Winner number 18 for Aidan O’Brien in the Beresford Stakes and his eighth in a row - 1.3m gns colt Japan just edges out stablemate Mount Everest at @NaasRacecourse...
Japan lands Aidan's 18th Beresford stakes victory a 1 2 for Ballydoyle
Japan (11/2) was a fourth winner on the day for Aidan O'Brien when leading home a 1-2 for Ballydoyle in the Group Two Bereseford Stakes at Naas.
The three previous O'Brien winners were ridden by Ryan Moore — Magna Grecia, Hermosa and Cypress Creek — and his choice in the feature of the day was Mount Everest.
That 11/8 market-leader took over from stable companion Sovereign from over a furlong out but he couldn't fend off Japan.
Under a well-judged Seamie Heffernan ride Japan got there near at the finish to prevail by a short head.
For Michael O'Callaghan and Leigh Roche Power Of Now didn't get a clear run. In the circumstances he put up a good effort to be third, three lengths behind.
Pythion spread a plate and had to be re-shod at the start which saw the race go off nine minutes late.
That wasn't troubling O'Brien in the aftermath who said: "He was very green the first day and won nicely the next day. We thought he would come forward again from this and he probably will.
"You couldn't be happier. He followed the pace when the other two were going along.
"I thought he'd come forward again from today, he's a big hardy horse, so he could be the type of horse for the Racing Post (the Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster on October 27th).
"He travelled well and done everything right so you'd have to be delighted with him really.
"The second did nothing wrong and ran a lovely race too. There were no prisoners taken and it was an honest straight-forward race.
"We're all learning together. Donnacha's is a massive big horse and they are all big middle distance colts. The experience will do them really good."
Paddy Power go 25/1 from 50/1 about Japan for next year's Derby.
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Cyprus Creek gets up to land the Loughbrown Stakes G3 At Naas
A first big-race success for Cypress Creek who surges late to land the Group 3 Loughbrown Stakes bringing up a treble for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore at @NaasRacecourse:
His fantastic treble at Newmarket yesterday came in at odds of over 100/1 and the good times are continuing for Aidan O'Brien and his team and supporters at Naas today — the first three races going their way.
Back from Belmont after his third place finish on Mendelssohn in the Grade One Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes, Ryan Moore has shared in the Naas hat-trick with O'Brien. The three have come in at combined odds of over 46/1.
Following on from successes with Magna Grecia and Hermosa earlier, Cypress Creek (6/1) was the best of three Ballydoyle runners in the Group Three Loughbrown Stakes.
Renneti put the brakes on soon after leaving the stalls and took no part in this two miler, leaving seven of them to battle it out.
From over two furlongs out there were only four with a chance, and up the centre of the track in the final furlong Cypress Creek proved strongest.
The grey asserted in the closing stages to account for Twilight Payment and the staying on Falcon Eight by two and three parts of a length and a neck.
"He's a lovely straight forward uncomplicated horse. He's a brother to Capri and he stays very well," said O'Brien.
"We weren't sure what was going to happen but when Seamus jumped to make the running and then Kevin joined him there was always going to be lots of pace and it was a proper run two-mile race.
"He's a horse that stays very well. He stays forever and will get much further than two miles.
"He's Kew Gardens' work companion and that will determine a lot of his time.
"Ana rides him every day and I don't have much to do with him. Ana is more or less training him."
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Hermosa makes all to win Weld Park Stakes + Arc runners update
It's a quick double for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore as Hermosa takes another Group contest for @Ballydoyle by making all to win the Group 3 Weld Park Stakes at @NaasRacecourse...
Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes third placer Hermosa put in a lovely performance to bring up a Naas double for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore in the Weld Park Stakes.
Soon dictating from the front in this Group Three seven furlong heat, 5/4 favourite Hermosa was always looking pretty good in this eight runner race.
When asked to go about her business the daughter of Galileo defeated Foxtrot Liv by two and a half lengths.
"She's a lovely filly and she's coming with every run," said O'Brien.
"She's a lovely laid back filly and is learning with every run.
"I think she'll go for the Fillies Mile. She's crying out to go up to a mile."
Aidan gave an update on his potential team for Arc Day at Paris Longchamp next Sunday
O’Brien said: “The plan is that we are going towards the Arc with Kew Gardens There is a forfeit stage in the morning and he’s going to be left in. At the moment that’s what we are looking at doing.
“Hunting Horn is going to be left in as well and Capri as well. We have to decide whether Magical will be left in in the morning.
“She’s one we’re not sure about. If she isn’t left in, she’ll go to the Opera instead and Magic Wand might go for the fillies’ race (Opera) as well, but Forever Together won’t run again this year.
“Pink Dogwood might go for the fillies’ race (Prix Marcel Boussac) and Broome might go to the colts’ race (Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere).”
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A striking debut from Magna Grecia who quickens away well to win the opener at @NaasRacecourse in impressive fashion for @Ballydoyle:
Ballydoyle's Magna Grecia (2/1 favourite) put up an impressive debut performance in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden (Plus 10 Race) at Naas.
The overriding sense post race was one of relief though, as Niall McCullagh and Robbie Colgan seemed relatively okay after falls they took over a furlong out in this seven furlong heat.
McCullagh's mount Stella D'Italia was tightened up and slipped up. Sandstorm Annie (Robbie Colgan) was then badly hampered and unseated rider.
Thankfully both horses will live to fight another day too.
Once in the clear Magna Grecia stretched away under Ryan Moore to put three and a half lengths between himself and Mudlahhim.
"You'd be delighted with that, he's a lovely horse," said Aidan O'Brien.
"He was just ready to start today. He's a possible for the Killavullan or something like that.
"He's a big powerful strong horse. I don't think you could ask him to do more than that, he was green but when he got straightened up he found plenty."
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Mount Everest the one to beat in Beresford
30th September
Mount Everest bids to extend Aidan O’Brien’s phenomenal record in the Beresford Stakes at Naas on Sunday.
The Ballydoyle maestro has saddled no less than 17 previous winners of the prestigious juvenile contest, including each of the last seven.
Johan Cruyff provided O’Brien with his first Beresford Stakes success in 1996, with the likes of St Nicholas Abbey (2009), Capri (2016) and last year’s victor Saxon Warrior subsequently claiming victory for the all-conquering team.
With Ryan Moore aboard, Mount Everest appears the stable’s number one hope among three runners this year.
A son of Galileo out of the top-class racemare Six Perfections, the youngster made it third time lucky at the Curragh last month.
O’Brien said: “Mount Everest has progressed nicely with racing and we’ve been very happy with him since the Curragh.
“He’s in good form. We think he’s ready to go again.
“He won nicely the last day and is a colt that looks very comfortable over a mile.”
Listowel maiden winner Japan (Seamie Heffernan) and the runaway Galway scorer Sovereign (Donnacha O’Brien) are O’Brien’s other contenders.
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Former Ballydoyle resident Homesman wins the Underwood Stakes Group 1 At Caulfield
Homesman moved to Stella Artois Caulfield Cup second-favourite after out-duelling Darren Weir's Japanese import Tosen Basil to win the Group 1 Hyland Race Colours Underwood Stakes (1800m).
Having been backed late from $7-$4.80 and starting a $5 chance, there was clear expectation Homesman could hold up the strong form around him - the five-year-old having run well first-up behind Magic Consol in the Dato' Tan Chin Nam Stakes at Moonee Valley, beating the likes of Night's Watch and Hartnell in the process
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He remains unbeaten at Caulfield, having kicked off his Australian career there with a narrow win over Almandin in the autumn, and once again there was barely a margin in it - but the five-year-old son of War Front held out ex-Japanese galloper Tosen Basil ($71), with multiple Group 1 winner Humidor hustling home late into third about half a length back from the pair.
Storming home along the fence for fourth was Blair House, Charlie Appleby's Jebel Hatta winner having missed the start but shown he has arrived in Australia in fine fettle, ending up two lengths back from Humidor.
Homesman's co-owner Nick Williams said the Caulfield Cup was now the target for their Group 1 winner.
"He's a tough animal, there's no doubt about that. He's very genuine, very honest," Williams said post-race.
"Ben gave him a great ride, he rated him beautifully. I think 1800m's short of his optimum trip, but it's great to get the Group 1 up for him.
"That gives him ballot-free exemption into the Caulfield Cup, and I imagine all things being equal that's where we'll head."
Regarding the chance of racing again prior to the $5million handicap back at the Heath in three weeks' time, Williams added: "He probably will, he's a big gross horse and he takes his racing well. "It's just a matter of where we go.
"So you either have to run next weekend, or the weekend after in the Caulfield Stakes, so we'll see what happens."
Williams said they initially weren't sold on Homesman before buying him, given his breeding.
"He's a big horse - he hasn't put one foot wrong since we've had him," he said.
"He's interesting, we were a little bit wary buying him, he's by War Front and they're not known for training on as older horses.
"But he's defying that trend. He's a super sire in America, but mainly with juvenile horses and short-course horses."
It was a proficient weekend for the Melham/Macedon Lodge partnership, the Golden Slipper-winning hoop having ridden home The Taj Mahal to a tough win ala Homesman, in the JRA Cup at Moonee Valley on Friday night to hold out the charging Weir-trained Gallic Chieftain.
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Ten Sovereigns continues his unbeaten run to land the Middle Park Stakes G1 At Newmarket
Ten Sovereigns maintained his unbeaten record with victory in the Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.
The son of No Nay Never made a spectacular debut at the Curragh in late August and returned to the track to win the Group Three Round Tower Stakes on his latest appearance.
With trainer Aidan O'Brien and his son Donnacha having already landed the Royal Lodge with Mohawk and the Cheveley Park with Fairyland earlier in the afternoon, Ten Sovereigns was a prohibitively priced 8/13 favourite to provide the Ballydoyle team with a big-race treble.
