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Darwin Runs With Great Credit in Sussex Stakes
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Australia preparing to return
Wed, 30 July 2014
Aidan O'Brien's dual Derby winner Australia is back in full work ahead of his end-of-season targets.
The Galileo colt has been given a break since winning the Irish Derby at the Curragh, supplementing his Epsom triumph and a fine third in the 2000 Guineas.
He is now due to drop back to 10 furlongs with the Juddmonte International at York on August 20 and the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes on September 13 identified as possible targets.
"He's back in full work and everything has gone according to plan." said O'Brien
"The boys (owners John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Teo Ah Khing) have their eyes on a couple of races - York and Leopardstown - and they will decide nearer the time whether they go to York and Leopardstown or just York or just Leopardstown."
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Aidan O'Brien's Highland Reel ran out an impressive winner of the Veuve Clicquot Vintage Stakes.
Highland Reel, ridden by Joseph O'Brien: Landed the odds in great style
Sent off the 10/11 favourite after winning by 12 lengths at Gowran on his latest outing over a mile, he was dropping a furlong in trip.
Mark Johnston's Pallister attempted to make all, but Joseph O'Brien's mount appeared a huge threat with two furlongs to run and the son of Galileo quickened impressively clear.
The winning trainer said: "He was a very impressive winner of his maiden the last day and Joseph was very happy with him. He said he had a lot of speed.Richard Hannon's Tupi stayed on nicely to claim second, some two and a quarter lengths away, with Room Key third.
"This race just fell really nicely. The spacing of the race worked out just lovely.
"He has a lot of speed and a lot of natural energy.
"He's by Galileo and they can be classy and sharp. Joseph travelled well into the straight and then went to the line very strong."
The Ballydoyle trainer outlined possible plans for Highland Reel.
"Obviously he has lots of options, the Futurity and the National Stakes would be two of them," he said.
Sky Bet cut the winner to 12/1 from 20/1 for both the 2000 Guineas and the Derby next year.
Reel impresses at Goodwood
Highland Reel seen here winning at Gowran
(Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien's Highland Reel ran out an impressive winner of the Veuve Clicquot Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.
Sent off the 10-11 favourite after winning by 12 lengths at Gowran Park on his latest outing over a mile, he was dropping a furlong in trip.
Mark Johnston's Pallister attempted to make all, but Joseph O'Brien's mount appeared a huge threat with two furlongs to run and the son of Galileo quickened impressively clear.
Richard Hannon's Tupi stayed on nicely to claim second, two and a quarter lengths away, with Room Key third.
The winning trainer said: "He was a very impressive winner of his maiden the last day and Joseph was very happy with him. He said he had a lot of speed.
"This race just fell really nicely. The spacing of the race worked out just lovely.
"He has a lot of speed and a lot of natural energy.
"He's by Galileo and they can be classy and sharp. Joseph travelled well into the straight and then went to the line very strong."
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Shield triumphs for the Galway punters
By Michael Graham
Shield, near side, jumps the last on terms with Queen Alphabet
(Healy Racing Photos)
Shield got favourite backers off to a flier on day two of the Galway Festival as he won the Topaz Novice Hurdle at 15/8.
The five-year-old, trained by Aidan O’Brien, was off the bridle before four out and jumped the second last in sixth place. However, he got a dream run through on the inner of Here For the Craic coming to the last and jumped it on terms with Queen Alphabet.
The JP McManus-owned gelding stayed on well up the hill to beat Queen Alphabet(9/2) by a length. The runner-up travelled smoothly into contention, but got caught out by Shield’s run up the inner.
Robbie Power said: “He was kind of flat out early. His jumping kept him in it. He can be slow at hurdles, but today he was quicker. He winged the second last and I got after him. When I asked him to go quickly he did go quickly. I got after him and he quickened into the gap well. Aidan said to me beforehand to take a chance.”
Aidan O’Brien added: “You would have to be delighted with him. Robbie gave him a great ride. JP picked the race for him. He’s a good consistent horse. He definitely stays further and he loves that fast ground.
