coolmore this afternoon read: "The surgeons at Fethard Equine Hospital couldn't be happier with St Nicholas Abbey's progress to date.
"Recently fitted with a lighter and less restrictive cast, he is more mobile and is putting more confident weight on the injured leg.
"St Nicholas Abbey's appetite is good and he continues to gain weight. His blood work remains stable and his medication has been much reduced."
Leading Light among four Aidan O'Brien horses for Arc
Updated: Monday, 30 Sep 2013 10:58 |
Leading Light (r) won the St Leger in Doncaster
Trainer Aidan O'Brien has confirmed Ladbrokes St Leger hero Leading Light will be supplemented for Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.
The Montjeu colt has displayed admirable versatility so far this year, winning twice over a mile and a quarter before stepping up to two miles to take the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot.
He came back to a mile and three-quarters to claim Classic glory at Doncaster earlier this month and will now pit his wits against the world's top mile-and-a-half performers in France.
Epsom Derby hero Ruler Of The World, Camelot and Kingsbarns are the other potential Ballydoyle representatives in the Arc.
"I think we're going to supplement the Leger horse and then obviously we'll get closer to the weekend (before knowing) about ground" - Aidan O'Brien
O'Brien told At The Races: "The four (Arc) horses are Ruler Of The World, Leading Light, Camelot and Kingsbarns.
"I think we're going to supplement the Leger horse and then obviously we'll get closer to the weekend (before knowing) about ground (conditions) because Camelot would only run if it was good or better.
"He (Leading Light) obviously hasn't done a lot (since Doncaster) - it's not that long ago - but everything he's done we've been happy with."
Roger Charlton's Al Kazeem also remains on target for Europe's premier middle-distance prize after pleasing in a workout with Prix de l'Opera-bound stable companion Thistle Bird over the weekend.
"They both worked well on Saturday morning over eight furlongs on our summer gallops, which are in fantastic condition," the Beckhampton trainer told his website, www.rogercharlton.com.
"Although Al Kazeem has had some tough races and on ground faster than he would have preferred, from what I can see he still retains his enthusiasm and his speed figures compared well on Saturday morning with his work before both the Prince of Wales's Stakes and the Eclipse.
"The Arc will be his seventh race of the season but only his 15th race spread over four seasons.
"It is never an exact science to know whether a horse has gone over the top or about to produce another high-class performance but the vibes are good.
"There is no disputing that this year's race is going to be contested by the best horses in Europe and two very smart colts from Japan.
"His class has enabled him to win his Group One races over ten furlongs but I also think he is capable of excelling over twelve furlongs as he did in the Jockey Club Stakes.
"We will need all the assistance we can get in Europe's most exciting race but some ease in the ground and going right handed will help him."
Trainer Aidan O'Brien has confirmed Ladbrokes St Leger hero Leading Light will be supplemented for Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Antepost: Leading Light 20/1
Leading Light: Will be supplemented for the Arc
The Montjeu colt has displayed admirable versatility so far this year, winning twice over a mile and a quarter before stepping up to two miles to take the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot.
He came back to a mile and three-quarters to claim Classic glory at Doncaster earlier this month and will now pit his wits against the world's top mile-and-a-half performers in France.
Profiles
Leading Light (IRE)
A P O'Brien
Epsom Derby hero Ruler Of The World, Camelot and Kingsbarns are the other potential Ballydoyle representatives in the Arc.
O'Brien told At The Races: "The four (Arc) horses are Ruler Of The World, Leading Light, Camelot and Kingsbarns.
"I think we're going to supplement the Leger horse and then obviously we'll get closer to the weekend (before knowing) about ground (conditions) because Camelot would only run if it was good or better.
"He (Leading Light) obviously hasn't done a lot (since Doncaster) - it's not that long ago - but everything he's done we've been happy with."
Say, a close third in the Matron Stakes, arrived at Keeneland late Saturday night and took up residence in the quarantine barn for her expected start in Saturday's $400,000 Grade 1 First Lady Stakes at the track.
Eye Of The Storm pictured winning at Listowel on his last start (Healy Racing Photos)
Eye Of The Storm got his revenge onMissunited as he took the last at the Curragh this afternoon, the Listed Loughbrown Stakes, providing Aidan and Joseph O’Brien with a double on the card.
The three-year-old son of Galileo finished second to Missunited in the Listed Oyster Stakes over a mile and a half at Galway earlier this month, but he gained revenge today over the longer trip of two miles.
He had since won the Listed Listowel Stakes, and he was sent off the 8/13 favourite (opened on-course at 9/10) to follow up here.< Missunited was sent off the 7/2 second favourite, and the Mick Winters trained mare attempted to make all under Seamie Heffernan, with the eventual winner settling towards the rear in sixth.
As they entered the straight Missunited stayed on the rail, while her rivals drifted wide, with Joseph O’Brien getting serious aboard the winner over two furlongs out.
The chestnut victor responded well to pressure, and he got on terms at the furlong pole, keeping on best from there to just edge ahead close home, winning by three parts of a length at the line.< Missunited took second, while Leah Claire ran a cracker, finishing just a length back in third under Danny Grant for Willie McCreeryat 20/1.
Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "We weren’t sure about the two miles but he got it well. He travelled well and I don’t think he needs to go that far.
"I’d say he is finished for the year now and he could make up into a cup horse next year.
"I think he got a kick as a foal which resulted in him losing an eye."
Geoffrey Chaucer and Joseph O'Brien on their way to victory, with Altruistic back in third (Healy Racing Photos)
Geoffrey Chaucer made it two from two as he took the feature race at the Curragh this afternoon, the Group 2 Juddmonte Beresford Stakes, for Aidan and Joseph O’Brien.
The son of Montjeu won his maiden at Leopardstown in July, beating Tarfasha(finished third in the Blenheim Stakes earlier) by a neck, and he was sent off the 4/7 favourite to follow up this afternoon.
Settled in fourth, the bay colt was pushed along two furlongs out, and he responded well to pressure, hitting the front around a furlong from home, keeping on well from there to score by a length and a quarter.
Oklahoma City made it a one, two for Aidan O’Brien, as he took second under Seamie Heffernan at 5/1, while Altruistic was three parts of a length back in third under trainer/jockey Johnny Murtagh.
Exogenesis was taken out of the contest this morning after been sold.
Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "He didn’t learn much in front the last day. We were hoping there would be more pace on today, which there was, and he was still a bit green when hit the front.
"If everything goes to plan he will go to Doncaster for the Racing Post Trophy."
