Though the British season officially runs from January 1 to December 31, the Ballydoyle trainer leads the standings by more than £3 million after a string of big-race successes.

Breeders’ Cup Classic contender City Of Troy has spearheaded O’Brien’s efforts in Britain this year, winning a Group 1 hat-trick in the Betfred Derby, Coral-Eclipse and Juddmonte International at York most recently.

Kyprios returned to the top of the staying division with victories in the Gold Cup and Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup, while Jan Brueghel led home a one-two for the stable in the Betfred St Leger at Doncaster.

As usual, Aidan O’Brien was quick to deflect praise as he emphasised the importance of the team effort at Ballydoyle and Coolmore.

“It is a big team effort from everyone in Ballydoyle and Coolmore,” O’Brien said. “There are so many special people in so many different areas that if I started talking about them, I would be here until tomorrow. You can have the horses and the place but, if you don’t have the people, it won’t happen.

“The owners are the people who put the resources in every year, to try and help us make it better. They put a lot of time in and give us advice. We do our best, give information back, and try to follow the roadmap that they draw for us. Some years it goes very well, some years it is ordinary, and some years it is medium.

“This was a good year for us. We won plenty of good races. I am just delighted for everybody when we do have a good year. We don’t take anything for granted and try to look to the future.”

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The Aidan O’Brien-trained 8/11 favourite showed his strength and determination was he ran out a two and a quarter length winner of the longest race on British Champions Day.

Ridden by Ryan Moore, the son of Galileo tracked his stable companion The Euphrates throughout most of the contest, with the recent Prix Du Cadran winner at ParisLongchamp taking command on entering the home straight.

Though Sweet William (8/1 and Trawlerman (5/1) last year’s third and winner respectively, challenged last season’s runner-up, the Moyglare Stud and Coolmore partners-owned Kyprios dug deep to improve his season’s record to seven wins from seven race.

Sweet William, with Rab Havlin in the saddle, was second for John and Thady Gosden, while Trawlerman and William Buick were a length and a half back in third place.

Incredibly the victory was a first win for Ballydoyle handler Aidan O’Brien at British Champions Day since 2019.

Speaking to the assembled media post-race, O’Brien said:

“All credit goes to the team – everyone at home who has done all the work with him and have a very close connection to him. It is incredible to have him back [Kyprios had a serious infection in a joint capsule after the 2022 season]. We thought the best that would happen would be that we could save him to go to stud. He still has a massive team around him. His stable is outside the front door and we see him every day.

“He is a very special horse. Ryan was in total control on him after the first furlong, and it was a joy to watch it. He is relentless and has an unbelievable amount of quality, so it doesn’t matter if you go slow or if you go fast, he just goes there and he switches off. Ryan rides him incredibly and knows him inside out.”

O’Brien continued by discussing the winner’s attitude to racing:

“He is very relaxed, loves racing, and he loves this distance and finds it very comfortable. Credit to the lads for leaving him at this distance – he enjoys it. You wouldn’t have known he had had a race the last day and he didn’t lose any weight. He is so laidback, his blood doesn’t get up until after the race – you can see him now, having a buck – but it takes a race to get his blood up.

“The plan was to come here, give him the winter off, then give him two trials before the Gold Cup next year. So that’s what we are working for – we will get through the winter and the spring, and try to come back here for the Gold Cup.”

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Trained in England by Ralph Beckett, last year’s Darley Irish Oaks runner-up, had to battle late to get past last season’s Group 1 Coronation Stakes winner Emily Upjohn in the one mile two furlongs contest.

With Lumiere Rock and Dylan Browne McMonagle cutting out the early pace, the John and Thady Gosden-handled Emily Upjohn looked a serious threat as she loomed up on the outside of the Joseph O’Brien-trained daughter of Saxon Warrior.

With rider Kieran Shoemark looking confident aboard Emily Upjohn, she was soon joined by the Juddmonte Farms’-owned Bluestocking and Galway native Rossa Ryan in the saddle.

The two fillies battled gamely to the line, with Bluestocking, a daughter of Camelot, holding sway on the line, with half a length called as the official distance between winner and runner-up.

With the visiting runners taking the first and second place, Aidan O’Brien’s Content, with Ryan Moore in the saddle, was best of the home team, three and three-quarter lengths further back in third place.

Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore had earlier teamed up for a Group double, with Truly Enchanting and Jan Breughel tasting success.

Truly Enchanting,13th in the Group 2 Queen Mary over five furlongs recently at Royal Ascot, was in the winner’s enclosure today, taking the six-furlong Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes for fillies from Adrian Murray-trained and David Egan-ridden California Dreamer in the colours of AMO Racing Limited.