The odds-on shot travelled powerfully on the heels of the leaders for much of the way before hitting the front racing inside the final two furlongs.
Simon Crisford's Jash, who was stepping up markedly in class following novice wins on the July Course and at Salisbury, covered the move and briefly threatened to make a real race of it.
However, Ten Sovereigns found more once tackled and passed the post half a length to the good. Rumble Inthejungle was a further three and a half lengths back in third.
Sky Bet make Ten Sovereigns 6/1 for the 2000 Guineas next May, a couple of points bigger than current market leader Too Darn Hot.
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Fairyland swoops late to land the Cheveley Park Stakes G1 At Newmarket
FAIRYLAND wins the Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes!
That's 2/2 @NewmarketRace for Aidan and Donnacha O'Brien
Great scenes at @NewmarketRace as Fairyland wins the Cheveley Park. She’s part-owned by Evie Stockwell, 93, whose daughter bred the filly. And Evie’s twin sister is also present!
Fairyland narrowly denied The Mackem Bullet for a second time this season in a thrilling climax to the Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained Fairyland claimed her third win from four starts when seeing off Brian Ellison's The Mackem Bullet by a nose in the Lowther Stakes at York in August and it was a similarly close fought battle in this six-furlong Group One.
Both horses were positioned prominently from the off, but 6/1 chance Fairyland looked to be travelling much the better entering the final furlong.
However, 25/1 shot The Mackem Bullet refused to go down without a fight and there was just a neck between them at the line.
O'Brien also saddled the third home So Perfect.
Pretty Pollyanna was the 6/4 favourite to confirm her place at the head of ante-post lists for next year's 1000 Guineas. The daughter of Oasis Dream could not add to her victories in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes and Prix Morny, however, passing the post in fourth.
Sky Bet reacted by making Fairyland their 12/1 favourite for the 1000 Guineas next spring.
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Mohawk leads home Ballydoyle clean sweep in the Royal Lodge Stakes G2
Mohawk got team Ballydoyle off to a perfect start when leading home a 1-2-3 in the Royal Lodge Stakes.
Mohawk (8/1) led home a one-two-three for Aidan O'Brien in the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket.
The Ballydoyle handler had saddled five previous winners of the Group Two contest and possessed a strong hand as he went in search of a sixth.
The outsider of the trio, Sydney Opera House, cut out much of the running alongside Mark Johnston's Victory Command and still held a narrow advantage racing inside the final two furlongs.
However, Mohawk soon took over in the hands of the trainer's son Donnacha and powered clear for a decisive one-and-a-quarter-length success.
Sydney Opera House was a clear second ahead of another stablemate, Cape Of Good Hope, in third.
The previously unbeaten Beatboxer was the 7/4 favourite for John Gosden and Frankie Dettori, but he was in trouble from an early stage and trailed home last of the seven runners.
O'Brien said of Mohawk, who is 33/1 for next year's Derby with Sky Bet: "He is a lovely horse and has been progressing lovely. He won second time out then he ran very well in Group races after that.
"He loved going a mile and he will be a lovely middle-distance horse. He might not run any more this year and be put away to start in the Classic trials. I'd imagine he has done enough (for the season), that is what we're thinking at the moment, but that can change."
Of the placed horses, the trainer added: "We were very happy with them as well. Sydney Opera House is a lovely, middle-distance horse and Cape Of Good Hope is the same. He (Cape Of Good Hope) has had a bit of time since he ran, but he ran a lovely race and has been progressing with every run."
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Donnacha brings up 100th win of season on Lost Treasure
Healey Racing Photos
Donnacha O'Brien joined a select group of jockeys to ride 100 winners in an Irish Flat season when taking the Eilish McAllister Race aboard Lost Treasure at Dundalk.
However the success only came after a scare in the closing strides as the 6/5 favourite nearly clutched defeat from the jaws of victory.
Trained by his father Aidan, the War Front colt looked set for a straight forward win when heading the front-running Geological a furlong out but he appeared to pull himself up in the closing stages and just held on by a nose from Geological.
Master Speaker was only a head away in third with Freescape a further nose back fourth in what turned out to be a blanket finish.
O'Brien explained what happened near the finish by saying, “The one in front went off quick and I was left in no mans land and I had to judge it myself. I gave him a squeeze and I got there too soon on him. He stopped when he got there and I think he probably spooked at the light at the winning line as well.
“When the horse in front of you stops you kind of have to kick in case something comes from behind. He stops when he gets to tOhe front, and he’s done that in most of his races.”
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Winters Sister Frosty Ice Cool on debut at Dundalk
Healey Racing Photos
Her sister Winter won four Group 1s and Frosty looks to have inherited the good genes - she makes the perfect start on debut for @Ballydoyle at @DundalkStadium!
After his win with Just Wonderful in the Group Two Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket earlier, Aidan O'Brien completed a cross-country double in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden (Plus 10 Race) at Dundalk with Frosty.
Seamie Heffernan rode the grey first-timer, a sister to Winter (four time Group One winner at three) and they are out of Laddies Poker Two who won a Wokingham.
O'Brien also had Credenza in the mix and that 7/4 market leader finished third under Donnacha O'Brien after making the pace.
Meanwhile 9/1 hope Frosty tracked the leaders, and she was fourth at the halfway stage.
Switched out to challenge the victor was slightly hampered a furlong and a half out, and she was pushed along to dispute under a furlong out.
Frosty then led narrowly in the final hundred and fifty yards, keeping on well close home, to cosily upstage Fancy Feat by a length.
"She's a lovely filly and gave me a nice feel. I hope she's as good as her sister," said Heffernan.
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Just Wonderful blitzes Rockfel rivals
By winning the Rockfel Just Wonderful has booked a place in the Juvenile Fillies Turf at the Breeders Cup
"Trot mother, trot foal!"
Aidan O'Brien last won the Rockfel Stakes in 2011 with Wading, and seven years on her daughter Just Wonderful follows in her mother's hoofprints.
An imperious display from the daughter of Dansili.
Results bit.ly/2w8fYfO
Just Wonderful left her rivals trailing in her wake in the Shadwell Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket.
Aidan O’Brien’s filly won a Group Three on her penultimate start at the Curragh, but lined up on the Rowley Mile with something to prove after finishing down the field in the Moyglare Stud Stakes less than a fortnight ago.
She was a 7-2 chance for this Group Two assignment, and could hardly have been more impressive.
Albany Stakes heroine and 15-8 favourite Main Edition adopted a pace-setting role for much of the seven-furlong journey, with Ryan Moore happy to bide his time aboard the eventual winner.
Just Wonderful made smooth headway before sweeping by passing the final-furlong marker, and kept up the gallop to score by a length and three-quarters without being asked for maximum effort.
Dandhu finished to good effect to beat Main Edition to the runner-up spot.
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The Taj Mahal Victorious in Australia
The Taj Mahal wins the DrinkWise JRA Cup Group 3 this morning at Moonee Valley with Sir Issac Newton in 3rd - The Taj Mahal wins his second Group Race in Australia The Brother to G1 winners Marvellous Gleneagles & Happily. his main target is the Caulfield Cup
The Taj Mahal defies a last-gasp dive from Gallic Chieftain.
Another front-running masterclass from @bmelham. bit.ly/2xIa4VV
Owner Nick Williams was singing the praises of a "very industrious" Ben Melham after the star jockey steered The Taj Mahal to victory in Friday night's Listed JRA Cup (2040m) at The Valley.
Having raced outside the leader Silent Warrior for the first half of the race, Melham asked the five-year-old entire to quicken passing the 800m pole which placed many of his rivals – including well-supported favourite Trap For Fools – under pressure.
The Taj Mahal's several-length break was whittled away by Gallic Chieftain who powered home over the final furlong but fell one stride short.
Williams said The Taj Mahal would be aimed at next month’s Stella Artois Caulfield Cup (2400m) and indicated he could either tackle the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) or the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m) en route.
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Mendy is out of Quarentine he was joined on the trip by his mate Seahenge who must not get much sleep on these trips as we know Mendy likes to let people know he is there
Seahenge will run in the Hill Prince on October. 6th
Happening now! Seahenge accompanies Mendelssohn to prep for Saturday’s Jockey Club Gold Cup at #BelmontPark pic.twitter.com/WLIa1Z3DfH
Mendelssohn and Seahenge take to the training track at #BelmontPark! pic.twitter.com/C4hyOoMMfa
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Moore loyal to Project Mendelssohn
27th September
The three-time British champion jockey has never ridden the winner of the Middle Park, nor the Cambridgeshire, which form as the centrepieces alongside the Cheveley Park to Saturday’s stellar card at Newmarket.
But instead of trying to add the prizes to his glittering CV - he could have ridden the odds-on Ten Sovereigns in the Juddmonte Middle Park and chosen from three Aidan O'Brien challengers in the Cheveley park - Moore will instead partner Mendelssohn in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park.
The Grade One race at what is known as the ‘Big Sandy’ is worth more money than any at British headquarters at $US750,000 (£570,000). Staged over ten furlongs, it is a perfect prep race for the Breeders’ Cup, and is a "Win And You’re In" event.
All logical reasons, but ask Moore why he wants to surrender a string of fine rides at Newmarket for what is, in essence, a dress rehearsal for the Breeders’ Cup Classic on November 7, and his eyes light up.
“I don’t think it is American horse racing particularly, it is American sports in general that I like,” the 35-year-old told Racinguk.com between races at a sun-drenched Goodwood on Wednesday.
“You see it all the time. You saw it last weekend with Tiger Woods. You see it in the NFL. You see it in baseball, even. They create a good atmosphere. The Kentucky Derby is similar to our Derby in that they are very proud of it and get right behind it."