O’Brien went on the talk about the runner-up, saying: "I knew he was crying out to go further and on pedigree there is plenty of stamina on the dam’s side.
"He is in the sales race at Newmarket and it is quite possible he could go there." <Geoffrey Chaucer is now a 16/1 for the Epsom Derby with Paddy Power, Boylesports and Ladbrokes.
The red-hot favourite Geoffrey Chaucer ran out a convincing winner of the Juddmonte Beresford Stakes at the Curragh.
Geoffrey Chaucer: Beresford winner
The 4/7 favourite stuck to his task well despite carrying his head awkwardly and knuckled down to record a one and a quarter length victory from stablemate Oklahoma City.The son of Montjeu was always travelling sweetly under Joseph O'Brien and took up the running from the long-time leader All Set To Go just over a furlong from home.
Geoffrey Chaucer's success means Aidan O'Brien has now trained the winner of the Beresford Stakes on 13 separate occasions, including the 2009 winner St Nicholas Abbey.
The trainer said: "He didn't learn much the first day and we were hoping there'd be more pace today, which there was.
"He learned nothing in front the first day, but I'd say he learned plenty today and he was still a bit green when he hit the front.
"If everything goes to plan, he'll go to Doncaster for the Racing Post Trophy (October 26)."
O'Brien was also pleased with the effort of the runner-up, adding: "I knew he was crying out to go further. In his pedigree there is plenty of stamina on the dam's side. He's in the sales race at Newmarket (£500,000 Tattersalls Millions 2YO Trophy, October 5) and that's a possibility."
His jockey was pleased with the way in which he ran and thought that he would come on again for the run.
"We've gone a nice clip there and he's shown that he's a nice horse - I think he'll go on from that," said Joseph O'Brien.
"There were only three runners on his first start and I had to make the running which wasn't ideal. We came here to learn and he's relaxed early which has helped. We hoped he'd learn a bit from this and I think he has.
"It rode like a good renewal of the race. I'd imagine he's up there with the best two-year-olds that we have and a race like the Racing Post Trophy could suit him.
"He'll have no problem with a mile and hopefully he'll go on and progress. I think he'll be better at three as he's a big horse and very raw at the moment. He's one to look forward to."
Royal Delta: winner of two Eclipse Awards during her career
PICTURE: Matt Wooley/EquiSport Photos
Galileo chosen as first cover for Royal Delta
BY BLOODSTOCK WORLD STAFF11:19AM 21 NOV 2013
DUAL Breeders' Cup heroine Royal Delta has been retired from racing and will visit champion sire Galileo in 2014.
The winner of 12 races in 22 starts - including six at the highest level - Royal Delta is only the second horse to record back-to-back wins in the Breeders' Cup Distaff following Bayakoa in 1989-90.
The five-year-old daughter of Empire Maker recorded her last win when landing Saratoga's Personal Ensign Handicap in August, just a month after blitzing her rivals in the Delaware Handicap by ten and three-quarter lengths.
Trained by Bill Mott throughout her four-campaign career, Royal Delta also took in two trips to Meydan where she contested the Dubai World Cup.
Originally raced by her breeder Prince Saud bin Khaled, after his death in 2011 Royal Delta was offered at the Keeneland November Breeding-Stock Sale where she was bought by her current owner Benjamin Leon Besilu Stables for $8,500,000.
Since that sale, she has won seven races - four at the highest level - and placed four times.
Royal Delta made her final start at Santa Anita when fourth to Beholder in this year's Breeders' Cup Distaff.
Making the announcement, Leon paid tribute to his dual Eclipse Award winner.
"I've had many great moments in my life but the joy and pleasure that Royal Delta has brought to me and my family is indescribable. She offered us the opportunity to enjoy wonderful places, people and experiences. She was a gift that allowed us many thrilling moments and we will be forever grateful.
"Retiring her was a tough decision especially given the fact that she looks as good as she does but we believe in doing what's in her best interest.
"I would like to give special thanks to her Hall of Fame trainer and my friend Bill Mott who has guided her through such a successful racing career and also to my friend, Mike Smith, her Hall of Fame rider. I am looking forward to our future and the new chapter in her life."
Mott added: "It's a credit to Mr Leon to run her not only after such a big purchase price, but again this year for a second season.
"Royal Delta will always have a warm spot in my heart as I trained her grandmother and her mother before her. It was special to get her back after the sale and it meant a great deal to all of us."
Royal Delta is one of three winners for the multiple Graded winner Delta Princess, a daughter of A.P. Indy out of the Nassau Stakes winner Lyphard's Delta - the dam of 11 winners from 11 runners, including top-flight scorers Indy Five Hundred and Biondetti.
Declaration Of War: four-year-old is a dual Group 1 winner
PICTURE: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)
War primed for stud career at €40,000
BY BLOODSTOCK WORLD STAFF 5:52PM 11 NOV 2013
DUAL Group 1 winner and Breeders' Cup Classic third Declaration Of War will command a first-season fee of €40,000 at Coolmore in Fethard next year.
The War Front four-year-old has been a model of consistency for Aidan O'Brien this year, competing in all the top races at a mile and a mile and a quarter with victories coming in the Queen Anne Stakes and Juddmonte International.
Fellow Coolmore newcomer and triple Classic winner Camelot has been introduced at €25,000, while St James's Palace Stakes scorer Most Improved will stand at €6,000.
Coolmore juggernaut Galileo, who is line to scoop his fifth champion sires' title, is listed as private, as has been the case since 2008.
Coolmore's kingpin has had another stellar year, courtesy of seven top-tier winners, including Derby hero Ruler Of The World as well as Breeders' Cup Turf and Irish 2,000 Guineas scorer Magician.
Fastnet Rock, whose fee in Australia this year was A$275,000, will also stand at a private fee.
First-season sire Mastercraftsman has made a blistering start to his stud career, with his cv already boasting a Group 1 winner in the form of Kingston Hill.
The Danehill Dancer stallion has had his fee increased by 180 per cent to a career-high €35,000.
Mastercraftsman's sire, Coolmore stalwart Danehill Dancer, has had his fee reduced from €40,000 to €25,000, his lowest fee since 2002.
High Chaparral, sire of this season's Sussex Stakes winner Toronado, has had his fee raised to €30,000 from €25,000.
The other Coolmore residents to have incurred fee rises are Choisir, sire of last month's Queen Elizabeth II scorer Olympic Glory (up to €12,500 from €10,000), and young Galileo stallion Rip Van Winkle, whose yearlings have been well received at this autumn's round of sales averaging 67,368gns (up to €20,000 from €17,500).