The second part of the Coolmore, O’Brien, Moore Group double was the success of Jan Breughel in the Group 3 Al Basti Equiworld International Stakes over one mile two furlongs.

Jan Breughel, a full-brother to Dawn Rising who was winner of the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2023, had a neck advantage over the Joseph O’Brien-trained and Dylan Browne McMonagle-ridden Trustyourinstinct in the colours of J.P. McManus.

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The winner of the Epsom Derby and the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh earlier this year, Auguste Rodin has disappointed hugely on two occasions, namely the QIPCO 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

This afternoon, however, the son of Deep Impact showed his battling qualities as he held off the challenge of his stable companion, and last year’s winner of the race, Luxembourg (Séamie Heffernan), by a half-length. Hollie Doyle aboard Nashwa was a short-head further back in third for John and Thady Gosden.

The three Ballydoyle runners, Luxembourg, Point Lonsdale (eventual 6th), and Auguste Rodin cut out the running in that order.

Ryan Moore and Auguste Rodin made their challenge on the outside of Luxembourg and Heffernan and fought off his stable companion’s challenge to claim a fourth career Group 1 success.

“It’s very satisfying to come back and prove how good he is.”

Ryan Moore hails Auguste Rodin and the training feats of Aidan O’Brien after a memorable Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes #IrishChampionsFestival | @BahrainTurfClub| @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/d41tUMiPhu

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 9, 2023

The winning trainer, Aidan O’Brien, for whom it was a 12th Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes win, said of the winner:

“A couple of times this year it all went totally wrong. All the ducks went against him. Usually you want them all to go with you but they all went against him. Ryan (Moore, the winning rider), before it went completely wrong in Ascot, he took him out of the race so he did no mental or physical damage to him. That’s why he came out of the race so well.”

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Trainer, jockey and owner standings

For the latest standings, please follow the links.

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The post Leading Jockey, Trainer & Owner Standings at Royal Ascot appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Aidan O’Brien is responsible for both Meditate and Never Ending Story, with both fillies owned by the Coolmore partnership.

Kieran Cotter had confirmed Matilde Picotte, while Dermot Weld has Tahiyra among the 22 fillies that currently stand their ground.

Thirteen of the 22 three-year-old for the second classic of the season were bred in Ireland.

The QIPCO 1000 Guineas, the first fillies’ classic of the season, goes to post on Sunday next, 7 May 2023, at 3.40pm.

QIPCO 1000 Guineas 3.40pm, Sunday 7th May 2023 at Newmarket.

Caernarfon 3 9 2 Hunscote Stud, P Humphreys & J Sweeney Jack Channon Connor Beasley

Dance In The Grass 3 9 2 Mr Jaber Abdullah Charlie Johnston

Dream of Love (IRE) 3 9 2 Godolphin Charlie Appleby William Buick

Embrace (IRE) 3 9 2 Mr Ahmad Alkhallafi Owen Burrows Daniel Muscutt

Fairy Cross (IRE) 3 9 2 Godolphin Charlie Appleby James Doyle

Juliet Sierra 3 9 2 Juddmonte Ralph Beckett Rossa Ryan

Karsavina 3 9 2 Cheveley Park Stud Clive Cox

Lezoo 3 9 2 Marc Chan & Andrew Rosen Ralph Beckett Frankie Dettori

Mammas Girl 3 9 2 Amo Racing Limited Richard Hannon

Matilda Picotte (IRE) 3 9 2 Matilda & Kilmichael Racing Partnership Kieran Patrick Cotter Ireland

Mawj (IRE) 3 9 2 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor Oisin Murphy

Meditate (IRE) 3 9 2 M Tabor/D Smith/Mrs J Magnier/Westerberg Aidan O’Brien Ireland

Naomi Lapaglia 3 9 2 Edward Babington & Phil Cunningham Richard Spencer

Never Ending Story (IRE) 3 9 2 Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith/Westerberg Aidan O’Brien Ireland

Olivia Maralda (IRE) 3 9 2 Amo Coutinho Syndicate Roger Varian

Polly Pott 3 9 2 The Megsons Ben Pauling

Powerdress (IRE) 3 9 2 Mr Martin Hughes Richard Hannon

Queen Me (IRE) 3 9 2 Mr Jaber Abdullah Kevin Ryan

Remarquee 3 9 2 Mr J. H. Richmond-Watson Ralph Beckett Rob Hornby

Stenton Glider (IRE) 3 9 2 Mrs J Mairs and Mr T S Mairs Hugo Palmer Tom Marquand

Sweet Harmony (IRE) 3 9 2 Phil Cunningham Richard Spencer Billy Loughnane

Tahiyra (IRE) 3 9 2 H.H. Aga Khan D. K. Weld Ireland

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The three, Auguste Rodin, Cairo and Little Big Bear are all trained by Aidan O’Brien at Balldoyle for Coolmore partnerships.