“He jumps great now. Robbie and Conn did schooling with him. Robbie said he was a bit lazy but he got a great run through and did a great job and got a peach of a ride. He’ll go jumping fences. He has already been entered in a few novice chases.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
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Taghrooda gets O'Brien seal of approval
Taghrooda
(Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien has heaped praise onTaghrooda after John Gosden's inmate created history at Ascot last weekend.
Having won the Investec Oaks in June the daughter of the brilliant Sea The Starsmaintained her unbeaten record in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
In doing so she beat the older colts, becoming the first three-year-old filly to do so since Pawneese in 1976.
O'Brien ran three against Taghrooda atEpsom, including Irish Guineas winner Marvellous, and at Ascot his Breeders' Cup Turf winner Magician was well beaten, albeit unsuited by the rain which fell on Friday.
"You'd have to be very impressed with Taghrooda - a three-year-old filly. She did it well and, as I said, you'd have to be very impressed," said the Ballydoyle handler
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Jamaica bolts and beats Weld
By Thomas Weekes
The two year old maiden at Galway - winner Jamaica is centre in navy silks
(Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien emerged with the bragging rights in his annual tussle with Dermot Weldwhen landing the much vaunted claregalway.ie EBF (two year old colts and geldings) Maiden, scoring with impressive juvenile Jamaica, under the trainer's sonJoseph O'Brien.
Weld, chasing his 24th win in the race, had led O'Brien 6-2 in the previous eight renewals of the race but his Postulation had to settle for clear second best today behind the well backed Jamaica (11/10 in the morning into 4/9f).
Aidan O'Brien stated “he had a nice first run and came forward well and you'd have to be happy with that and he seemed to learn plenty.
“He won't mind the step up and could go for the Futurity Stakes next. He is a lovely natured horse with a nice rhythm and should get a mile.”
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O'Brien has two in the Sussex Stakes
War Command
(Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien fields two outsiders in Darwin and War Command in the Qipco Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on Wednesday.
Darwin appears to have it all to do having been beaten in the Group Three Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh less than a fortnight ago, while War Command won the Dewhurst during an impressive juvenile campaign, but has been comfortably beaten in three starts so far this year.
Kingman and Toronado look a class apart in the five-runner line-up.
Since his reverse in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in May, the John Gosden-trained Kingman has claimed highly impressive successes in the Irish Guineas and the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot .
Toronado, last year's Sussex Stakes hero, made a winning return to the track in the Queen Anne Stakes at the Royal meeting but, being a four-year-old, faces no easy task conceding 8lb to the Gosden runner.
The field is completed by another three-year-old in Charlie Appleby's Godolphin runner Outstrip.
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Venus has Nassau on her radar
Venus De Milo, left
(Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien has left Venus De Milo and Palace in the Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on Saturday.
Venus De Milo was second to Thistle Bird in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh last time, while her year-younger stablemate landed Listed honours at Killarney before struggling in the Irish Oaks.
Thistle Bird stands in Venus De Milo's way again and also features amongst 10 fillies and mares confirmed for the Group One over a mile and a quarter.
Having claimed the Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Epsom for a second time, Roger Charlton's six-year-old landed her first success at the highest level with a brilliant display under George Baker in the Pretty Polly.
John Gosden has won the last two renewals of the Nassau with The Fugue andWinsili and has two representatives in contention this time in Sultanina and Eastern Belle.
Sultanina found only stable companion Pomology too strong in the Lancashire Oaksearlier this month, while the three-year-old Eastern Belle was last seen claiming a Listed prize at Newbury.
Mango Diva, Amazing Maria, Lustrous and Madame Chiang are also in contention.
There is also a potential French challenger in Narniyn, who won four races on the spin before finishing fourth against the boys in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.
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Palace & Venus De Milo will be the runners in the Group 1 Nassau Stakes on Saturday
Wednesday's Sussex Stakes Only Has 5 runners:declared Kingman, Outstrip, Toronado - War Command & Darwin Represent Team Ballydoyle Ryan Rides Darwin & Joey on War Command.
Also Joey Rides Highland Reel Vintage Stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday.
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Magician In Parade Ring Unfortunately the race did not go his way.