Henrythenavigator, who achieved the feat of siring back-to-back Phoenix Stakes winners when Sudirman scored at the Curragh in August, will also command a lower fee (down to €25,000 from €30,000) as will Rock Of Gibraltar, the sire of Sunday's Criterium International winner Prince Gibraltar (down to €12,500 from €17,500).
Duke Of Marmalade, the sire of high-class mare Venus De Milo, is down to €10,000 from €12,500.
Excelebration, Power, Requinto and So You Think, who are all entering their second season at Coolmore, have had small fee reductions, as have Canford Cliffs and Pour Moi, whose first foals will be up for grabs at Goffs next week.
Thewayyouare has also had his fee cut from €5,000 to €4,000.
Fees for Alfred Nobel, Dylan Thomas, Footstep-sinthesand, Peintre Celebre, Yeats and Zoffany all remain unchanged for 2014.
Coolmore Ireland Fees 2014 - Magician Ruler Of The World & Kingsbarns kept in training Camelot Dec of War & Most improved NEW St Nic will be added on recovery but probably 2015 now to give him all the time he needs to recover looks like Aidan will have an incredibly strong team of older horses next season alot to look forward to.
Mark Johnston's Hartnell fared best of the overseas contingent as he finished third behind Prince Gibraltar in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud.
Joe Fanning had travelled over to France to ride Hartnell, a most impressive winner at Newmarket last week, but he was ultimately no match for the easy winner.
Prince Gibraltar, who was having just his third start and first run for Jean-Claude Rouget, sprinted five lengths clear of Bereni Ka to take the Group One event under Christophe Soumillon .
Aidan O'Brien's Mekong River (2/1fav), previously unbeaten in four starts and a winner at Leopardstown last Sunday, came home in fourth under Seamie Heffernan.
Roger Charlton's Laugharne was sixth but Clive Cox's Shankly was well beaten.
Speaking at Doncaster, Johnston's wife Deirdre said: "We're very pleased, I didn't see the race but to finish third in a Group One justifies the decision to supplement him. It cost €15,000 so we've got that back and more."
Unbeaten MEKONG RIVER represents Aidan O'Brien in the CRITERIUM DE SAINT-CLOUD (Group 1) for 2yo he will wear Blinkers Seamie Heffernan takes ride tomorrow at 1230pm St Cloud.
Awesome Maria: the early session-topper at Keeneland on Tuesday
PICTURE: Joe Ganley/Equisport Photos
Maria fetches awesome fee from Coolmore
BY MICHELE MACDONALD7:45PM 5 NOV 2013
MARES from the E. Paul Robsham Stables' breeding stock dispersal proved hot commodities in the opening hours of Keeneland's November breeding stock sale on Tuesday, with speedy Grade 1 winner Awesome Maria topping the action after a winning bid of $4 million from the Coolmore team.
MV Magnier signed the ticket and saluted the six-year-old grey daughter of Maria's Mon out of the Awesome Again mare Discreetly Awesome, a half-sister to Robsham-bred Grade 1 winners Discreet Cat and Discreetly Mine.
"She deserved to make that price, she was the best mare," said Magnier. "It's good to see horses making prices like that. She is a lovely mare, a very good racehorse and comes from a fantastic family plus she's in foal to Giant's Causeway.
Pedro The Great: Group 1 winner is a half-brother to Footstepsinthesand
PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)
Phoenix Stakes winner Pedro to stand in France
BY BLOODSTOCK WORLD STAFF10:39AM 4 NOV 2013
LAST year's Phoenix Stakes winner Pedro The Great will begin his stallion career at the Haras de la Haie Neuve in France next year.
He is the second Group/Grade 1-winning first-crop son of Henrythenavigator to retire to stud in France next year after Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf scorer George Vancouver, who will stand at Haras de la Hetraie.
A half-brother to 2,000 Guineas hero Footstepsinthesand, Pedro The Great was purchased by John Magnier for 150,000gns at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.
He raced five times for Aidan O'Brien, winning a Leopardstown maiden on his second start and springing a surprise with victory over Leitir Mor in the Phoenix Stakes two runs later.
The deal to stand Pedro The Great in France was brokered by Emmanuel de Seroux.
He will be syndicated for €10,000 a share, which entitles the holder to two covers in the first year and another two in the second.
His stud fee will be advertised at €3,000.
Mekong River powers clear in Leopardstown (Healy Racing Photos)
Mekong River continued his unbeaten record when stepping up to Listed level in Leopardstown and gave Aidan O’Brien and Seamie Heffernan a treble on the day.
The Galileo colt, in first-time blinkers, bounced out smartly to lead in the mile and one Eyrefield Stakes. Heffernan asked him for more round the home turn and the pair opened up and pulled five lengths clear inside the last furlong. He hit the line six and a half lengths to the good and justified 4/6 favouritism.
Seamie Heffernan said: “He is tough. I was asked to find out a bit about him. He will be a good spin in the Group 1 at Saint-Cloud [the Criterium de Saint-Cloud].
"He is a bit lazy at home but he has improved from run to run. You’d have to be happy with him, he ran hard and fast the whole way and I’m delighted to get the leg up on these.”
Achnaha at 20/1 went past Mandatario and tried to pursue the all-the-way winner, but was never within reach.
Mekong River’s three previous wins included a maiden and two nurseries. He was awarded the maiden in the stewards room after suffering interference from Green Tag in Gowran Park.
Francis Of Assisi gets the better of Big Break in Leopardstown (Healy Racing Photos)
When Pat Smullen’s distinctive pink cap was seen cutting through the field to lead on Big Break in the Listed Knockaire Stakes, favourite backers must have been getting ready to collect but they were foiled by Francis Of Assisi’s power-packed finish.
Seamie Heffernan again was seen to good effect bringing his mount through on the outer to nail the favourite and win by a length and a half at odds of 9/2 in this seven-furlong event. He had been 13/2 this morning so didn't go unbacked.
This brought up a Foxrock double for Aidan O’Brien and Seamie Heffernan.
"He had some very good form on soft ground, but he disappointed at the Curragh the last day as he didn't enjoy the ground. He has been working nicely and he will be back next year," Seamie Heffernan said.
Big Break, the runner up was returned at 2/1. She was two and a quarter lengths in front of 33/1 outsider Pop Art in third.
Francis Of Assisi was returning to form after finishing 18th in the Cambridgeshire on good to firm ground. Prior to that he won a six furlong maiden in Naas when the going was heavy.