Ten of the 15 three-year-old colts are Irish-bred.

QIPCO 2000 Guineas 4.40pm, Saturday 6th May 2023, at Newmarket.

Auguste Rodin (IRE) 3 9 2 M Tabor/D Smith/Mrs J Magnier/Westerberg Aidan O’Brien Ireland

Cairo (IRE) 3 9 2 D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, M.Tabor, Westerberg Aidan O’Brien Ireland

Chaldean 3 9 2 Juddmonte Andrew Balding Frankie Dettori

Charyn (IRE) 3 9 2 Mr Nurlan Bizakov Roger Varian Tom Marquand

Dubai Mile (IRE) 3 9 2 Ahmad Al Shaikh Charlie Johnston Daniel Muscutt

Flight Plan 3 9 2 Clipper Logistics K. R. Burke Daniel Tudhope

Galeron (IRE) 3 9 2 Teme Valley & Aura (Gas) Holdings Ltd Charles Hills Kieran Shoemark

Hi Royal (IRE) 3 9 2 Mr Jaber Abdullah Kevin Ryan

Holloway Boy 3 9 2 Mr Nick White & Mrs E Burke K. R. Burke

Indestructible (IRE) 3 9 2 Amo Racing Limited K. R. Burke

Little Big Bear (IRE) 3 9 2 D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, M. Tabor, Westerberg Aidan O’Brien Ireland

Noble Style 3 9 2 Godolphin Charlie Appleby James Doyle

Royal Scotsman (IRE) 3 9 2 Mrs Fitri Hay Paul & Oliver Cole Jim Crowley

Sakheer (IRE) 3 9 2 KHK Racing Roger Varian David Egan

Silver Knott 3 9 2 Godolphin Charlie Appleby William Buick

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The son of Australia travelled well throughout the race before making his move in the home straight.

Finding a nice break between horses, the seven-year-old came under a great wide drive from Ryan Moore to claim the 2 mile contest.

MV Magnier, representing owners Coolmore, said:

“Aidan (O’Brien) was very confident he would handle the trip. He’s danced every dance and travelled around the world. We are lucky to have him.”

Broome, who has previously run in Qatar, Hong Kong, Japan, USA, France, England, as well as Ireland, was winning for the first time since his Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes victory at Royal Ascot last June.

The 2/1f Siskany was runner-up for Charlie Appleby and William Buick, a neck behind the Ballydoyle winner, while Irish jockey Joe Fanning was third aboard the the Charlie Johnstone-trained Subjectivist (10/1).

“He’s such a brave horse”

Ryan Moore hails Dubai Gold Cup hero Broome. A close fourth in the Derby four years ago, he was having his 32nd start today.@RacingDubai | #DWC23 pic.twitter.com/fnkgJ0foHS

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 25, 2023

Winning rider Ryan Moore said of his Dubai Gold Cup winner:

“He’s a very brave horse. He’s a Group 1 winner, he’s got high class form. The pace was strong and we just had to wait for a bit of room at the top of the straight. He’s so brave, though, he puts his head down and he gave me everything. It’s a pleasure to ride a horse like him.

“He’s done a lot of racing and he always runs his race, but you’re never quite sure how they will handle a step up in distance until they come out and do it. It’s one of the biggest nights of the year, I’m always delighted to come out here. It’s always tough to get a winner so I’m delighted to get one tonight.”

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The six-furlong two-year-old race saw the son of Snitzel claim victory by one and a quarter  lengths, giving the winning owners Coolmore, jockey Ryan Moore and trainer Chris Waller a first success in the coveted race at the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

Second home was the race favourite Cylinder and jockey James McDonald, with King’s Gambit with Mark Zahra on board third to cross the winning line, one and a half lengths behind the runner-up.

The winning rider, Ryan Moore, stated post-race:

“Growing up the Golden Slipper was always one of the big races that everyone knew around the world. Maybe times have changed, but it was always the premier race in New South Wales.

“Tom (Magnier from Coolmore) called me last week at this time and asked if I’d like to come down. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be here. He won well last week, he’s a very talented colt, he’s got a super attitude. Lovely big strong long striding horse.”