KIng George Stakes Jockeys
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Shell House makes all in Down Royal
By Michael Graham
Shell House and Joseph O'Brien approach the line in Down Royal
(Healy Racing Photos)
Shell House saw off Taaluf in the extended mile and a quarter fillies’ handicap at Down Royal to score for Aidan O’Brien and Joseph O’Brien.
The three-year-old daughter of Galileo soon led and put an injection of pace into the race at the three pole. With a quarter of a mile to go she was hard ridden to go and win her race, however, Taaluf on the outside was starting to mount her challenge.
She closed on the leader, but couldn’t get on terms as O’Brien kept his mount gun-barrel straight along the rail. There was a length in it at the finish, in favour of the 10/11 favourite. Taaluf was second at 7/1.
Joseph O’Brien said: “She won nicely. She likes that ground and is uncomplicated. It’s nice to get another win with her.”<Shell House was following up on a win in a Naas maiden over a mile in June.
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Magician spearheads Irish raid on Ascot showpiece
Magician will join Trading Leather, last year's gallant runner-up, in spearheading the Irish assault on a mouth-watering edition of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot tomorrow.
Aidan O'Brien has been responsible for three of the five cross-channel winners of the prestigious Group One since the turn of the millennium, and the Ballydoyle genius has a live chance of adding to his haul with his Breeders' Cup Turf hero.
Magician has been popular in the ante-post betting for the middle-distance summer highlight, being trimmed to as low as 9/2 from a high of 6/1 on the back of his honourable defeat to The Fugue in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at the royal meeting.
Joseph O'Brien's mount now steps back up to 12 furlongs in a race in which his sire Galileo plundered his trainer's first win 13 years ago.
OUTCLASSED
Trading Leather, last year's Irish Derby winner, also steps back up from 10 furlongs having been second to the reopposing Mukhadram in the Eclipse Stakes, 12 months after he was eventually outclassed by Novellist's course record-smashing turn.
Kevin Manning will again sport the Godolphin blue aboard him as he bids to add to St Jovite's 1992 rout for Jim Bolger, who also saddles the regular pace-maker Leitir Mor under Ronan Whelan.
"You could make a case for basically every horse in the race," Manning admitted of the £1,000,000 event, before adding of his mount, which is a top-priced 14/1: "He's going there in good shape and I'm looking forward to riding him. I think he'll put up a big show."
Top of the market is the Ryan Moore-ridden Telescope (9/4), which will attempt to give Michael Stoute a record sixth King George win after his stunning Hardwicke victory last month.
Of course, much of the race's intrigue surrounds the presence of John Gosden's three Classic generation representatives, with the stunning Oaks winner Taghrooda (Paul Hanagan) second favourite at 11/4.
Romsdal – third to Australia in the Derby after being supplemented at a cost of £75,000 – is the outsider of the three at 33/1.
However, Gosden says that Eagle Top might yet be withdrawn if he feels the ground – officially good to firm, good in places after being watered this week – is too quick for his impressive King Edward VI winner, despite him being supplemented for the same fee.
"Unfortunately our supplementary system is five days before the race," Gosden said yesterday. "In France, it's a much better system – it's at 48 hours.
"I'll be at Ascot (today) and walk the track. Then we will be making our decision. He's a very nice horse, but I didn't really want to run him twice on too fast a ground. He did it well at Royal Ascot, but he's bred more for good, good to soft ground."
Meanwhile, Worcestershire-based handler Tony Carroll has confirmed that he is the fifth trainer to have a winner test positive for morphine in a saga that the Queen became embroiled in after it emerged that her brilliant Michael Stoute-trained stayer Estimate was one of the horses concerned. The controversy has been linked to a contaminated batch of feed products.
"We've had quite a few winners lately and they've all been clear, so it must have just been one bag which went through the system in a week," said Carroll after revealing that last month's Brighton winner Ocean Legend tested positive for the pain-killing substance, which is banned on race-days.