Blue Hussar times his challenge well in Leopardstown (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O’Brien has a great record in the juvenile seven furlong colts and geldings maiden on this card at Leopardstown and those who did their homework would have been on Blue Hussar, the 7/2 joint favourite, on his debut.
Seamie Heffernan produced the son of Montjeu down the outside in the final furlong and he mowed down the three leaders to win by three parts of a length.
Screenshot, who raced prominently, came in second for Willie McCreery and Ben Curtis at 9/1, a head in front of Rousayan (9/2). The other 7/2 favourite, Streetcar To Stars, finished eighth of the 14 runners.
Seamie Heffernan reported: “He was the best horse in the race. I was told to take my time on him and he won well in the end. He is a Montjeu with a lot of ability and hopefully he will progress.”
Stan James
Join Stan James today and receive a £10 free matched bet – Best Odds Guaranteed UK and Irish Racing.
Magician rocketed to a sensational victory in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita as Aidan O'Brien's charge flew home to snatch victory from The Fugue in the shadow of the post.
Ryan Moore was at his coolest as he sat towards the rear in the mile-and-a-half contest on the Irish 2,000 Guineas winner, with William Buick bowling along in mid-division on John Gosden's The Fugue, enjoying a perfect passage aboard the Irish Champion Stakes heroine.
Buick appeared to have all bases covered when hitting the front from last year's winner Little Mike, and although Moore began to weave his way through on Magician he had plenty of ground to make up, but he had timed it to perfection, arriving in the nick of time as the line loomed, getting up to win by half a length.
Magician had not run since Royal Ascot, and O'Brien was immediately on the telephone to Coolmore partner Michael Tabor, congratulating him for suggesting that the winner moved up to a mile and a half from a mile.
Winning the race for the fourth time, O'Brien said: "Ryan gave him a wonderful ride - a big 'well done' to everyone involved, and especially to the lads for letting me move him up to this trip.
"The week before Ascot he knocked a hind leg in the stable and the trainer had the great idea to put him in the spa. He'd almost gone through his full swim when a sparrow flew in the door and between his ears, which caused him to jump out and bruise both his front legs.
"I probably shouldn't have run him at Ascot (St James's Palace), it was one of those freak things, but when Camelot had a setback a couple of weeks ago we were able to reroute Magician to this race off his long break.
"I've had some great horses (win the race), but this one is a bit different in that he is a Classic winner over a mile. The icing on the cake is that he is by Galileo, who is the most incredible stallion I shall ever have anything to do with. Hopefully he'll come back next year."
Moore, riding his second winner of the night after Dank in the Filly & Mare Turf, was quick to pay tribute to both the winner and connections.
He said: "He's a very talented horse. I rode him at the start of the year and he was a little bit babyish but he came out and won an Irish Guineas, then he had a problem and it's a massive performance, a lot of credit has to go to the horse and obviously the staff at home.
"I had him in a lovely rhythm, nice and relaxed and I think he must be one of the best horses I've ever ridden. He's got an awful lot of speed, and even though we had to come wide he really picked up."
Defeat was too much for Buick - who was unlucky on The Fugue in the Filly & Mare last year - and he was in an emotional state when led back to the jockeys' room by owner Lady Lloyd Webber.
Gosden said: "It is understandable how William feels, you have got the race won and then you get caught late, but I guess that is racing.
"He did everything right, but Aidan's horse came wide and was having its first run since June, which made him difficult to assess. But I was delighted with the way my filly ran and hopefully she will come back next year."
Magician rocketed to a sensational victory in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita as Aidan O'Brien's charge flew home to snatch victory from The Fugue in the shadow of the post.
Future Flat Races. Click here to bet.
Magician: Remarkable winner of the Breeders' Cup Turf
Related Content
Live horse racing results
Racecards and form
Latest non-runners
Latest video form
Free £5 bet every week
Ryan Moore was at his coolest as he sat towards the rear in the mile-and-a-half contest on the Irish 2,000 Guineas winner, with William Buick bowling along in mid-division on John Gosden's The Fugue, enjoying a perfect passage aboard the Irish Champion Stakes heroine.
Buick appeared to have all bases covered when hitting the front from last year's winner Little Mike, and although Moore began to weave his way through on Magician he had plenty of ground to make up.
O'Brien's colt still looked to have it all to do approaching the business end, but Moore had timed it to perfection, arriving in the nick of time as the line loomed, getting up to win by half a length.
Winning the race for the fourth time, O'Brien said: "Ryan gave him a wonderful ride - a big 'well done' to everyone involved, and especially to the lads for letting me move him up to this trip.
"The week before Ascot he knocked a hind leg in the stable and the trainer had the great idea to put him in the spa. He'd almost gone through his full swim when a sparrow flew in the door and between his ears, which caused him to jump out and bruise both his front legs.
"I probably shouldn't have run him at Ascot (St James's Palace), it was one of those freak things, but when Camelot had a setback a couple of weeks ago we were able to reroute Magician to this race off his long break.
"I've had some great horses (win the race), but this one is a bit different in that he is a Classic winner over a mile. The icing on the cake is that he is by Galileo, who is the most incredible stallion I shall ever have anything to do with. Hopefully he'll come back next year."
Moore, riding his second winner of the night after Dank in the Filly & Mare Turf, was quick to pay tribute to both the winner and connections.
He said: "He's a very talented horse. I rode him at the start of the year and he was a little bit babyish but he came out and won an Irish Guineas, then he had a problem and it's a massive performance, a lot of credit has to go to the horse and obviously the staff at home.
"I had him in a lovely rhythm, nice and relaxed and I think he must be one of the best horses I've ever ridden.
"He's got an awful lot of speed, and even though we had to come wide he really picked up."
Defeat was too much for Buick - who was unlucky on The Fugue in the Filly & Mare last year - and he was in an emotional state when led back to the jockeys' room by owner Lady Lloyd Webber.
Gosden said: "It is understandable how William feels, you have got the race won and then you get caught late, but I guess that is racing.
"He did everything right, but Aidan's horse came wide and was having its first run since June, which made him difficult to assess. But I was delighted with the way my filly ran and hopefully she will come back next year."
Declaration Of War at Santa Anita (Healy Racing Photos)
Mucho Macho Man, trained by Katherine Ritvo and ridden by Gary Stevens, won the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita.
In a pulsating renewal of America's richest race, Aidan O'Brien's Declaration Of War ran a huge race to be a close third in a virtual blanket finish, with Will Take Charge just denied in second as Mucho Macho Man hung on to give 50-year-old Stevens a first win in the Classic.