Moore has never been labelled a crowd pleaser. Despite his reputation for not wanting to be too involved in the brouhaha of a big British race day it is obvious he enjoys the razzamatazz of America, where he can act somewhat as the outsider looking in rather than a keystone to the whole edifice scowling out.
“It was a big deal to Tiger when the crowd got right behind him and you might see something like that in France this weekend for the Ryder Cup," he said. "Nobody is going to follow me around like that, of course they are not. It is just a different atmosphere over there.
“If you go to the Kentucky Derby one day, you will see what I mean. They have a really big fan base there. I have been in America for some extraordinary nights, such as when Blame beat Zenyatta in the 2010 Classic at Churchill. They love their racing in Kentucky.
“You see boxing fights or whatever - they just do things a bit bigger and better over there some times.”
Project Mendelssohn seemingly has virtually everybody at Ballydoyle enthralled.
As a horse bred outside the imposing gates of Coolmore, the $US3million son of deceased sire Scat Daddy was signed for by MV Magnier two years ago at Keeneland. Since then, in ten starts, Aidan O'Brien's colt has raced at nine different racecourses in four countries, which includes his victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar in November, and his runaway win in the UAE Derby at Meydan in March.
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Ballydoyle residents entered in races Down Under
Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes G1 Friday 26 October, 2018 - Fleet Review - Spirit Of Valor - Intelligence Cross - U S Navy Flag
VRC Sprint Classic G1 Saturday 10 November, 2018 - Fleet Review - Spirit Of Valor - Intelligence Cross - U S Navy Flag
Ladbrokes Cox Plate G1 Saturday 27 October, 2018 - Cliffs Of Moher - Rostropovich
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No Timeform Supplement update this week with very little happening in the racing world but instead here are the highest rated Ballydoyle resident in each division currently
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Mendelssohn will retire at the end of this season and will be new for 2019 on the Coolmore America Roster - Breeding Rosters 2019 page updated > http://www.aidanobrienfansite.com/breeding-rosters-2019.php
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Former Ballydoyle residents in action downunder this weekend
Friday
10:30am Moonee Valley DrinkWise JRA Cup Group 3 - Sir Isaac Newton - The Taj Mahal
Saturday
6:45am Mornington R.M. Ansett Classic listed handicap - Our Venice Beach
Sunday
7:30am Caulfield Hyland Race Colours Underwood Stakes Group 1 - Homesman ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ten Sovereigns Kenya & Fairyland set for Newmarket tests
27th September
Ten Sovereigns will face seven rivals as he tries to maintain his unbeaten record in Saturday’s Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.
Aidan O’Brien’s youngster created a a big impression in winning the first two starts of his career in the space of a week and the Ballydoyle handler immediately pointed to this Group One as his next race.
O’Brien also runs Sergei Prokofiev, third to Calyx in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Kenya will bid for an English and Irish Cambridgeshire double in the Bet365-sponsored version at Newmarket on Saturday.
Since his victory in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh, he has finished second to stablemate I Can Fly in a Group Two on Irish Champions Weekend.
He is the only Irish-trained runner amongst 35 declarations.
Aidan O’Brien’s relies on Lowther Stakes winner Fairyland in the Chevely Park Stakes.
O’Brien also runs So Perfect, who beat subsequent Moyglare winner Skitter Scatter in a Group Three at the Curragh before finishing second to Advertise in the Phoenix Stakes, and Gossamer Wings.
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Just Wonderful bids to bounce back in Rockfel
26th September
Aidan O’Brien sends Just Wonderful on a recovery mission in the Shadwell Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket on Friday.
The daughter of Dansili won the Group Three Flame Of Tara Stakes on her penultimate start, but must bounce back from a disappointing showing in the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh less than a fortnight ago.
Just Wonderful is the only Irish challenger in a nine-strong field. Aidan has won the race twice with Kitty Matcham (2007), & Wading (2011)
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Pink Dogwood & Hermosa could be on show in Weld Park Stakes
25th September
Aidan O’Brien could let Pink Dogwood make a swift reappearance in the Weld Park Stakes at Naas on Sunday.
The seven-furlong contest is the first of four Group races on a quality card in County Kildare, with the Beresford Stakes the feature event.
After filling the runner-up spot on her first two starts at the Curragh, Pink Dogwood opened her account with a facile success at Gowran Park on Saturday – and O’Brien is open to the idea of running her again this weekend.
He said: “We’ll just see how Pink Dogwood is over the next couple of days, but it is very possible she will run at Naas on Sunday.
“Hermosa could possibly go for that race with her.”
Hermosa and Pink Dogwood are two of four entries in the Weld Park for O’Brien, along with Just Wonderful and Peach Tree.
The second Group Three of the afternoon is the Loughbrown Stakes, in which the O’Brien-trained Idaho could play a starring role.
After finishing third behind Stradivarius in both the Goodwood Cup and the Lonsdale Cup at York, the five-year-old was a little disappointing when only fifth in the Irish St Leger on his latest start.
O’Brien added: “Idaho is a possible runner in the Loughbrown Stakes and Cypress Creek, The Pentagon, Victory Salute or Zabriskie could go with him.”
The Ballydoyle quintet feature among 16 remaining entries for the two-mile contest,
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Japan & 7 Ballydoyle stablemates remain in Beresford shake up
25th September
Aidan O'Brien is responsible for eight of the 16 horses confirmed for the Beresford Stakes at Naas on Sunday.
The Ballydoyle maestro has a remarkable record in the prestigious juvenile contest having saddled a total of 17 previous winners, including each of the last seven.
This season's potential O'Brien squad includes Cape Of Good Hope, who was last seen chasing home Quorto in the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket, Listowel maiden winner Japan and Mount Everest, a son of Galileo out of the top-class racemare Six Perfections.
O'Brien said: "For the Beresford we would be thinking that Mount Everest would be our most likely to run.
"We've left a few others in and obviously we'll be looking at something else running there as well."
Johan Cruyff provided O'Brien with his first Beresford Stakes success in 1996, since when the likes of St Nicholas Abbey (2009), Capri (2016) and last year's victor Saxon Warrior have all claimed victory for the all-conquering team.
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Leading Sires GB & IRE Tables Updated - Galileo over 2 million clear - No Nay Never in command - Camelot on verge of Championship - Excelebration in top 10
The Season so far
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Ten Sovereigns headlines Aidan's Middle Park entrants
24th September
Ten Sovereigns is one of four possible runners for Aidan O’Brien in the Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.
The No Nay Never colt made a huge impression on his racecourse debut at the Curragh last month and returned to the track to win the Group Three Round Tower Stakes.
He is a best-priced 8-1 joint second-favourite for next year’s 2000 Guineas and is likely to be a warm order to keep his unbeaten record intact in this weekend’s six-furlong Group One.
O’Brien has also left in Land Force, Sergei Prokofiev and Van Beethoven as he bids to win the race for a record sixth time previous winners are Minardi (2000), Johannesburg (2001), Ad Valorem (2004), Crusade (2011), US Navy Flag (2017)
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Fairyland Headlines Aidan's Cheveley Park Entries
24th September
Aidan O’Brien has left in York victor Fairyland, Coral Beach, Gossamer Wings, Just Wonderful and So Perfect in Saturday's Chevely Park Stakes G1.
Aidan is bidding for 3rd win in a row in the race he previously won the race in 2016 with Brave Anna & in 2017 with Clemmie.
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Kenya could bid to land Aidan's maiden Cambridgeshire victory
24th September
Kenya could bid to provide Aidan O’Brien with his first ever victory in the bet365 Cambridgeshire Handicap at Newmarket on Saturday.
The Galileo colt was an impressive winner of the Irish Cambridgeshire on his penultimate start and backed that up with a fine effort to finish second to stablemate I Can Fly in the Boomerang Stakes at Leopardstown on Irish Champions Weekend.
He would undoubtedly be considered a major contender if switching back to handicap company in the first leg of the autumn double this weekend.
Kenya was one of 95 horses left in the Cambridgeshire at Monday’s confirmation stage, with the weights now headed by Circus Couture from Jane Chapple-Hyam’s yard.
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Mount Everest among Ballydoyle 7 in Royal Lodge
24th September
O’Brien is responsible for seven of the 18 colts still in the mix for the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes on Sturday afternoon. Mount Tabora Mohawk Cape of Good Hope Sydney Opera House Mount Everest Broome & Western Australia all remain in the race
The Ballydoyle maestro has saddled five previous winners of this one-mile Group Two in Royal Kingdom (1999), Mutinyonthebounty (2001), Admiralofthefleet (2006), Joshua Tree (2009) and Daddy Long Legs (2011).
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US Navy Flag arrives ready for Everest challenge
#TheEverest @CoolmoreAus US Navy Flag (2nd Horse) and Somerset Maugham @Ballydoyle parading in quarantine before heading out to the #Canterbury poly track.
24th September
U S Navy Flag has pleased connections as he settles into his new surroundings ahead of The Everest next month.
Aidan O’Brien immediately targeted the richest sprint in the world after the War Front colt won the July Cup at Newmarket.
He arrived at Canterbury quarantine facility over the weekend and Coolmore’s Tom Magnier was happy with what he saw.
“We’re delighted with him, the whole team are very happy with how he’s travelled,”
“We’ve been very well looked after by the ATC (Australian Turf Club) and we have a fantastic facility here at Canterbury. The horse went out this morning just to have a look at facilities and get to know his way around and we’ll start stepping it up over the next couple of days.
“The way he won the July Cup we were delighted, after that the plan was always to come down here for the Everest. He’d been running over a mile before that but Aidan said when they started training him for six furlongs that was when the light came on.
“It’s great to have him here today, he’s arrived, he’s in great form and hopefully we have the right horse but there’s some great sprinters in Australia so we know we have our work cut out.
“We were pretty excited going to the July Cup and he did what Aidan thought he was going to do so to have him down here is exciting.