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Double Success in 2014 for You'resothrilling
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New Owner added to Owners Page
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O'Brien's double up with Mirabilis
By Donal Murphy
Annus Mirabilis and Joseph O'Brien see off the challenge of Mr Rock
(Healy Racing Photos)
Annus Mirabilis got off the mark on his fourth career start as he took the last at Leopardstown this evening, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, providing Aidan and Joseph O’Brien with a double on the card (won the fourth with Gleneagles).
The three-year-old son of Montjeu was beaten into fourth at the Curragh on Saturday when sent off the 5/4 favourite but he made amends this evening when stepped up to a mile and a half for the first time.
Sent off the 2/1 joint-favourite he led from the start but was headed briefly a furlong and a half out after being strongly pressed from the early straight.
He soon regained the lead just over a furlong from home and he kept on well from there to score by a length and a half at the line.
Mr Rock finished second at 13/2 under Wayne Lordan for David Wachman while Hudson’s Bay, the other 2/1 joint-favourite, was a further two and a half lengths back in third.
Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "The mile and a half obviously helped him. He got the trip well and he stays well. He is in a handicap at Galway."
The winner is a half-brother to 2013 Epsom Derby winner Ruler Of The World.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
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Gleneagles gets the job done in the Tyros
By Donal Murphy
Gleneagles is ridden out by Joseph O'Brien in the closing stages
(Healy Racing Photos)
Gleneagles got the better of his two rivals as he justified odds-on favouritism when taking the Group Three Japanese Racing Authority Tyros Stakes for Aidan and Joseph O’Brien.
After finishing fourth on his debut over the course and distance behindConvergence (re-opposed today) in June he got off the mark at the Curragh on his next start.
Having opened at 8/11 on-course this evening he went off the clear 4/7 favourite and raced in third.
He made progress in the straight and was ridden to lead over a furlong out, keeping on well inside the final furlong to score by three parts of a length at the line.
Tombelaine, for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen, finished second at 7/4 (was 9/4 overnight) while Convergence was a head back in third at 10/1 under Colin Keanefor Ger Lyons.
Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "I'm delighted with that. Sometimes those three runner races can be messy. He probably learned plenty and Joseph took his time on him.
"They went slow early and then picked up. He did the right thing relaxing him and coming home. He rode him to educate him.
"I'd say he will improve a good bit as he is still babyish. Joseph said he got a little tired.
"He is not short of speed for a Galileo and staying at seven furlongs will be no harm for the moment. We could look at the National Stakes with him."
The winner, who holds plenty of big race entries, is a full-brother to Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Marvellous.
Additional reporting by
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Big guns remain in Irish Champion frame
Australia
(Healy Racing Photos)
Australia, Mukhadramand African Story are among 37 horses still on contention for the QipcoIrish Champion Stakesfollowing the second entry stage.
Dual Derby hero Australia is one of many entries for Aidan O'Brien, with the likes ofLeading Light, Chicquita and King Georgecontender Magician all in the reckoning for the Group One on September 13th.
William Haggas' Coral-Eclipse winner Mukhadram is also bound for the King George this weekend, while Godolphin's African Story has not been seen since his Dubai World Cup victory in March.
John Gosden sent out The Fugue to win the race last year and he has added Western Hymn, who comfortably landed the Grand Prix de Maisons-Laffitte last Sunday.
Mick Channon has entered Amralah, a recent Listed winner at Newbury, while French master trainer Andre Fabre has also added Ocovango, fifth in last year's Investec Derby at Epsom.
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O'Brien trio among Sussex Stakes nine
Kingman is also set to line-up
(Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien has three possibles in the QipcoSussex Stakes atGlorious Goodwood on Wednesday following the latest confirmation stage.
The Ballydoyle handler could call upon Darwin, second in the Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh, the twice-raced maiden Illusive and War Command, who was last seen finishing down the field in the Eclipse.
The headline acts are arguably Toronado and Kingman, who both feature among the nine entries.
Toronado took the prize 12 months ago and made a stunning reappearance when winning the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.
His trainer Richard Hannon has also left in Lockinge victor Olympic Glory and Shifting Power, who was fourth in the Qipco 2000 Guineas and second in the Irish equivalent.