Ritvo, meanwhile, was becoming the first lady to train a Classic victor.
Stevens' mount moved powerfully into contention at the top of the stretch as last year's winner Fort Larned cried enough, but Will Take Charge rattled home with Declaration Of War staying on again for Joseph O'Brien and it was desperately close at the line.
Mucho Macho Man, second 12 months ago, held on by a nose and a head, to complete a fairytale for Stevens, who only returned to race-riding this year after retirement which had seen him take up acting and punditry roles.
He said: "This is a dream come true. I've always said this was the one race missing from my career. I didn't think I'd get one, and I sure didn't think it would come in 2013."
Aidan O'Brien said of Declaration Of War, who will now be retired: "It was a fantastic run, and it just goes to show how tough it is in the Classic. All credit to the lads for sending him over here.
"He jumped well. Joseph got a good position on the turn and he fought all the way to the line at the end. It was an incredible run and we are delighted.
"I thought Joseph did everything perfectly, it was a copybook ride really and the horse still kept coming and coming at the end.
"To do that on his first run on dirt was fantastic, but he is off to stud now and will make some stallion. He's one of the best-looking horses I've ever trained. He has speed, together with strength, which are great assets, as well as a fine constitution. All these things will serve him well when he takes up stallion duties."
Mucho Macho Man wins thrilling Breeders' Cup Classic
Last Updated: November 3, 2013 8:30am
Share:
0
0
A stunned Gary Stevens reacts to Mucho Macho Man's win in the Classic
Mucho Macho Man registered an emotional victory in a pulsating Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita.
Winning trainer Kathy Ritvo, a heart transplant survivor, became the first woman to train the winner of the race while success also capped a remarkable comeback for the man in the saddle, Gary Stevens.
He needed all his experience to nurse the five-year-old home as he was challenged by Will Take Charge and Declaration Of War in a thrilling final furlong.
The line came in the nick of time for Mucho Macho Man with Will Take Charge closing fast. A nose separated the pair at the line with Declaration Of War only a head away in third.
Stevens said: "This is a dream come true. I've always said this was the one race missing from my career. I didn't think I'd get one, and I sure didn't think it would come in 2013."
Ritvo said: "I'm happier for my horse. He deserves it. When Gary (Stevens) waved the stick, I figured he won. He got a great trip. Gary did a fantastic job. When he used 'Macho,' 'Macho' showed up. He is a good horse. I'm excited. If I didn't have the support of my family, I wouldn't be here."
The trainer of the runner-up, Wayne Lukas, said: "It's a heartbreak to lose one like that. He was after him, closed on him and did everything right."
Will Take Charge's jockey, Luis Saez, said: "We had a good trip. Every time I ride this horse he's always very steady early in the race, when you turn for home, he's a totally different horse. In the stretch, the 8 horse (Palace Malice) drifted out a bit and that forced me even wider and yes, it probably cost me the race."
Aidan O'Brien said of Declaration Of War, who will now be retired: "It was a fantastic run, and it just goes to show how tough it is in the Classic. All credit to the lads for sending him over here.
"He jumped well. Joseph got a good position on the turn and he fought all the way to the line at the end. It was an incredible run and we are delighted.
"I thought Joseph did everything perfectly, it was a copybook ride really and the horse still kept coming and coming at the end.
"To do that on his first run on dirt was fantastic, but he is off to stud now and will make some stallion. He's one of the best-looking horses I've ever trained. He has speed, together with strength, which are great assets, as well as a fine constitution. All these things will serve him well when he takes up stallion duties."
Joseph O'Brien said: "He's run a great race. It took him about a furlong to settle and then he got into a lovely rhythm. I had to wait a little bit for the gap to come at the head of the stretch, but he ran on really well and I have no complaints."
Magician rocketed to a sensational victory in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita as Aidan O'Brien's charge flew home to snatch victory from The Fugue in the shadow of the post.
Ryan Moore was at his coolest as he sat towards the rear in the mile-and-a-half contest on the Irish 2,000 Guineas winner, with William Buick bowling along in mid-division on John Gosden's The Fugue, enjoying a perfect passage aboard the Irish Champion Stakes heroine.
Buick appeared to have all bases covered when hitting the front from last year's winner Little Mike, and although Moore began to weave his way through on Magician he had plenty of ground to make up.
O'Brien's colt still looked to have it all to do approaching the business end, but Moore had timed it to perfection, arriving in the nick of time as the line loomed, getting up to win by half a length.
Winning the race for the fourth time, O'Brien said: "Ryan gave him a wonderful ride - a big 'well done' to everyone involved, and especially to the lads for letting me move him up to this trip.
"The week before Ascot he knocked a hind leg in the stable and the trainer had the great idea to put him in the spa. He'd almost gone through his full swim when a sparrow flew in the door and between his ears, which caused him to jump out and bruise both his front legs.
"I probably shouldn't have run him at Ascot (St James's Palace), it was one of those freak things, but when Camelot had a setback a couple of weeks ago we were able to reroute Magician to this race off his long break.
"I've had some great horses (win the race), but this one is a bit different in that he is a Classic winner over a mile. The icing on the cake is that he is by Galileo, who is the most incredible stallion I shall ever have anything to do with. Hopefully he'll come back next year."
Moore, riding his second winner of the night after Dank in the Filly & Mare Turf, was quick to pay tribute to both the winner and connections.
He said: "He's a very talented horse. I rode him at the start of the year and he was a little bit babyish but he came out and won an Irish Guineas, then he had a problem and it's a massive performance, a lot of credit has to go to the horse and obviously the staff at home.
"I had him in a lovely rhythm, nice and relaxed and I think he must be one of the best horses I've ever ridden.
"He's got an awful lot of speed, and even though we had to come wide he really picked up."
Defeat was too much for Buick - who was unlucky on The Fugue in the Filly & Mare last year - and he was in an emotional state when led back to the jockeys' room by owner Lady Lloyd Webber.
Gosden said: "It is understandable how William feels, you have got the race won and then you get caught late, but I guess that is racing.
"He did everything right, but Aidan's horse came wide and was having its first run since June, which made him difficult to assess. But I was delighted with the way my filly ran and hopefully she will come back next year."
Giovanni Boldini pictured winning at Dundalk (Healy Racing Photos)
Outstrip, trained in Newmarket for Godolphin by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Mike Smith, narrowly beat Aidan O'Brien's Giovanni Boldini to win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita.