Asked about the potential of the winner, now with two wins, a second and a third in his four-start career, the English jockey said:

“I’m sure he’s not just an out and out six furlong (1200m) sprinter. I’m sure he’s going to be more comfortable when he gets over more ground. It feels like he’s improving and he’ll continue to improve and all being he’ll have a good future.”

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The Group 1 contest over six furlongs, Ireland’s first Group 1 of the season for juveniles, was impressively claimed by the son of No Nay Never as the Camas Park Stud and Summerhill-bred colt ran out a stylish seven-length winner of the race.

O’Brien admitted post-race that Little Big Bear gave them a scare prior to the race when he kicked a wall and the clip of the shoe went into his foot. Vets checked the Coolmore partners-owned colt and allowed the horse to run.

“He has a lot of speed, he’s powerful and he’s strong. Ryan (Moore) said that when he let him go, it was over. He has been progressing lovely from every run. We came here the last day with a view to coming back for this race. Everything had gone very smooth. He loves the ground. It was a very good race.”

The Richard Hannon-trained Persian Force was second while Johnny Murtagh’s Shartash took third. The race favourite, the previously unbeaten Bradsell from Archie Watson’s stable, finished fourth, having lost early ground on leaving the stalls.

“That was mightily impressive!”

An absolutely spectacular display from Little Big Bear in the @keeneland Phoenix Stakes @curraghrace – with Bradsell only fourth@coolmorestud | @Ballydoyle pic.twitter.com/43xQdmXjqJ

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 6, 2022

Al Riffa (1/2f) took the opening John Ormonde Wexford Sand Irish EBF Maiden for jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle and trainer Joseph O’Brien. Incredibly it was a 1000th winner in his short training career for the Carriganóg-based handler.

Al Riffa, a juvenile son of Wootton Bassett, was runner-up on debut over course and distance on 16 July, behind the well-touted Coolmore partners-owned Hans Andersen.

Al Riffa, a 2yo son of Wootton Bassett, holds a clutch of lofty entries – including in next year’s Derby.

Watch the finish to the John Ormonde Wexford Sand @IrishEBF_ Maiden @curraghrace and you’ll see why:@DylanBrowneMcM | @JosephOBrien2 pic.twitter.com/Vx0M2Ffjs0

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 6, 2022

In Ecstasy brought up a double for Joseph O’Brien when taking the Sheehy Motors Volkswagen Handicap in the hands of Declan McDonagh.

Billy Lee and Paddy Twomey teamed up to win the Loder Irish EBF Fillies race with Shelton (4/1). The daughter of Mehmas only managed a midfield position on her first outing behind Vernet a fortnight ago. This afternoon, the two-year-old chestnut filly was a one and a half length victor over Basil Martini (7/2), from the Joseph O’Brien stable, with 10/1 shot Sweetest Heard third home for Ger Lyons.

The England-based Irish trainer David Loughnane made a successful raid on The Curragh as Go Bears Go (11/4f) got back to winning ways, taking the Group 3 Rathasker Stud Phoenix Sprint Stakes.

Ridden by Rossa Ryan, the son of Kodi Bear was runner-up to Minzaal in a Group 3 at Newbury on his previous start. The three-year-old had a length and a quarter in hand on John Feane’s Ano Syra (12/1), with Sacred Bridge (7/1) from the Ger Lyons yard next best in third.

”He’s a terrier. He’s got a very special place in my heart”

Find out which race is “at the top of the agenda now” for Go Bears Go following his @RathaskerStud Phoenix Sprint Stakes win at @curraghrace @amoracingltd | @Rossaryan15

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 6, 2022

Cairo (16/5) was an eye-catching runner-up to Wave Machine (5/2f) in the John Ormonde Gallop & Arena Construction Irish EBF Maiden over six furlongs. The winning Wave Machine, handled by Johnny Murtagh, got the better of the debuting son of Quality Road, Cairo, by a head. The pair put a length and a half between themselves and third-placed Mount Ruapehu (28/1).

Gordon Bennett (7/4f) won the Donoghue Marquees Handicap over seven furlongs, while the final race, the AK Bets “Higher Limits, Better Prices” Handicap, went to Big Gossey (15/8f).

Also down at the Dingle Pony racing Kian Tubs McNally rode one of the nicest winners you will ever see.

Wow, what a classy ride from Kian “tubs” McNally to win the 14’ 2’ on Five Stone Of Lead @McnallyRonan @RTEracing @itvracing pic.twitter.com/r0NoIzHE6f

— PonyRacing.ie (@PonyRacingIRE) August 6, 2022

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