“The Everest is a fantastic concept and has put racing back on the front pages. It’s going to be a big ask, but we’ve brought the right horse, hopefully.”
US Navy Flag and his stablemate Somerset Maugham at the Canterbury Quarantine Centre
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Broadway brings up Ballydoyle treble in Gowran Park feature
Healy Racing Photos
Aidan O'Brien completed a treble in the opening races at Gowran today as his Broadway bagged the Champion Trainer's hat-trick with an all-important win in the Group 3 D.Cordell Lavarack/Lanwades Stud Stakes.
O'Brien's son and stable jockey Donnacha O'Brien had ridden his father's two earlier winners but had sided with brother Joseph O'Brien's Ship Of Dreams in the race as Broadway was steered to her win by Seamie Heffernan.
Racing's greatest impact sub Heffernan produced Broadway to lead inside the final furlong before scoring a half length win over Panstarr.
The pedigrees of O'Brien's earlier winners Pink Dogwood (a sister to Irish Derby winner Latrobe) and Circus Maximus (the first foal out of dual Royal Ascot winner Duntle) were arguably eclipsed by Broadway's 'page', as that daughter of Galileo is a half-sister to Prix De l'Arc winner Danedream.
Following her first, crucially important Group 3 win, Aidan O'Brien said “she’s by Galileo and they just seem to get better and better. The more racing they get the better they get. Most horses get tired racing but the Galileo's just get better.
“Seamie thought it was probably her best run, and he felt that she would stay further. We were a little bit worried about the ground but she handled it well.
“She’s a very valuable broodmare and I’d imagine she will go to stud at the end of the year. She could go for the Group 1 mile and a half fillies race (British Champions Fillies' and Mares' Stakes) at Ascot.”
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Circus Maximus digs deep to break maiden tag at Gowran
Healy Racing Photos
Trainer Aidan and jockey son Donnacha O'Brien combined to win the opening two races at Gowran today as Circus Maximus doubled the pair's tally when landing the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden the hard way.
By Galileo, Circus Maximus is the first foal out of David Wachman's dual Royal Ascot winner Duntle and today started the heavily backed 8/13 favourite (from 4/5).
However ever before he was returned that price, Circus Maximus had broken through the starting stalls and once reinstated, then missed the break in the actual race.
Jockey O'Brien soon moved Circus Maximus to dispute the lead and while he appeared to have the race won with a furlong to race, he then veered badly left to the stands' side rail inside the final furlong, before eventually scoring a two lengths win over Army Recruit.
Donnacha O’Brien later said “around here, the way the track is shaped, it can be daunting for them when they hit the front, because it’s always bending.
“He has ability and once he gets it together mentally he’ll be a nice horse. Once he got to the other (stands' side) rail and got a bit of guidance, he was fine.”
Winning trainer Aidan O’Brien wasn't present for his filly Pink Dogwood's win in the opener but was on hand for Circus Maximus, and said “he was very green and was the same when Ryan (Moore) rode him the first day at the Curragh. Some of them take two or three runs and some of them get it together quick.
“He’ll be a nice middle-distance horse. I’d like to run him again this season if I can because he needs to learn a bit more before next year.”
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Pink Dogwood dazzles in Gowran Maiden
Healy Racing Photos
Champion Jockey-elect Donnacha O’Brien is closing in on his first century of winners and won the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Fillies) Maiden at Gowran today on his father Aidan O'Brien's Pink Dogwood.
The daughter of Camelot is a sister to this year's Joseph O'Brien trained Irish Derby winner Latrobe and today made it third time lucky when improved on two previous runner-efforts, to score an easy seven lengths win over Bodhicitta.
Afterwards jockey O'Brien, partnering his 97th winner this term, 31 clear of nearest pursuer Colin Keane, stated “she had two good runs against two decent fillies and I thought she was very impressive today and I really like her. She was very straight forward, travelled around well and she picked up very nicely.
“I think she is probably going to be a mile and a half filly next year. She will probably start of over a mile and a quarter maybe in an Oaks Trial.
“It’s soft ground, maybe heavy in places, but it’s not bottomless.”
Pink Dogwood is species of flowering plant native to eastern North America and northern Mexico.
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Our Venice Beach very unlucky in the East Malvern Bendigo Bank MRC Foundation Cup at Caulfield he had to travel widest round the final turn he was coming with a winning move but was way too wide a promising run never the less
Former Ballydoyle Resident Belgravia finished 7th in the 4:05am - Fight Cancer Foundation Handicap at Caulfield
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Scat Daddy son Seahenge to take up stallion duties at Haras de la Haie Neuve in France
Seahenge won the Group 2 Champagne Stakes as a juvenile & will stand alongside fellow former Ballydoyle inmates Pedro The Great and Whitecliffsofdover a fee is to be decided
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Astronomer bring up 4 timer in Dundalk Feature
Healy Racing Photos
Astronomer made it four wins in-a-row, as he comfortably justified 1/5 favouritism in the Dundalk Stadium Light Up Your Night Race.
Fourth on debut at the Curragh in May, the Aidan O'Brien trained son of Galileo has since won at Galway, Bellewstown and Listowel.
Sent straight to the front by Donnacha O'Brien, the bay colt made all. He was pushed along from two furlong pole, and kept on well from there to score by three and a half lengths.
Boho (9/2) finished second, while Mister Dancer was another four and three parts of a length back in third.
"He's a lovely horse. He's a jockey's dream as he pings the gates, he lobs along until you ask him and the second you give him a squeeze he's there for you," said Donnacha O'Brien.
"He's very versatile and he's just a lovely horse to ride.
"He's not a bad horse. I don't know what his rating will be now but you could look at something like the Cesarewitch because I think he'd stay as far as you want him to and if not he could go into stakes company. He's not a bad horse at all."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
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In case you did not know On Saturday Galileo became the most successful sire in English Classics History Sire of 13 Individual English Classic Winners that won 14 English Classics
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Our 17th Rankings/Ratings supplement of the season is here - Timeform Global Rankings European Division Ballydoyle Spotlight & News - A total of 14 Ballydoyle Residents in the rankings.
Huge thanks to Timeform - website
> https://www.timeform.com/Leading Sires GB & IRE Tables Updated - Galileo Over 2 Million Cear 3 Coolmore 1st Season Sires in Top 10 - Camelot a Million Clear - Excelebration Remains in Top 10
British Flat Trainers Championship Updated
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Astronomer bids to continue his winning streak in Dundalk Feature
21 September
Astronomer bids to continue his winning streak in the feature event at Dundalk on Friday evening.
Aidan O'Brien's colt has really grasped the nettle since finishing fourth on his Curragh debut in the spring, opening his account at the Galway Festival before landing valuable handicaps at Bellewstown and Listowel.
His seven-length demolition job at the latter venue earned him a new mark of 106 and with the 93-rated Boho from Jessica Harrington’s yard seemingly his main threat, it will be disappointing if Astronomer does not complete his four-timer in the Dundalk Stadium - Light Up Your Night Race.
Astronomer is one of three runners on the card for the Ballydoyle maestro.
Royal Navy Warship looks a leading contender for the Dundalk Floodlit Friday Nights Handicap, while Coral Beach has her sights lowered significantly in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden.
The daughter of Zoffany struggled to make an impact in Listed company at Leopardstown last weekend, but previous placed efforts at Naas, Navan, Listowel, Fairyhouse and Galway read well in the context of this race.
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Old Glory a possible for the Group 3 Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown after winning debut
Perfect start - Frankel colt and €1.6m buy Old Glory wins on debut in the American Pharoah colours under @donnacha_obrien for @Ballydoyle at @NaasRacecourse:
Healy Racing Photos
Last year's Goffs Orby sale-topper Old Glory made a perfect start to his racing career when claiming the finale in fine style at Naas this evening.
The Frankel colt made €1.6 million at last year's Orby sale and hinted that it could be money well spent with a cosy success on his debut outing.
Donnacha O'Brien produced the Ballydoyle-trained colt to challenge a furlong from home in the seven-furlong maiden and asked him to claim front-runner Erich Bloch in the last 100 yards.
The 6/4 favourite kept on nicely under 'hands and heels' riding close home to secure a cosy length-and-a-half success.
Old Glory runs in the American Pharoah colours of Zayat Stables and is owned in partnership with the Coolmore triumvirate of Tabor, Smith and Magnier.
The winner is a half-brother to Group 2 winner Adjusted and Group 3 winner Giuseppe Piazzi.
Aidan O’Brien said:- “We thought that he was ready to come racing and that he would come forward plenty. The lads close to him always liked him.
“Donnacha said he travelled very well, and did everything right. We would like to go steady, and he could go for the Group 3 Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown.
“He’s a horse that will stay much further than seven furlongs.”
It was a double on the card for the O'Brien father and son team following on from the earlier victory of All The King's Men.
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Fourth time lucky for @Ballydoyle's All The King's Men at @NaasRacecourse - and a pleasing debut in behind from fellow Group 1-entered No Nay Never colt Never No More...
Healy Racing Photos
Ballydoyle colt All The King's Men got off the mark with the minimum of fuss when claiming the five furlong maiden on the card at Naas.
Donnacha O'Brien had the 4/7 shot to the fore throughout and he was the definite leader at halfway.
The No Nay Never colt quickened away over a furlong from home and ran on strongly in the closing stages to post a three length success.
Stable-mate Never No More, another son of No Nay Never, kept on nicely to chase him home.
The winner had been turned over at even-money on his previous two outings but made no mistake today on his fourth career start.
Aidan O’Brien said:- “Donnacha said he’s a fast horse. He went to Listowel and the soft ground got him. He wants a nice bit of ground — I’d say that is the key to him.
“He had a good run here before Listowel.
“The second horse ran very well also, and you would have to be happy with him on his first run. We liked him a lot in the spring and he had a lay-off and he’s just back.”