Kingman, trained by John Gosden, left Shifting Power trailing by five lengths in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas and followed up with a wonderful success in the St James's Palace Stakes.
The filly in contention is Sir Michael Stoute's Integral, who opened her Group One account in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket's July meeting.
Godolphin's Outstrip, third in the St James's Palace, completes the list.
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AOB Has 7 Remaining in the St Leger Kingfisher Indian Maharaja, Granddukeoftuscany, Adjusted, Annus Mirabilis, Blue Hussar and Buonarroti
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Dual Derby Winner 2014 Australia By Me
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Michaelmas back to winning ways in finale
By Gary Carson
Michaelmas and Ana O'Brien
(Healy Racing Photos)
Michaelmas bounced back to form when making all for victory in the concluding Michael Higgins & Co Race at Naas.
The son of Elusive Quality was well-regarded early in his juvenile season but has struggled in pattern company this season.
Ana O'Brien gave the three-year-old a well judged ride and he responded well when asked for an effort a furlong-and-a-half from home.
The 9/4 shot kept on well in the closing stages to post a two length winning margin and gave the rider's father Aidan a hat-trick in recent renewals of the race.
Chance To Dance was sent off the 10/11 favourite to keep up his recent good run but he couldn't peg back the winner and eventually lost second to Bold Thady Quilllate on.
“He loved that fast ground. He got the mile well and will probably get a mile-and-a-quarter,” said O'Brien senior.
O'Brien also revealed plans to run some of his string at Goodwood next week:-
“Venus De Milo will probably go for the Nassau Stakes while Eye Of The Storm will go for the two mile race (Goodwood Cup).
“We'll probably give Tapestry a bit more time and she could go to York.”
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
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Created By AOBFS In Celebration of Colm O'Donoghue & Bracelet's Irish Oaks Victory
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Had a bit of a Picasso Moment This Morning to Recognize History Making Ana O'Brien's Achievement on Saturday.
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Bazaar gets his maiden out of the way
Bazaar and Joseph O'Brien
He needed to be woken up to go and win his race but Bazaar (4/7 into 4/9) was a pretty convincing winner in the end of the Live The Dream With Tote Maiden at Ballinrobe.
The Galileo colt, equipped with a noseband like some of his stable companions in recent times, took over from Annadiamond from over a furlong out.
The Ballydoyle three-year-old was soon gone beyond recall and he eventually accounted for Andy Oliver's outsider Ballymac Rosey – by three lengths.
Winning rider Joseph O'Brien stated: "He's a grand horse but it was probably an ordinary race. He likely ran to a similar level as he did the first day (fifth at theCurragh).
"Hopefully he can progress and it is nice to get him to win a maiden. You'd imagine he would be better on a more conventional track but having said that he managed it alright here.
"He has a good attitude and he'll stay further. He should have no problem with a mile and a quarter and you could say that he will get a mile and a half too.
"Hopefully he'll be competitive in a handicap the next day too if he is not killed with a mark as that wasn't the greatest race in the world." (DM & EM)
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Darley Irish Oaks Large Pictures
That'll do Nicely Colm says Aidan
Irish Oaks Winning Trainer Aidan O'Brien collects the Silverware
Irish Oaks Winning Connections
Nice Picture of Colm & Ana
Ballydoyle Jockeys Just Before The Darley Irish Oaks
Bracelet Parade Ring
Bracelet Coming Back The Winner of The darley irish Oaks 2014
Bracelet Aidan & Colm
Bracelet & Colm
The Darley Oaks Winning Jockey Colm O'Donoghue
Ana
Ana 2
Tapestry & Joseph
Colm
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O'Brien's Yorkshire Oaks options
Chicquita
(Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien has Chicquita and Venus De Milo as possibles for the Darley Yorkshire Oaks on the Knavesmire next month.
The exciting Chicquita has yet to run for Ballydoyle and has not been seen since landing last season's Irish Oaks when trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre, where she beat Venus De Milo by half a length, despite veering markedly to her left.
In contrast, Venus De Milo has been busy since, most recently finishing second to Thistle Bird in the Pretty Polly Stakes over a mile and a quarter at the Curragh.