Bobby's Kitten set a blistering early pace and swung into the straight still with an advantage but with Ryan Moore and Giovanni Boldini in hot pursuit.
Dundalk winner Giovanni Boldini got the better of Bobby's Kitten, but Mike Smith was all the while winding Dewhurst third Outstrip up and once engaging top gear he mowed the front two down close home for a scintillating success.
Aidan O'Brien's Giovanni Boldini was beaten on the line at Santa Anita
Outstrip, trained in Newmarket for Godolphin by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Mike Smith, narrowly beat Aidan O'Brien's Giovanni Boldini to win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita.
Bobby's Kitten set a blistering early pace and swung into the straight still with an advantage but with Ryan Moore and Giovanni Boldini in hot pursuit.
Dundalk winner Giovanni Boldini got the better of Bobby's Kitten, but Mike Smith was all the while winding Dewhurst third Outstrip up and once engaging top gear he mowed the front two down close home for a scintillating success.
Declaration Of War having a gallop at Santa Anita (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien believes Declaration Of War represents possibly his best ever chance of finally claiming victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Saturday.
Given the prestigious 10-furlong Group One affair is generally run on dirt, it is no surprise European challengers have struggled to make a significant impact as they are neither bred for or have experience of tackling such underfoot conditions.
John Gosden's Raven's Pass gave the Europeans a one-two in beating O'Brien's Henrythenavigator in the 2008 renewal, although that was the year the race was run on a synthetic surface rather than dirt. Andre Fabre's Arcangues in 1993 remains the only other European-trained winner.
O'Brien's much-loved 'Iron horse' Giant's Causeway came closer than most have managed to clinching the race on dirt in 2000, going down by a neck to Tiznow, and the master of Ballydoyle believes his latest challenger has even better credentials.
An American-bred four-year-old and briefly trained in the States by Todd Pletcher last year, Declaration Of War has shown his class by claiming the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot and the Juddmonte International at York in Europe this year.
He gave O'Brien further confidence when working on the Fibresand at Southwell recently, and pleased in a spin under former jump jockey Dean Gallagher on the Santa Anita track this morning. Joseph O'Brien watched on from aboard a pony.
The trainer said: "I was happy with everything this morning, the horses went round just to stretch their legs.
"I think Declaration Of War is different to any of the horses I've run in the Classic, as he has a different profile. We took him to Southwell two weeks ago because that surface is as close to American dirt in terms of the kickback.
"In that work he followed two Group One winners over a mile, sat in behind them and then quickened up to go clear and he was visually very impressive. We did the same before Giant's Causeway went for the Classic but he didn't pull away like this one did.
"Declaration Of War likes to get up there in behind horses and was on the heels of the two in front of him. This horse is by War Front and has Dynaformer in his pedigree and we felt he would have no problem in going back to six furlongs after he won the Queen Anne, but to show how versatile he is he ran over an open mile and a quarter and a half at York and got the trip well.
"The question on Saturday will be how he handles the kickback.
"He had a setback when he was trained in America and we did think about bringing him out for the Classic last year but decided it wouldn't have been fair on him mentally. But now he is more mentally and physically ready than before, he's got a fantastic constitution and I think he has got more speed than Giant's Causeway, who was a horse that could get lazy in his races. This horse is not (lazy).
"It will be Joseph's first ride on dirt at the Breeders' Cup and another first for him, but no one knows the horse better. He's a big powerful horse, and he has been in full work all the time this year. We've kept him busy and we are very pleased with him."
O'Brien was also positive about the chances of Magician, who steps up to a mile and a half for the first time in the Breeders' Cup Turf.
Winner of the Dee Stakes at Chester before running away with the Irish 2,000 Guineas, the three-year-old has not been seen since finishing last of nine in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.
O'Brien said: "He got a knock before Ascot when he jumped out of the spa and bruised his front legs, and on reflection Ascot was a little bit too quick after what happened.
"He's been ready to run again for a good while and when we couldn't bring Camelot (now retired) we decided that we would try Magician.
"Ryan (Moore) thought he was a Derby horse when he won on him at Chester and for the mile and a half race you want a horse that has stayed a mile and a quarter well, although it is a little bit of a concern that he is drawn wide."
LEFT > Team O'Brien > Declaration of War Magician Giovanni Boldini Wilshire Boulevard & Cristoforo Colombo clear quarantine ready for a workout and last minute preparations
RIGHT > Declaration of War on the Santa Anita track ready for Saturdays Breeders Cup Classic
Sure Reef gets off the mark - Shield stays on into 2nd
By Michael Graham
Sure Reef, With Shield far right in JP McManus colours (Healy Racing Photos)
Sure Reef was brought through to challengeAkorakor at the last and the four-year-old stayed on strongly in the last 200 yards to land the opening maiden hurdle in Leopardstown.
SHIELD (4/1) kept on well to grab second For Aidan O'Brien from Akorakor by a length It was Shields 7th run in National Hunt But his 1st in the JP McManus colours and it was another solid performance from the 4yo Bay Gelding.
......The two Champion A.P's double up to take victory in the opener ...............................Leopardstown RC with Plinth
Great Photo from my Friends Healy Racing Photos of Plinth winning
the 1220 at Leopardstown for Aidan AP McCoy & JP McManus
Plinth gets up to deny the favorite Grozny
By Donal Murphy
The Aidan O’Brien trained PLINTH got up in the dying strides to claim the opener at Leopardstown this afternoon, the Paddy Power iPad App 3yo Maiden Hurdle.
The son of Montjeu, who was one from nine on the level, was making his hurdling debut here, and he was sent off a 3/1 chance under Tony McCoy in the silks of JP McManus.
Despite making a mistake at the last, the bay gelding kept on best on the run-in, getting up close home to deny the even money favorite Ivan Grozny, for Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins by a head.
Moss Street under Bobby McNally for Gordon Elliott finished a further length and a half back in third at 14/1.
APOB said afterwards: "He is a horse that JP always liked and it was a lovely first run (over hurdles).
"He was a little bit green but he quicken up well. He has had a spell up with Con and Robbie Power (to help with his jumping) and it is nice to have a winner here for JP."
Afterwards Boylesports introduced both PLINTH and Ivan Gronzy at 25/1 for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.
Craftsman (IRE) winner of the Killavullen Stakes for AOB with Hussey aboard last time out has been sold to an American partnership called Eclipse Thoroughbreds. Will now be trained by Simon Callaghan.