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Sovereign powers home to break maiden tag at Galway
Another useful-looking @Ballydoyle youngster to break their maiden at @Galway_Races. With Group 1 entries this year and next, Sovereign stretches away in style under @donnacha_obrien:
For those that sent off Ballydoyle's Sovereign an 8/15 chance, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Galway was a pleasurable watch.
On outing number three the Galileo colt soon bossed it from the front in this extended mile heat, and Donnacha O'Brien's mount asserted from over two furlongs out.
In the end Sovereign had fourteen lengths in hand over Elite Trooper Grey (9s into 6s).
Some of the competitiveness was taken away from the curtain-raiser with the defection of Tinandali owing to a stone bruise.
"He handled the ground and stays well," reported the winning rider.
"He is a big raw horse and I think he'll be a lovely horse next year going a mile and a half with a little ease in the ground.
"You'd be hoping he can climb the ladder now and he can't do much better than that."
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Ryan Moore "Saxons retirement a terrible shame"
17th September
Ryan Moore feels it is a "terrible shame" that Saxon Warrior's racing career was cut short by injury.
The 2000 Guineas hero looked to have old rival Roaring Lion in trouble in Saturday evening's Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown before being mowed down late and being denied a third Group One success by a head.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien immediately stated his intention to return Saxon Warrior to a mile in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot next month.
However, it emerged on Sunday the Deep Impact colt had suffered a tendon injury and connections were left with no option but to announce his retirement.
Moore told At The Races: "It's very sad. He ran a very courageous race on Saturday.
"The winner is a really top-class horse - he’s shown that three times now - and the thing with Saxon is I couldn't get into him the way I wanted to because he was leaning that badly.
"It was either go through the rail or hit the rail and I just had to keep pushing him. In a normal race you'd have just pulled him off and got beat a length, but I had to keep going.
"For me, the most disappointing thing was we never saw him back at a mile because when I rode him at York (when fourth in Juddmonte International, I felt he was ready to come back in trip.
"We were looking forward to Ascot with him, and next year, so it’s a terrible shame really."
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Aidan Pleased with ParisLongchamp runners
17th September
Aidan O'Brien's Capri remains on target for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe despite finishing fifth of six in the Prix Foy at Longchamp on Sunday.
Last year's St Leger winner has missed most of the season through injury but returned to action in a notable trial for the Arc, which was won in great style by Waldgeist.
O’Brien said: "I didn't see Capri’s race live but Wayne (Lordan) was very happy with the horse. The plan with him is to go back (for the Arc)."
O’Brien was represented in all three trials on the card, with the filly Magic Wand coming close to victory in the Prix Vermeille when beaten a head by Kitesurf.
His Hunting Horn was then beaten just a short head in the Prix Niel by Charlie Appleby's Brundtland.
"Magic Wand ran in the Vermeille. We weren’t sure about her getting the mile-and-a-half and she might go back for the mile-and-a-quarter (Prix de l’Opera)," said O’Brien.
"She came there to win and just got nabbed.
"Hunting Horn ran very well. Wayne thought a stronger gallop would have suited him and he’s another possibility for the Arc."
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Brave Flag Of Honour leads rivals a merry dance in Irish Leger At The Curragh
It's a St Leger double for Ryan Moore and @Ballydoyle as Flag Of Honour turns in an extremely professional display to win the Group 1 Comer Group International Irish St Leger at @curraghrace:
Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore completed the Leger double at the Curragh today when Flag Of Honour claimed the Irish version with a tough front-running performance.
The 2/1 favourite came into the race having won the trial over course and distance last month and again bounced out to make the pace.
Ryan Moore asked his mount for an effort passing the two furlong pole and the Galileo colt started to hit top gear in the closing stages.
He pulled away from his field in fine style inside the final furlong to record a convincing two-and-three-quarter length success over Irish Derby winner Latrobe.
“We're delighted with him and it's great credit to the lads at home. He's a hardy, tough horse, handles a ease in the ground and stays well,” said O'Brien.
“He ran very well early on in France in the Derby trials and then when we upped him in trip he really blossomed.
“He has enough class for a mile-and-a-half and obviously gets the extended distance very well.
“Ryan said he was very uncomplicated, very genuine, and he really quickened when he wanted him.
“He's obviously very progressive. He came here and ran against the older horses in his trial and was very impressive.
“You couldn't be happier with everything he has been doing and he has a lovely mind . He's progressing all the time.
“Everyone was really happy with him at home and he was really going the right way.
“This was always the plan. With Kew Gardens the better the ground the better he'd like it. This horse will handle an ease and even if it got soft it wouldn't bother him.
“When Order Of St George went off to stud this horse was always going to come here to split them up.
“I asked Ryan about Kew Gardens yesterday and he thought he doesn't have to go Cup trips and this horse is probably the same.
“Order Of St George was a very unique horse. He was able to be competitive in Arcs and races like that and still able to get the Cup trip.
“When you go beyond two miles you're never sure what's going to happen. This horse looks like he could get up to it but whether he gets beyond it and further.... He mightn't need to.
“They didn't go very fast early on today but he picked up. He picked up today like a horse that doesn't need to go extreme distances.
“Usually those extreme trip horses don't pick up that well but he picked up and won well at the line.
“You'd imagine he could go forward but he doesn't have to.
“He's in the Melbourne Cup and we could wait and see but he's after having a busy time.
“He's a horse that will probably get further than this distance next year if he needs to. I suppose we'll go home and see.
“He handles an ease in the ground well. He probably doesn't have to have it but he's very comfortable on it.
“The lads were talking last night that Kew Gardens would have the option of, if he was to go again, running in the Arc.
“When we said to Ryan would he be a Gold Cup horse he said he doesn't need to be a Gold Cup horse so that would kind of suggest to us that he doesn't need to go extreme distance and that's he be very happy at a mile-and-a-half.
“He won over a mile-and-a-half around Longchamp before against three-year-olds so that's what thinking about at the minute but we'll see how he comes out of the race.”
Huge thanks to Satie & Breandán Ó hUallacháin for the pictures
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Aidan O'Brien has confirmed that Saxon Warrior is to be retired after damaging a tendon in Saturday's Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
The three-year-old, heralded as one of the finest colts of his generation last year and a winner of the Beresford Stakes and the 2000 Guineas in Newmarket, was edged out by Roaring Lion in a tight finish in yesterday's Qipco Irish Champion Stakes.
Post-race, it was discovered that he had badly damaged his tendon and the decision has been taken to retire the horse.
"He badly damaged his tendon in the race," O'Brien told RTÉ Racing.
"He came home last night and was a little bit sore. So, we wrapped him up. When we took the wraps off him this morning, his tendon wasn't in a good place. There was a significant tear in the core tendon.
"It's a big pity. He was an amazing horse, really. Coming in this year, I thought he was a horse that had a chance of winning the Triple Crown.
"When we won the Guineas. We wanted to give him a chance of the (Epsom) Derby. I felt he didn't handle the track.
"An amazing horse. Listen, it's a pity but we were delighted to have him and we're looking forward to his foals."
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3.42pm - St Leger winners
6:02pm - @IrishChampsWknd winners
Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore land the Boomerang Stakes with I Can Fly at @LeopardstownRC
Ryan Moore made the quick dash back after riding the St Leger winner Kew Gardens at Doncaster worthwhile when partnering I Can Fly to a stylish win in the Clipper Logistics Boomerang Stakes at Leopardstown.
Aidan O’Brien saddled a trio of runners in this mile Group 2 event, and the front-running Kenya was still bowling along at the head of affairs over a furlong out.
However the patiently-ridden I Can Fly was produced with a powerful run by Moore on the outer in the straight, and the 7/2 chance led inside the final 150 yards to score by a length and a half.
Kenya took the runner-up spot, with Pincheck a further two and a half lengths away in third.
Aidan O'Brien said, “We thought the world of her in the spring. She just disappointed a few times and it took her a while to get it back together.nShe did it very nicely and quickened up very well. She won nicely in Killarney and then was slow away in Tipperary but Donnacha was very happy with her.
“All those fillies races are there for her and she'll probably stay a bit further than a mile. She got home well today and it was a good solid pace.
“That's the way Kenya won the Cambridgeshire and he's a solid horse. He ran a great race and he's in the English Cambridgeshire.”
Huge thanks to Breandán Ó hUallacháin & Satie for the pictures
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Rostropovich leads home Guiseppe Garibaldi in Ballydoyle 1,2 in Paddy's Rewards Club G3 Race
A popular winner on @IrishChampsWknd as the well-supported Rostropovich gets back to winning ways under @donnacha_obrien for @Ballydoyle at @LeopardstownRC:
Rostropovich, successful in the Dee Stakes at Chester earlier this year and runner-up since in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, got back to the winners’ enclosure when justifying favouritism in the Paddy’s Rewards Club Stakes at Leopardstown.
The evens favourite travelled well to lead early in the straight in this 1m4f Group 3 but Donnacha O’Brien needed to get serious inside the final furlong.
The Frankel colt kept on gamely to beat stablemate Giuseppe Garibaldi by half a length, with The King also keeping on well just the same distance further back in third.
Donnacha O'Brien said, "He stays well and handles that ground well. It's good to get a win into him."
Huge thanks to Breandán Ó hUallacháin & Satie for the pictures
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Kew Gardens storms home in the William Hill St Leger Stakes (Group 1) At Doncaster a 6th St Leger Victory for Aidan
Kew Gardens gave Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore back-to-back victories in the William Hill St Leger at Doncaster.
The 3/1 winner was following in the hoofprints of stablemate Capri and was produced to lead two furlongs from home before staying on strongly all the way to the line.
He had to as 7/4 favourite Lah Ti Dar, who showed signs of greenness through the race, came through to chase him down but she could never land a telling blow and was two-and-a-quarter lengths adrift at the post.