Chicquita was sold for six million euro at Goffs last November.
O'Brien dominated Saturday's Irish Oaks, with Ribblesdale winner Bracelet leading home Tapestry in a one-two for the stable.
However, he is no rush to formulate plans for his Classic pair.
He said: "They all seem fine and we won't be in any panic with them.
"We've got Chicquita and Venus De Milo for the Yorkshire Oaks."
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MacBride completes his bumper hat-trick
By Donal Murphy
MacBride and Sarah O'Brien pictured on their way to victory
(Healy Racing Photos)
MacBride made it an across the card double for Aidan O’Brien (won with Toogoodtobetrue at the Curragh) as he took the bumper at Tipperary, the Jim Ryan Racecourse Services Flat Race.
Ridden by Sarah O’Brien the son of Oscar went off the 3/10 favourite having won his last two bumpers at Limerick and Cork.
Settled in second behind Dubh Eile the JP McManus owned gelding improved to lead four furlongs out and he went on from there.
He was pushed along in the early straight but the whip was never drawn as he stretched clear to win easily by fourteen lengths.
Notorious Villain kept on to take second at 16/1 for Michael Mulvany, while Dubh Eile (9/2) completed the placings a further three and a quarter lengths back in third under Philip O’Donnell for his father Kevin.
Aidan O’Brien, who was in the Curragh earlier this afternoon, said afterwards: “I’m delighted with that. He is ready to go jumping whenever.
"Obviously we’ll have to discuss it with Frank and JP but he is ready to go. He jumps well at home."
He went on the talk about his Oaks runners saying: "The delay mightn’t have suited Joseph’s filly and her saddle slipped coming out of the stalls but that’s not to take away from the winner. They have all come out of the race grand."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
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TOOGOODTOBETRUE easy enough winner there really fancied her today
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Toogoodtobetrue gets off the mark
By Donal Murphy
Toogoodtobetrue is driven out by Joseph O'Brien to beat Gussy Goose
(Healy Racing Photos)
Toogoodtobetrue got off the mark on her second start as she took the opener at the Curragh this afternoon, the Sycamore Lodge Equine Hospital EBF Maiden, for Aidan and Joseph O'Brien.
The daughter of Oasis Dream was second on her debut at Naas earlier this month, keeping on well in the closing stages there to finish just three parts of a length behind winner Little Rooster.
Sent off the 1/2 favourite to go one place better this afternoon she was settled in third on the outer.
She was ridden over a furlong out and soon hit the front, keeping on well from there to hold off the persistent challenge of Gussy Goose by three parts of a length.
The runner-up was returned a 4/1 chance under Fran Berry for David Wachman, while the Jim Bolger trained newcomer New Alliance (12/1) was a further three and a quarter lengths back in third under Kevin Manning.
Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "You’d have to be delighted with that. She came forward lovely from her first run.
"Joseph was very happy with her and he thinks she is a very nice filly. She will love stepping up to seven furlongs and she could be one for the Debutante or the Moyglare."
Speaking of his Oaks runners from yesterday O’Brien added: "They all seem fine and we won’t be in any panic with them. We’ve got Chicquita and Venus De Milo for the Yorkshire Oaks."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
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Great Picture of the Finish to Yesterday's Darley Irish Oaks
Colm O'Donoghue after His Irish Oaks Victory
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AOBFS Twitter Feed Hits 1,300 Followers
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AOBFS Smashes Daily Record Yesterday we hit 409 Unique Visitors a record the
Previous best was 327 Unique Visitors in a day.
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DICK WHITTINGTON Anglesey Stakes
EAST INDIA Follows in some illustrious footsteps by winning this Curragh Maiden
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Good picture of Ana O'Brien on Beyond Brilliance who ran a cracking race in 4th Colm & Joseph just ahead of the first ever female Jockey in the Irish Oaks
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Bracelet Wins The Darley Irish Oaks
Colm O'Donoghue A Happy Man after bringing Home Bracelet to Win The Darley Irish Oaks
Bracelet: another classic winner for the family of Urban Sea
PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)
Bracelet bags Irish Oaks for star studded family
BY ALASTAIR BOND6:45PM 19 JUL 2014
BRACELET'S victory in Saturday's Irish Oaks provided her first-class family with yet another Classic success.