Recital is new to Coolmore’s National Hunt Roster for 2014
(23rd December 2013)
Montjeu’s Gr.1 winning 2yo Recital will retire to stand at the Beeches Stud for a fee of €2,500. Winner of the Criterium de Saint-Cloud-Gr.1 by 5 lengths as a 2yo he went on to land the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial-Gr.2 the following spring. A very good looking individual he cost €750,000 as a yearling.
It’s worth noting that previous Criterium de Saint Cloud winners include Darshaan, Pistolet Bleu and Poliglote while the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial has been won by Sadler’s Wells, Theatrical, Sinndar, Galileo, High Chaparral and Yeats.
Recital’s pedigree is also of the highest quality. His full-brother Corre Caminos won the 10f. Prix Ganay-Gr.1 by 5 lengths and his half-brother Racinger won the Prix du Muguet-Gr.2 over a mile. His grandam was a Classic placed Group winner in France and this is also the family of champion French 2yo filly Princesse Lida.
“Recital is a fine looking horse and like the brilliant champion hurdler Hurricane Fly, he is by Montjeu from a Kenmare line mare. Gr.1 winning 2yo’s by Montjeu are doing very well at stud and Recital also comes from a top-class French family. He’s a very exciting prospect.” said Robert McCarthy of the Beeches Stud.
Declaration of War powering his way to Juddmonte International Stakes glory at York. Image copyright of Laurence Squire.
As a three-year-old, Declaration of War was considered classy, but not overly flashy. A victory in the Group 3 Diamond Stakes last year set up the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt for an exciting career at four. However, he would go on to further surpass his connections’ expectations in 2013.
On his seasonal reappearance, Declaration of War won the Listed Heritage Stakes at Leopardstown comfortably. The victory indicated that the son of War Front could be a candidate for the Champions Series’ Mile and Middle Distance divisions, with the JLT Lockinge Stakes at Newbury particularly in mind.
Despite favouritism at the West Berkshire track, Declaration of War, for one reason or another, did not perform to his best on his British debut, ending up 11 and a half lengths behind the future QIPCO Champion Stakes victor, Farhh.
However, the performance did not deter connections.
The Coolmore-owned colt was then aimed at the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, where he excelled on the grandest stage of them all.
With a surging run under jockey Joseph O’Brien, Declaration of War stretched three quarters of a length clear of Aljamaaheer to take the Group 1 prize, with eventual Etihad Airways Falmouth Stakes winner, Elusive Kate, three and a quarter lengths back in fourth.
O’Brien would go on to take the four-year-old to Sandown Park for the Coral-Eclipse, finishing second to Roger Charlton’s Al Kazeem, and then to Glorious Goodwood, claiming third place behind Toronado and Dawn Approach in the famous ‘Duel on the Downs’ clash in the QIPCO Sussex Stakes.
It was at York, though, that Declaration of War fully demonstrated why his connections were confident in him.
With Toronado and Al Kazeem both in contention for the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes, it was the Queen Anne champion that soared clear on the Knavesmire, beating Jim Bolger’s Irish Derby winner Trading Leather by one and a quarter lengths.
Declaration of War would go on to finish a narrow third in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita, before now being retired to Coolmore’s Co. Tipperary-based stud in Ireland.
The two-time British Champion Series champion is set to stand alongside the world’s best stallions, including Galileo, High Chaparral and Holy Roman Emperor.
Camelot heading to post before winning the QIPCO 2000 Guineas. Image copyright of Racingfotos.com
Enthusiastically glorified as a future champion as soon as he set his hooves in Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle stable, Camelot was always expected to deliver for his eager connections.
His owners, Coolmore, had held back the rights to use his name for ten years, hoping that the horse to eventually don the name of the Arthurian paradise was a superstar. He proved to be just that.
After winning the Racing Post Trophy impressively, the son of Montjeu entered the 2012 British Flat season with a weight of expectancy on his shoulders to perform.
In the QIPCO 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, jockey Joseph O’Brien produced a perfectly-timed ride to help Camelot claim his first Classic success, beating French Fifteen by a neck.
With one British Classic under the belt, and with a pedigree to suggest that he would relish running over further than a mile, the logical next step was a tilt at the Investec Derby.
Being sent off odds-on at Epsom’s famously difficult and undulating track, Camelot cruised to a five-length success to claim the British Flat season showpiece.
The victory meant that an historical bid to be the first horse since Nijinsky in 1970 to take the prestigious British Triple Crown was still on the cards.
A triumph in the Doncaster St Leger would seal his place in history alongside the Vincent O’Brien-trained legend, Gainsborough and Gay Crusader.
However, before running in Yorkshire, Camelot would head to The Curragh to tackle the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.
In slightly more testing fashion, he defeated Born To Sea by two-lengths, registering his third Classic win of the campaign.
The victory for Camelot would maintain his unbeaten record on the track.
Though, that record would sadly go at Doncaster.
Heavily backed at odds-on to enter racing folklore, Camelot succumbed to the staying power of Godolphin’s Encke, who beat him by three quarters of a length.
The disappointment at Doncaster meant that the first British Triple Crown in over 40 years was not meant to be.
After a failed attempt in the 2012 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe to conclude 2012, Camelot would go on to win once more in his career, as a four-year-old, in the Group 3 Mooresbridge Stakes.
As of next season, Coolmore Stud, in Ireland, will be where he will stand as a stallion, along with the likes of Galileo, High Chaparral and new recruit St Nicholas Abbey.
Connections will be hoping he is as successful at stud as his multiple Group 1-producing father.
ST NICHOLAS ABBEY, who made history at Epsom in June when becoming the only horse to win three Coronation Cups, was reported to be in "great form" on Tuesday as the six-year-old continues to battle against a fractured pastern.
The six-time Group 1 winner suffered his injury while preparing for the King George in July and last month met with a significant setback when his left foot contracted laminitis - an inflammation of sensitive layers of tissue inside the hoof - a condition that was described as "life threatening" by his owners.
While he remains at risk from the disease, the latest bulletin issued by Coolmore is far more upbeat.
He remains in great form despite the ongoing complications of laminitis and he's walking as good as can be expected," Coolmore said in an update.
The statement added: "We would hope to see progress in the laminitic foot over the next few weeks (hoping that he continues to grow the hoof), if this happens rehabilitation of the fractured leg can then progress."