Southern France (20/1), a stablemate of the winner, was a further four-and-a-half lengths away in third.
Moore told ITV Racing: "It was very smooth. He's a very uncomplicated horse and he tries very hard. He's got a great attitude to life and he picked up really well. He's a super horse."
Derrick Smith, who part-owns the colt with Michael Tabor and John Magnier, added: "We recognised early on he was a Leger type and everything went right today. Ryan was in the perfect position. It was very exciting.
"Aidan will decide on plans, but we'll just enjoy today."
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Orderofthegarter 2nd on debut in Australia in the Sofitel Girls' Day Out Handicap Sir Isaac Newton was 4th both ran well but that was very promising from Order
Furrion is a class above in the final race at HQ. What level can this son of Camelot get to down the track? bit.ly/2OnWqxL
Coolmore assembling band of American Pharoah's for Aidan
14 September
Aidan will have several juveniles by AP in 2019. M.V.Magnier said “We’re going to try to get the best American Pharoah offspring we can for Aidan and give them the best chance at Ballydoyle We’ll give it a go. I remember Bob Baffert said, when we bought (American Pharoah), that he really felt he would have went on grass. And I believe Justify is the same. That’s what Ballydoyle was built on - American bloodlines. So, we’re just going to take these American horses over to the grass in Europe and see how it goes
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Strong Ballydoyle Squad sent out on Irish Champions Weekend
14 September
Flag Of Honour is one of three runners for Aidan O’Brien in the Comer Group International Irish St Leger at the Curragh on Sunday.
The Ballydoyle handler has saddled four previous winners of the one-mile-six-furlong Classic, with Yeats (2007), Septimus (2008) and the recently-retired dual victor Order Of St George (2015 and 2017) all on the roll of honour.
Flag Of Honour is the likely favourite for this year’s renewal following successive course-and-distance victories in the Curragh Cup and the Irish St Leger Trial.
Aidan also saddles Idaho and and Cypress Creek, while his son Joseph sends Irish Derby hero Latrobe into battle on home soil instead of sending him to Doncaster for Saturday’s St Leger.
Aidan is also mob-handed in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes, a race he has won on 11 previous occasions.
Futurity Stakes victor Anthony Van Dyck appears his chief contender ahead of stable companions Christmas, Land Force and Mohawk.
Ten juvenile fillies have been declared for the Moyglare Stud Stakes.
Aidan’s three runners are Hermosa, Just Wonderful and Zagitova.
The first of four Group Ones on the second day of Irish Champions Weekend is the Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes. Sioux Nation Battle Of Jericho & Different League will run for Ballydoyle
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7 Ballydoyle residents heading down under
14 September
US Navy Flag & Somerset Maugham have already been quarantine for some time ready for their planed trips to Australia but news broke this morning that they will be followed by a further five Ballydoyle residents, led by dual Group 1 placegetter and 2017 Epsom Derby runner-up Cliffs Of Moher, they have commenced quarantine in Ireland at the private facility on the grounds of Ballydoyle they will all spend the next fortnight in their temporary homes, before boarding a flight to Melbourne which is due to touch down on Saturday, 29 September.
Cliffs Of Moher will have company in the form of his stablemate Yucatan, who holds Caulfield and Melbourne Cup entries, plus fellow Ballydoyle residents Fleet Review, Spirit of Valor and Intelligence Cross, who will all target sprint races across the Spring Racing Carnival.
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Fleeting takes flight to land the May Hill
A late surge from Fleeting who scores in smart fashion in the Group 2 May Hill Stakes for @Ballydoyle at @DoncasterRaces:
The first win of the festival for Aidan O’Brien as FLEETING wins the Group 2 @WilliamHill May Hill Stakes for jockey @donnacha_obrien
#WHStLeger
Fleeting came home to good effect to provide Aidan O’Brien with a first victory in the William Hill May Hill Stakes at Doncaster.
A field of 11 juvenile fillies went to post for the Group Two contest and O’Brien was double-handed, with Fleeting the apparent second string behind the Ryan Moore-ridden Peach Tree.
The latter was on the pace throughout before fading, while the trainer’s son, Donnacha, settled 12-1 shot Fleeting towards the rear before angling wide to throw down his challenge on the far side.
The hat-trick-seeking Star Terms was in front racing inside the final furlong, but Fleeting saw out the straight mile best to get up and score by a length and a half.
Star Terms galloped on for second, ahead of Sand Share in third, but Dubai Beauty, the 11-8 favourite following an impressive debut at Newmarket last month, was bitterly disappointing.
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Japan takes off late on to break his maiden tag in the 2:05 Listowel 2YO Maiden
Japan Pictured above last week at The Curragh by David Betts
Japan justifies odds-on favouritism and surges late to take the opening contest at @ListowelRaces for @Ballydoyle:
Ballydoyle's Japan (1/2) pulled victory from the jaws of defeat on start number two, in the opening Exchange Inn Ballybunion & Kevin's Bar Listowel Irish EBF Maiden.
Donnacha O'Brien was asking for more from the son of Galileo from before the straight.
The two-year-old eventually got the message in the final furlong to mow down his faltering rivals, Aristocratic Man and Sacchoandvanzetti, by three parts of a length and a neck.
"It's important that he got off the mark — the ground wasn't ideal and he didn't get the easiest trip but he ended up winning well with all those things against him," said Coolmore representative Gerry Aherne.
"I'd say he's okay.
"Kerry National day in Listowel is always a great day. The crowds always come here and there's always a great atmosphere — it's plenty of fun."
For his part the winning rider said: "He was raw and green, and it just took him a while to get the hang of it. He's not used to a sharp track like that but once I got him going in the straight he rattled home. He stays well.
"He wouldn't have seen ground anything like that but he has ability and once he got the hang of it he did it nicely. It's heavy ground."
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10 Left in the Irish St Leger 7 From Ballydoyle - Idaho Cypress Creek Flag Of Honour Kew Gardens Nelson Southern France & The Pentagon
Only 10 horses remain in the Irish Champion Stakes 6 of the from Ballydoyle - Deauville Rhododendron Seahenge Saxon Warrior Magical & Athena
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Cliffs of Moher Deauville Hunting Horn & Rostropovich all First acceptances for the Cox Plate & Ryan Moore will ride US Navy Flag in the Everest Stakes at Randwick and will miss the Dewhurst Stakes on Saturday 13 October
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Aidan's greatest ever juveniles and here's is how the best of the 2018 batch are doing - Think Ten Sovereigns rating is to be updated - These are international official ratings
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Red's Four to follow - Red picks 4 Ballydoyle juveniles that she thinks you should be keeping an eye on check them out here > http://www.aidanobrienfansite.com/reds-blog.php
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Aidan Brings George's glittering career to an end and
hails him an incredible horse
The curtain today was brought down on the glittering career of Order Of St George who finished his career a 3 time Group One winner and a 8 time Group race winner. Order Of St George was also one of the highest earning sons of World class sire Galileo finishing with earnings over £1.9 Million Pounds.
Aidan said "We've decided to retire Order Of St George. We did not want to be greedy and risk him on Sunday. It's nothing serious, just age has caught up with him, and we thought it was the right thing to do for the horse."
Order Of St George was a incredible horse. He was a big, strong animal who was always very clean-winded. He was an incredible stayer but had the class to be competitive in an Arc.
"He handled soft ground, heavy ground, good ground and quick ground. He was versatile both in terms of ground and trip. He won a lot of races and was probably a little unlucky to be pipped in one or two others as well."
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Healy Racing Photos
A pull in the weights enabled Mount Tabora to reverse form with Zander to win the mile nursery in Listowel and give Aidan O'Brien a double.
Zander beat him four lengths into fourth at Galway but raced on 10lb worse terms for this rematch.
Seamie Heffernan sent Mount Tabora into a narrow lead inside the final furlong with Zander the danger on the outside.
In the final 50 yards it was Mount Tabora, though, who saw it out best to prevail by three parts of a length at 10/3, on this ever deteriorating ground which was changed to soft to heavy before this race.
Zander (5/1) had to settle for second. Invincible Karma, the 5/4 favourite, didn't land a blow in last of the sixth runners.
Seamie Heffernan said: "He is a Scat Daddy and we were a bit disappointed with his previous form but maybe they are really starting to fire now. It was a long last furlong but I was actually going away at the winning post.
"A lot of them (Ballydoyle horses) were running like they were under a cloud but they all seem to be back flying and all seem to be coming out of their races well whereas before they were taking a few days to settle."
"I think we've won this handicap with horses who have gone on to win Group races as two-year-olds and Joshua Tree finished second (won a Group Two at Ascot on his next start) in it."
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Impressive Astronomer makes in 3 in a row in the Sky Sports Racing Handicap at Listowel
Healy Racing Photos
Smart horse - Astronomer brings up the hat-trick in style for @Ballydoyle and @donnacha_obrien in the Sky Sports Racing Launching In 2019 Handicap at @ListowelRaces:
Aidan O'Brien's Astronomer brought up his hat-trick in convincing fashion at Listowel.
The three-year-old son of Galileo was much too good for his rivals in the 50,000 euro handicap over a mile and a half.
He closed up on South East with half a mile to travel before moving through to hit the front two and a half furlongs out.
The 2/1 favourite was ridden clear over a furlong out and strode right away to score by seven lengths. Lady Camelot won the race for second at 6/1, half a length up on Maysiyana (10/3).
Jockey Donnacha O'Brien said: "He's not a bad horse and is lovely and lazy out the country and doesn't do anymore than he has to. I think the step up in trip might suit him more.
"You take them each run at a time but he is definitely progressive and is very likeable. He has to be a Group horse after the rating he's going to get now and if he keeps progressing you wouldn't know what he is going to be."