Bracelet has shown herself to be top-class at a wide range of distances, having previously won the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot also over 1m4f but also the Group 3 Leopardstown 1,000 Guineas Trial over 7f.
By winning the Irish Oaks Bracelet became her sire Montjeu's 31st Group 1 winner. Her victory made it back-to-back winners of the race for Montjeu, following Chiquita last year.
Bracelet's dam Cherry Hinton has produced three runners and all three have acquired black-type. Wading won the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes and the two-year-old Simply A Star was second in the Listed Tipperary Stakes earlier this month.
Cherry Hinton ended her racing career as a highly tried maiden who finished second in the Group 3 Blue Wind Stakes and fifth behind Light Shift in the 2007 Oaks.
She is a daughter of the great broodmare Urban Sea, who produced nine runners who all earned black type. These include the Derby winners Galileo and Sea The Stars as well as other Group 1 winners Black Sam Bellamy and My Typhoon.
Cherry Hinton has a Fastnet Rock colt yearling to race next year.
Bracelet sparkles in Oaks
By Michael Graham
Bracelet, centre, comes through to win the Irish Oaks
(Healy Racing Photos)
There was a thrilling finish to the Irish Oaks as Bracelet (10/1) under Colm O’Donoghue beat Tapestry and Volume by two necks to give trainer Aidan O’Brien his 32nd Irish Classic.
The race was subject to a 21-minute delay as farriers removed trailers on English raider Volume’s hind shoes. These were not allowed under the rules of Irish racing.< Volume (4/1) and Kevin Manning set out to make all, but was collared by Braceleta furlong and a half from home. She rallied, but Bracelet was making the best way home in the final furlong.
Another O’Brien runner, Tapestry (13/2), stayed on well under Joseph O’Brien to pipVolume for second as the three fillies flashed past the post.
Ana O’Brien, who created history by becoming the first female jockey to ride in this Classic, got a great tune out of Beyond Brilliance who came from last to finish fourth.
Tarfasha, the 7/4 favourite, couldn’t go with the leaders in the final two furlongs and came home fifth.
Colm O’Donoghue said: “I’m very fortunate to get the ride. I’m delighted to win the Oaks. It’s very tough for Joseph choosing between three or four with equal chances. He wasn’t that far away. They are bred to win this race.
“I got a great toe into the race from Pat Smullen (on Tarfasha). To be honest I got there too soon and she minded herself a bit.”
Aidan O’Brien said: “Colm gave her a class ride. I’m delighted for everybody. It’s great for Colm, he got beaten in this race a few times. He’s a world-class rider.
“Could you believe Beyond Brilliance? Ana got an unbelievable run out of her. Ana was sure she would get the mile and a half. Tapestry ran a great race. The delay didn’t suit her on the day.”
Luca Cumani said of Volume: “They were trailers on her shoes. They put more weight on hind shoes. She’s a narrow-based filly that can knock her legs. I can only apologise for the delay we caused. She ran a great race. She’s very tough, honest and genuine. Kevin said she got slightly unbalanced over a furlong out. A bit of cut in the ground would have helped her.”
Colm O’Donoghue was adding the Irish Oaks to the Irish Derby he won on Treasure Beach in 2011.
Additional reporting by
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Joseph & Ana O'Brien get ready for the Irish Oaks
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Dick Whittington shows his turn of foot
By Michael Graham
Dick Whittington, near side, beats Toscanini in the Anglesey
(Healy Racing Photos)
The joint favourites fought out the finish to the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes at the Curragh and it was Dick Whittington who prevailed.
Itorio showed good speed to lead his four rivals in this six and a half furlong contest. Toscanini narrowly headed him a furlong from home, but he was swiftly grabbed by Dick Whittington and Joseph O’Brien who thundered home to win by half a length at 2/1.
Rapid Applause at 10/1 didn’t have the clearest of runs behind a weakening Itorio and Toscanini on the rail, however, when he got in the clear he finished well to be only three parts of a length off 2/1 joint favourite Toscanini.