Trained a record 135 flat winners in Ireland (beating the previous highest total of 125 which Jim Bolger recorded in 1990) including a tally of 9 Grade One winners worldwide. Ruler Of The World gave him his fourth Epsom Derby success in June while another English Classic was annexed with Leading Light in the St Leger at Doncaster in September. Declaration Of War was a top class individual who landed the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Juddmonte International Stakes at York before going down in a tight three-way photo in the Breeders Cup Classic at Santa Anita in November. Magician was his 9th Irish 2000 Guineas winner in May before rounding off another wonderful year with a memorable success in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, which was possibly the training performance of the year as the horse had not raced since finishing down the field at Royal Ascot in June, and War Command cemented his place as a leading contender for next year’s Classics after taking the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
JOSEPH O’BRIEN
Smashed the record for most number of winners in a season with a final total of 126 in Ireland (comfortably beating Michael Kinane’s previous record score of 115 which was set in 1993) thus enabling him to be Crowned Champion Flat Jockey for the second consecutive year. Joseph also became the first jockey to ride the winner of the Irish 2000 Guineas on three consecutive occasions when Magician triumphed at the Curragh in late May, while he rode three Royal Ascot winners (Queen Anne Stakes on Declaration Of War, Jersey Stakes on Gale Force Ten and Queen’s Vase on Leading Light). Other notable victories at the highest level included The Juddmonte International on Declaration Of War, The Dewhurst Stakes on War Command and the English St Leger on Leading Light to round off a truly memorable year.
Urticaire, a five-time winner in French bumpers, got her jumping career off to a great start for new connections when taking the Dunmoe Mares Maiden Hurdle in tremendous style.
Beach of Falesa Ran Ok The bay filly was Rear of mid-
division on inner and pulled
hard early, soon towards
rear, headway into 7th 3
out, soon ridden, 5th next,
went 3rd at last, no extra
run-in and dropped to 4th
close home A solid
National Hunt Debut .
Urticaire clears the last for an easy win (Healy Racing Photos)
Nephrite (blue and orange silks) wins the Killavullan Stakes
PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)
Nephrite to stand at Park Stud in Canada
BY ASHLEY REDMOND12:37PM 1 DEC 2013
NEPHRITE, who took the scalp of Born To Sea when he won the Killavullan Stakes in 2011, has been retired to stand at Michael and Laurel Byrne's Park Stud in Canada for the 2014 breeding season.
The four-year-old son of Pivotal was previously trained by Aidan O'Brien, who described him as a "very fast horse".
Bred by Templeton Stud and Cheveley Park Stud, Nephrite scored first time out at the Curragh and finished in the first three in his next three starts including when second in this year's Group 3 Gladness Stakes.
Nephrite is one of two black-type winners for his winning dam, Cape Merino. His half-brother Cape Of Good Hope is a dual Group 1 winner who scored in the Golden Jubilee Stakes and the Australia Stakes.
"Pivotal is an emerging sire of sires and his offspring have been very successful in North America. We're very excited to be partnering with Coolmore again, we know Aidan thought very highly of Nephrite and we expect his speed and good looks to be attractive to Ontario breeders", said Michael Byrne.
Nephrite was bought by Demi O'Byrne for 230,000gns at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling sale in 2010. He will stand the 2014 season for Can$2,500.
Park Stud also welcomes the stakes winning Exhi, by Maria's Mon to its stallion roster for 2014. The Grade 2 Lexington Stakes winner will stand for a fee of Can$3,000.
Two other stallions to carry out the 2014 breeding season at Park Stud are the five-time Grade 1 winner Court Vision, who stands for Can$10,000 and Victor's Cry, who stands for Can$5,000.
Classy Shaneshill Wins in style King Leon home in 3rd
Shaneshill and Patrick Mullins storm clear in the bumper (Healy Racing Photos)
Shaneshill filled Willie Mullins with belief that he can add to an already impressive record in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham next March after taking the O’Doherty’s Audio & Video Production Ltd Bumper in runaway fashion.
King Leon put up a Decent performance finishing strongly in 3rd more to come from the Mountain High Gelding this was only the 2nd start of his National Hunt Career he finished 6th behind Goldboy on Debut on the 20th October at Naas .
Lucky Bridle clears the last on his way to victory under Ruby Walsh
Shield (right) 2nd in Orange & Blue Colours (Healy Racing Photos)
Lucky Bridle, the even money favourite, made all to take the Cahir Maiden Hurdle, scoring under Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins.
The four-year-old son of Dylan Thomas, who cost €110,000 at Arqana last October, finished third at Punchestown on his Irish debut, when sent off the 4/6 favourite.
It looked likely that he would come on plenty for that experience, and he did just that, making all this afternoon, and being pushed out away from the last to come home a comfortable three and three parts of a length in front.
Shield ran a nice race to take second under Robbie Power for Aidan O’Brien at 5/1 finishing just under 4 Lengths off the winner
St Nicholas Abbey is struggling to overcome the laminitis in his left front foot, this is indeed life threatening and is the single biggest complication he has faced since his initial lifesaving surgery.
The worry is that if the condition progresses and further sinking of the pedal bone takes place it may prolapse through the sole of his foot.
In spite of this St Nicholas Abbey is very comfortable, being just a little ouchy when walking in his first steps and better thereafter, his appetite and demeanour remain incredibly good.
His intensive veterinary treatment continues and includes maggot therapy for the slight discharge at the toe of the laminitic foot and a daily session on a vibrating plate.
The next few weeks are critical for St Nicholas Abbey – we are just hoping that he can turn the corner.
Imperial Monarch joins Coolmore’s N.H. division
(22nd November 2013)
Galileo’s Group 1-winning son Imperial Monarch has been retired to stud and will stand under the Coolmore National Hunt banner at the Beeches Stud where he will replace the recently deceased Gold Well. Winner of his only start at two, a Curragh maiden by 3½ lengths, Imperial Monarch was next seen in the Group 3 Classic Trial at Sandown where he defeated the smart Thought Worthy. After a troubled passage in the habitually rough Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly he made no mistake next time out when a short-priced favourite for the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris.
“Imperial Monarch is by the best sire in the world in Galileo and out of a Slip Anchor half-sister to Oscar so he’s got an ideal pedigree for the job. His dam, the Listed winner Ionian Sea bred no less than ten winners including four Group 1 horses,” said the Beeches manager Robert McCarthy. “Although he was somewhat overshadowed by his stablemate Camelot at Ballydoyle he was a very talented racehorse in his own right and would have been the stable star in virtually every other yard. He’s a lovely horse with plenty of size and scope and a good walk.”
By Alan Magee
By Donal Murphy
By Thomas Weekes
By Michael Graham
By Gary Carson
TVNFriday, August 30, 2013 - 7:03 AM
O'Brien: Unveiled another exciting juvenile runner