Astronomer won his maiden in Galway before winning a handicap at Bellewstown over an extended mile and three.
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Aidan leaves 7 in Leger & talks about Kew Gardens, The Pentagon, Southern France & Nelson
Aidan has left 7 horses in Saturdays St Leger at Doncaster they are Kew Gardens, Flag Of Honour, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Nelson, Southern France, The Penagon and Zabriskie.
"We were delighted with Kew Gardens at York. It wasn’t ideal under the penalty but he had to have the run and we just thought that was the perfect place to give him his prep. Ryan was delighted with him, he obviously stays further and we always thought that Doncaster would suit him.
“He had one disappointing run and that was in the Derby and he disappointed us a little bit at Lingfield so maybe he’s a horse that just likes a level track. We rode him forward enough in the Derby too and maybe if we’d taken our time with him that might have suited him better. He has a lot of experience, and we’ve got a bit of time between now and the race and hopefully he stays well and we get him there.”
"The Pentagon had a break since the Derby and he was just ready to step up when we ran him at York and he should come on for that. We really think he will step forward from his York run and the better the ground the more it will suit him.”
"Southern France is a lovely big horse, he’s a giant and he’s going to be an even better four-year-old but he’s a lovely horse. We were very happy with him at the Curragh, it wasn’t a very fast pace there so that wouldn’t have suited him as we were riding him back a little bit. The reason we were riding him back was because it was his first run back for a while and we didn’t want him to get too tired. Seamus rode him and he was very happy with him.”
"Nelson will handle ease in the ground if it comes and he stays very well. He gets the trip really well and if ease in the ground comes he will handle it. He seems to be in really good form as well.”
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Galileo Year By Year Stats Updated
British Flat Trainers Championship Updated
Leading Sires GB & IRE Tables Updated - Galileo No Nay Never Camelot Unstoppable Excelebration in top ten
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Astronomer part of a strong Ballydoyle Squad at Listowel today
Aidan and Donnacha O’Brien have swept all before them on the domestic front in recent weeks and Astronomer may complete a hat-trick for the pair in the 50,000 euro Sky Sports Racing Launching In 2019 Handicap at Listowel today.
The Galileo colt coped with soft ground when winning his maiden at the Galway Festival and appeared to relish the step up in trip when following up in fine style at Bellewstown recently.
Ballydoyle also have a strong contender in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Premier Nursery with Mount Tabora. Seamie Heffernan’s mount has four lengths to make up on Galway maiden winner Zander but does enjoy a significant pull at the weights.
All The King’s Men looks another likely winner for Aidan and Donnacha O’Brien in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
The No Nay Never colt was just denied by stable companion Isle Of Innisfree at Naas recently and should appreciate this extra furlong.
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North Face makes it a winning debut in Navan Maiden
Following on from Battle Of Jericho in race two, Aidan O'Brien and Seamie Heffernan doubled their Navan score when North Face landed the Irish EBF Supporting Irish Champions Weekend Maiden.
The defection of First Response opened this mile event up, and Declaration Of War first-timer North Face didn't need a second invite to score at odds of 100/30 favourite, by a length and three parts from Dubai Rainbow.
"He was the eye-catcher in the ring. I thought he'd get a little bit tired but I rode him with plenty of confidence and he won well," said Heffernan.
"Aidan (O'Brien) bred him himself, he's a half-brother to Beethoven. A mile is comfortable enough and he's clean winded so he'll probably stretch out a big further."
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Gutsy Jericho out battles Gordon in EBF Race
Battle Of Jericho narrowly denied the popular Gordon Lord Byron in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race at Navan.
Only three went to post, and it proved once more a big field is not always needed to produce an exciting race.
Once the big two had seen off Sheila Lavery’s Mr Scarlet, they served up a tremendous duel.
Gordon Lord Byron, fresh from a real return to form at York last time out, was under pressure some way out and Seamie Heffernan looked as if he could take him on Aidan O’Brien’s Battle Of Jericho whenever he wanted.
However, as he has so often in the past, the 10-year-old Gordon Lord Byron kept on responding to pressure and Heffernan had to get serious with the 15-8 second-favourite, just prevailing by a short head.
“I’m not surprised he’s won, the surprise is that he hasn’t won a lot more,” said Heffernan.
“He had his head in the right place today. He does show a good bit more, but he’s won a couple this year and they can’t all be top class.”
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Former Ballydoyle residents update
Homesman Ran a fantastic race in the Dato' Tan Chin Nam Stakes Group 2. at Moonee Valley he finished 2nd and was not beat by much cracking run from him.
Unlucky Belgravia flies home late on to finish 4th in the Horse Gym Australia Handicap at Moonee Valley - He had to go widest of all and go around the whole field it was a good run
US Army Ranger finished in midfield in race 4 at Moonee Valley Exemplar was scratched.
Sir Isaac Newton & Orderofthegarter non runners in race 9 at Moonee Valley
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Aidan lays out plans for Mendelssohn & U S Navy Flag.
6 September
After finishing runner-up to Catholic Boy in the Travers Stakes (G1) on August 25th Mendelssohn has a new target in his sights next on the son of Scat Daddy's agenda could be the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Belmont Park September 29th before a return to Churchill Downs for the Breeders' Cup.
Aidan commented "The Travers was the first run of a three-race program We were very happy with that, and we're thinking of going to Belmont and then the Breeders' Cup Classic G1."
Aidan also posted an update on July Cup Winner US Navy Flag who is an intended runner in the worlds richest sprint the Everest Stakes on October 13th at Royal Radwick.
Aidan commented "U S Navy Flag was at Naas on Tuesday evening and did a half-speed over six furlongs, and we were very happy with him He's going into quarantine on Thursday to go to Sydney. He had a tough early part of the season and needed a break after the July Cup. This race popped in, and we thought it could be worth trying."
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Saxon trip debate continues
6 September
Saxon Warrior’s best trip remains open to debate as he approaches the end of his three-year-old season.
A dual Group One winner over a mile, including in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt appeared stretched by a mile and a half in the Derby at Epsom and in the Irish equivalent.
Just seven days after his run at the Curragh he pushed Roaring Lion close in the 10-furlong Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, but was then struck down by the bug which hampered plenty at Ballydoyle in mid-summer.
He returned in the Juddmonte International at York to be fourth, and the Irish Champion Stakes is next before he could possibly drop back to a mile for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions Day at Ascot.
“He was sick enough after Sandown. He was properly sick. All we wanted to do was get him back healthy and get a run into him and that was the reason of going to York. We were very happy with his run there,” said O’Brien.
“We are thinking the Irish Champion at the moment. He has done his first bit back and we were very happy with that.
“The three races we had in our mind were York, Leopardstown and he might go back to the mile at Ascot (QEII). I’m not sure he has a preferred trip yet.
“He is very comfortable over a mile as that is where he won his two Group Ones, but we always thought he would stay middle-distance trips. Next time will tell us an awful lot.”
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Our 16th Rankings/Ratings supplement of the season is here - Timeform Global Rankings European Division Ballydoyle Spotlight & News - A total of 14 Ballydoyle Residents in the rankings.
Huge thanks to Timeform - website
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Prepare for Battle outclasses Gowran maiden rivals
Healy Racing Photos
Champion Trainer Aidan O'Brien completed a double at Gowran today as his Prepare For Battle made all tin the Thomastown Maiden o provide his Jockeys' Championship-chasing son Donnacha O'Brien with his 85th winner this season.
O'Brien senior won the opener with 14/1 shot Western Australia, under Seamie Heffernan, which beat the Donnacha O'Brien partnered 5/6 favourite South Pacific into second, but the father/son team readily made amends as Prepare To Battle easily beat runner-up Small Wonder by six and a half lengths.
Donnacha O'Brien, who is 20 winners clear of nearest pursuer Colin Keane (85-65), later said the step up in trip again suited him. I kept it uncomplicated with him, he had a little look in front but did it nicely.
“He's not a bad horse, I'd say, and he'll probably step up in class now. There might not be too many winners' races left so he might have to go into a group race. He's done it nicely.”
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Impressive Western Australia downs fancied Stablemate South Pacific in Gowran Maiden
Ballydoyle horses continue in rude health and for the second day in succession, an Aidan O'Brien trained '2-1' upset punters as outsider Western Australia (14/1) beat 5/6 favourite South Pacific in the opening Irish EBF Supporting ICW (C & G) Maiden at Gowran today.
O'Brien's Isle Of Innisfree, 12/1 under Seamie Heffernan, beat even money favourite and stablemate All The King's Men, under Donnacha O'Brien, at Naas yesterday and the pair repeated the does at Gowran, where Western Australia made all, under Heffernan, to comfortably beat South Pacific, under Donnacha O'Brien.
Both of O'Brien's lesser-fancied winners Isle Of Innisfree and today's victor Western Australia raced during Ballydoyle's virus-hit mid-summer spell but showed improved form to gain their respective wins.
Following Western Australia's win, jockey Heffernan said “it's not a surprise that they're improving a fair bit from run to run.
“He's clean winded and I ran down past the winning post well. He could be a nice type, the head went down and out when I went for him.
“I rode Donnacha's (South Pacific) lad the last day and he was horrendously green.
“You'd like the Australias, I'll be looking for more of them, I'd like him as a stallion.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
Healy Racing Photos
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The exciting Ten Sovereigns is an intended runner in the G1 Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket following two facile victories at the Curragh
Flag Of Honour is unbeaten in his last two starts and looks set to run in the G1 Irish St Leger @curraghrace on September 16.