Aidan O’Brien said: “I’m delighted. He‘s a fast horse and five or six furlongs looks his trip. I think it would be tight to get a mile with him. The Phoenix Stakes looks the race for him.”
Joseph O’Brien said: “He didn’t stay seven furlongs in Ascot the last day. He has loads of pace - six furlongs on fast ground, even five furlongs. He is a horse that could progress. He jumped and travelled well. He’s by Rip Van Winkle who is an exciting stallion. He’s done that nicely. He stuck his head out all the way to the line.”
Additional reporting by
Dick Whittington
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A review of the early action from the Curragh, where East India made a winning debut for Aidan O'Brien in the opener.
East India, ridden by Seamus Heffernan, wins the opener on Irish Oaks day at the Curragh
East India produced a telling turn of foot to make a winning debut for Aidan O'Brien in the Darley European Breeders Fund Maiden at the Curragh.
The seven-furlong contest has been a breeding ground of champions in recent seasons, with Derby hero Australia successful last year for the Ballydoyle team.
Other previous winners include Jim Bolger-trained pair Teofilo and New Approach, while Sea The Stars suffered the only defeat of his career when fourth on his racecourse introduction in 2008.
With stable companion St Patrick's Day all the rage as the 4/6 favourite after an encouraging debut second at Naas, East India was an 11-2 shot in the hands of Seamie Heffernan.
I Will Excel attempted to make the most of experience edge, drawing the sting out of his rivals halfway up the straight, but he was mowed down late by both East India and Mick Halford's newcomer Portage.
The latter was arguably finishing the stronger of the two, but East India passed the post a neck to the good, with I Will Excel running a fine race in third.
St Patrick's Day was unable to pick up and faded out of contention disappointingly.
O'Brien said: "I'm delighted. He was working like a nice horse and was just ready to start.
"Seamie took his time on him and relaxed him in the first half of the race. The idea was to give him a nice education and see what happens. He picked up really well.
"He's a very well-bred horse and we'll look for a winner's race or a Listed race now. He's a horse who'll get further than seven furlongs.
"We'll see what comes up, but he wouldn't have any bother stepping up, I would say."
O'Brien added: "The Tyros might come too soon next Thursday, but there are races like the Futurity that would suit."
Heffernan said: "You'd have to love the way he quickened up there, he's a really smart juvenile."
It's East India time in Kildare
By Michael Graham
East India wins the opener ahead of Portage
(Healy Racing Photos)
Unraced East India was heavily backed in the ring before the seven furlong juvenile maiden and he was cheered home by his supporters as he showed a good turn of foot in getting off the mark at the Curragh.
He was one of three Aidan O’Brien runners in the race, with his stablemate St Patricks Day sent off the 4/6 favourite having run second on debut in Naas. When East India was chalked up by bookies at the track at 9/1 his price quickly tumbled to 11/2 on the off.
I Will Excel, the most experienced horse in the race, bounced out and dictated the fractions. Seamie Heffernan settled East India in sixth before taking closer order into second at the furlong pole. He powered home and collared I Will Excel under 100 yards out and won by a neck from Portage who stayed on strongly to press the winner close home.
This was Portage’s debut as well. Mick Halford’s colt cut through the field from eighth two furlongs out. He went down by a neck at 14/1, but was a length and a quarter in front of I Will Excel (7/1). St Patricks Day couldn’t land a blow in seventh.
Aidan O’Brien said: “I’m delighted. He was working like a nice horse and was just ready to start. Seamus took his time on him and relaxed him in the first half of the race. The idea was to give him a nice education and see what happens.
“He picked up really well and you couldn’t be happier with him. He’s a very well-bred horse. We’ll look for a winners’ or Listed race for him. He has the Futurity and races like that.
“Obviously he’s a horse that will get further than seven furlongs so we’ll see what comes up. He won’t have any bother stepping up I would say.”
This race was won by Australia last year. He was this year’s Epsom and Irish Derbyhero.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
East India Looks a Smart Prospect
By Alan Magee
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