Order Of St George “might not make it as he’s feeling a little bit of age”
2017 St Leger winner Capri is on course to run in the G2 Prix Foy @paris_longchamp
A return to France following that run for the Arc is also under consideration
The Everest Stakes remains the plan for G1 July Cup winner U S Navy Flag
The three-year-old son of War Front did a piece of work at Naas yesterday and heads into quarantine this week: @Racing @RacingInsider @Globalgallop @atc_races @CoolmoreAus
The master of Ballydoyle has five possible runners in Saturday’s G1 @32Red Sprint Cup:
Gustav Klimt
He spoke to us about who could possibly line up @haydockraces
Anthony Van Dyck is unbeaten in his last three starts, which a half-length success in the G2 Futurity Stakes last time out.
The G1 @Goffs1866 Vincent O’Brien National Stakes @curraghrace is next up for the two-year-old son of Galileo
The @BreedersCup Classic @ChurchillDowns remains the aim for UAE Derby winner Mendelssohn
The Scat Daddy colt was an excellent second in the G1 Travers Stakes on his latest run
He could first run at Belmont in the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup
Aidan gives the lowdown on his four possible @WilliamHill St Leger contenders:
The G1 QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes @LeopardstownRC is the target for QIPCO 2000 Guineas winner Saxon Warrior
Ryan Moore looks set to ride at both Doncaster & Leopardstown
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Capri on Course for Comeback in Arc Prep
September 5th
Capri is on course to return to action at ParisLongchamp on Sunday week as Aidan O’Brien seeks to ascertain whether he is a Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe contender.
Last year’s St Leger hero subsequently finished down the field in the Arc and has only run once so far this term, winning the Alleged Stakes in April before suffering a shoulder injury.
O’Brien has adopted a patient approach with the Galileo colt, but plans to unleash him in the Group Two Prix Foy with a view to tackling the main event back at the Paris track on October 7.
He said: “The plan with him is to go to France for the Prix Foy and then if that goes well, we might go back to the Arc.
“He had a racecourse gallop last week and he’s been back in full work for about eight weeks.”
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Aidan delighted with Kew ahead of Leger Challenge
September 5th
Aidan O’Brien expects Kew Gardens to thrive at Doncaster as he bids for William Hill St Leger glory on Saturday week.
The Galileo colt is a short-priced favourite for the final Classic of the season after winning the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot and the Group One Grand Prix de Paris earlier this term.
While he was beaten just under two lengths when third in the Great Voltigeur at York last time, O’Brien felt Kew Gardens’ 5lb penalty for his ParisLongchamp win proved crucial and anticipates renewed form when switching back up to 14 furlongs on Town Moor.
He said: “I was delighted with Kew Gardens’ run (at York).
“It was not ideal having a penalty, but we felt we had to have a run and we thought that was the perfect place to give him a prep.
“Ryan Moore was delighted with him and obviously he stays further. We always thought Doncaster would suit and hopefully the ground will be nice there.”
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Saracen Knight bulldozes rivals to land the Naas Membership Race
The well-fancied Centroid finishes down the field but it's a fine return for Saracen Knight - the Camelot colt holds some interesting entries and makes up for lost time under @donnacha_obrien and @Ballydoyle at @NaasRacecourse:
Healy Racing Photos
Ballydoyle doubled-up when Saracen Knight (5s into 4s) impressed off a 311 day break in the Naas Membership Race.
Twelve to one chance Isle Of Innisfree (Seamie Heffernan) got it done earlier on the card for Aidan O'Brien, and his son Donnacha was aboard Saracen Knight.
Odds-on favourite and Enable's half-brother Centroid couldn't change gear when required in the final quarter mile, as Saracen Knight kept up the gallop from the front.
In the end the son of Camelot had three and three parts of a length and seven lengths in hand over Jessica Harrington's pair, Boho and Holding Pattern.
Centroid (4/5) was two and a quarter lengths off them in fourth.
Said Donnacha O'Brien: "He impressed me. He was off the track for a long time so I thought he'd come forward fitness wise but he did it nicely and gave me a nice feel.
"These Camelots seem to be improving a lot at three and he's obviously done the same. He's one to look forward to. He's entered in a few Group 3 races (at Leopardstown and Naas) and something like that would be his target."
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Isle Of Innisfree upsets stablemate All The King's Men in Ballydoyle 1 2 in Naas Maiden
Quite the surprise at @NaasRacecourse as 12/1 shot Isle Of Innisfree fends off stablemate All The King's Men...
Healy Racing Photos
"I will arise and go now," would have been an apt utterance from those that made Ballydoyle's All The King's Men the evens favourite only to be turned over by 12/1 stable companion Isle Of Innisfree in race three at Naas.
"I will arise and go now," are of course the opening words of Yeats' The Lake Isle of Innisfree, and the equine form of Isle Of Inisfree is a son of Scat Daddy.
He shed his maiden tag at the sixth time of asking in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden (Plus 10 Race).
All The King’s Men is by Scat Daddy's son, No Nay Never, and though he finished off well, it wasn't well enough to get to Isle Of Inisfree who held on by a head.
"He's a massive big horse and hardy at home. We had to keep running him just to keep the freshness off him. I'd be happy to ride him at five — he's very quick," said winning rider Seamie Heffernan.
"He has a serious pedigree and is a full brother to Sioux Nation. Hopefully he could be as good as him."
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Leading Sires GB & IRE Tables Updated - Galileo No Nay Never & Camelot on verge of Titles Excelebration 10th
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Kenya stuns Cambridgeshire field
What a day for Aidan O'Brien as Kenya bolts up in the Tote Irish Cambridgeshire at @curraghrace, bringing up a four-timer for @Ballydoyle!
It was a case of 'bug, what bug' as normal service was resumed for Aidan O'Brien at the Curragh today with the Champion Trainer completing a four-timer in the Tote Irish Cambridgeshire as Kenya sprang a 20/1 upset to win under jockey Seamie Heffernan.
O'Brien, whose yard was hit with a mid-season virus which has cleared in the past fortnight, had earlier winners with his son Donnacha O'Brien-partnered Sydney Opera House, Just Wonderful and Ten Sovereigns and completed his tally with Kenya.
Donnacha O'Brien was himself chasing a five-timer of his own in the race, having also steered his brother Joseph O'Brien's Perfect Tapatino to win an earlier handicap, but opted to ride the other Ballydoyle runner, but subsequently unplaced, Lucius Tiberius, behind winner Kenya.
Kenya, a son of Galileo, won last year's Killavullen Stakes but in common with many of his stablemates, was out of sorts this year but was today bouncing back from three beaten starts this term.
O'Brien later commented “he was just back but he had the class as he was a Group 3 winner. He travelled well and saw it out well.
“We ran him over a mile-and-a-quarter earlier in the year and we were going too far with him.
“Seamus was very happy with him and he could go to Leopardstown in about three weeks for a Group 3 race over a mile. He's also in the Boomerang on Champions Weekend.”
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Ten Sovereigns impresses in Round Tower
He looks good! Ten Sovereigns scoots clear to win the Group 3 Round Tower Stakes at @curraghrace for @Ballydoyle:
Just Wonderful leads home a Ballydoyle 1- 2 - 3
01.09
It's a 1-2-3 for Aidan O'Brien as Just Wonderful quickens smartly to take the Group 3 Flame Of Tara Irish EBF Stakes at @curraghrace:
The wheels on the Ballydoyle bus are rolling smoothly again and the Group 3 Flame Of Tara Irish EBF Stakes at the Curragh today illustrated that as Aidan O'Brien trained runners filled the first three placings, headed by winner Just Wonderful.
An untimely virus hit O'Brien's all-conquering yard mid-season but results have been very kind in recent weeks with Just Wonderful today leading home stablemates Peach Tree and Fleeting.
Both O'Brien and his son Donnacha O'Brien, who now leads Colin Keane by 15 winners (79-64) at the head of the Jockeys' Championship, were completing opening races doubles, having won the curtain-raiser with Sydney Opera House.
Following Just Wonderful's success, O'Brien senior stated “we weren't sure about her getting the mile but Donnacha was very happy. She has a lot of ability and she probably likes coming from behind a little bit.
“He put her asleep and she relaxed lovely for him. The Boussac (Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac run on the same day as the Arc at Longchamp) and those races are all there for her.
“The lovely thing about her is that she's a great traveller, she's very smooth through a race and gets there very easily. She probably wouldn't want to be there too long. We couldn't be happier.”
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Sydney Opera House gains his maiden win at the Curragh
01.09
Won by Saxon Warrior last year, Sydney Opera House lands the opener at @curraghrace for @Ballydoyle:
”Sydney Opera House made it third time lucky in the opening John Sisk & Son Irish EBF (C & G) Maiden at the Curragh today as the Aidan O'Brien trained colt won under the Champion Trainer's son and Jockeys' Championship leader Donnacha O'Brien.
The son of Australia made most of the running and in the end posted a good staying performance to beat Patrick Sarsfield by a length and a half.
Afterwards O'Brien senior stated “you'd be delighted with that. We thought he'd win second time but obviously Kevin's horse came and got him.
“He's a lovely horse and will be a middle distance horse next year, he stays well I'd say.
“We're very happy with him and he has options now, maybe the Beresford.”
Sydney Opera House holds entries in the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes and the National Stakes on Irish Champions Weekend and O'Brien added he could possibly line up in one of those, saying “they are coming out of their races well; we've two weeks and he could go there.”
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Aidan to put Ten Sovereigns credentials to test in Round Tower
1st September
Ten Sovereigns is back out again quickly in the John Sisk & Son Round Tower Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday.
Aidan O’Brien’s youngster created quite an impression when winning a 25-runner maiden by seven lengths last weekend.
The son of No Nay Never holds entries in all the major end-of-season juvenile events but it is Newmarket’s Middle Park Stakes that the Ballydoyle handler is eyeing up.
O’Brien said: “He seems to be fine. Obviously he only ran last week but we’re happy with him.
“We’re looking at the Middle Park and we just felt that he needed another run before we went there. That was the reason for running.
“He hasn’t done much since last week but he seems to be in good form.
