Aidan’s thoughts on Minding
By Red

Aidan was non-committal when asked if he has trained a better filly in the past two decades, he said: “She's great, isn't she? I'm not sure if we've had a more resilient filly and we've been delighted with her this season. I'm not sure what her best distance is. We know she has the pace for the top league at a mile and we know she gets a mile and a half. She's also comfortable in between at a mile and quarter, which is lovely. It's very unusual to be so adaptable.

She's progressing with every run and is a very strong traveller. We are very happy with her going into Saturday, but have not looked beyond it. It's one race at a time, let's see how she comes out of the race.”

Minding is set to encounter the fastest conditions she has faced so far this season, but connections do not see it as a problem, particularly after persistent rain on Thursday.

"All anybody wants is safe ground and Seamus (Buckley, clerk of the course) will keep it safe. That's what everyone wants for every horse," said Aidan.

Coolmore's UK representative Kevin Buckley was glowing in his praise of the brilliant filly.


He said: "She handled it (10 furlongs) perfectly last time. She's the perfect racehorse - absolutely fantastic. She's so versatile and can handle anything. You can never count your chickens, but it's the perfect race for her."

 
       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Swordfighter and Colm 5th in the Goodwood Cup

 
       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intelligence Cross & Ryan Moore 3rd in the Richmond Stakes (G2) at Goodwood

      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He's A Record Breaker

      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aidan has a Very healthy lead in the British Flat Trainers Championship to say the least

      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rhododendron blooms in the Goodwood gloom
By Red


Rhododendron won the Dove 100 colours EBF British Stallion Studs Maiden fillies stakes at Goodwood by 1 ¾ lengths from Amabilis. The filly is another winner for her sire Galileo who is in the middle of a purple patch.

She tracked the leaders throughout the race sitting in midfield and was pushed along over 2 furlongs out, where she made headway down the outside to take 2nd just over a furlong out, she ran a bit green, she led inside the last 150 yards and was soon clear of the rest of the field she stayed on well.

J P Magnier, son of co-owner Sue Magnier, was happy with the performance of Rhododendron after the race.
 
"Ryan said that she felt like she hadn't had much of a race," said Magnier.
 
"There's plenty of improvement in her by the looks of it. It's amazing what Galileo has been doing over the past few weeks.
 
"We'll take her back to Ireland and there's plenty of options for her there.
 
"I didn't see her goose stepping around the paddock but they tell me it's a sign of well-being when they do that. Zenyatta used to do it so hopefully that's a good omen!"
 
Magnier also had news of Intelligence Cross, who finished a well-beaten third behind Mehmas in the Qatar Richmond Stakes earlier on the card.
 
"Ryan wasn't overly happy when he got off Intelligence Cross - he said he was a bit sore. "We'll take him home and check him out - hopefully he'll be fine

Ryan Moore, registering his third victory of the week, said of the two-year-old: "Rhododendron is a smart filly. She picked up very well when I asked her and she is another filly with a good future.
 
"It's only her second run today. She picked up very well and travelled really well. I'm sure Aidan will get her home and see where she goes afterwards."
 
Moore also suggested the rain which has fallen at the Sussex venue today has started to affect the going. He added: "It's loose ground now and not all the horses are comfortable on it."

      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Minding to make it 6 in the Nassau

By Red

Minding faces just four rivals as she goes in search of a sixth Group One victory in the Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood on Saturday at 3.10.  Her opponents are Beautiful Romance, Jemeyal, Queen's Trust and Swiss Range.

Minding will be running in her fifth race this year, she has already made two successful attempts in Britain this year when landing the Qipco 1000 Guineas at Newmarket before following up with victory in the Investec Oaks at Epsom.

Last seen when beating her elders in the Group 1 Sea The Stars Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh at the end of June.

Aidan has won the Nassau twice in the past with Peeping Fawn in 2007 and Halfway
to Heaven in 2008.

Currently 2/7 with Stan James

      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Washington DC for the King George

By Red

Aidan’s Zoffany colt Washington DC will run at the Goodwood Festival Tomorrow in the Group 2 Qatar King George stakes over 5 furlongs.

He will be having his seventh run of the year, winning two of them The Listed Text your bets to Paddy Power on 51465 stakes over 7 furlongs and the Listed Coolmore Stud Power stakes over 6 furlongs. The trip shouldn’t be a problem for him as he won two races over 5 furlongs as a two year old.

He was last seen at the beginning of July when finishing 5th  3 ¾ lengths behind Limato in the Group 1 Darley July cup. He was held up that day, made headway 2 furlongs out where he was carried out left a bit, was driven to chase the leaders over a furlong out, got outpaced and stayed on at the one pace inside the final furlong.

Currently 12/1 with Paddy Power.

      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Further Group success for the evergreen Galileo
By Red

Galileo is showing his dominance once again this time at this years Goodwood
Festival with a quick fire Group race double yesterday led by his son The Gurkha in the Group 1 Sussex stakes.

The Aidan O’Brien trained colt was unraced as a two year old due to illness but has proved to be a revelation so far this year. He demolished his field in the Group 1Poule D’essai des Poulains the French 2000 guineas, in May on only his third ever start, he followed up that success with two narrow seconds in the Group1 St. James’s Palace stakes behind Galileo Gold and the Group 1 Coral Eclipse behind Hawkbill.

On Wednesday afternoon the Galileo colt reversed placings with his Royal Ascot conqueror Galileo Gold beating him by a neck to record his second Group 1 victory of the year. The win also gave Galileo a fourth victory in the race following wins from his sons Rip Van Winkle in 2009 and Frankel in 2011 and 2012.

Earlier in the afternoon the Michael Stoute trained Ulysses led home a one two for Galileo when winning the Group 3 Gordon stakes from another son The Major General. It was the second time this year that Galileo’s have filled the top spots in a Group race, he sired the first three home in the Group 1 Qipco 1000 Guineas when Minding won the race from Ballydoyle with Alice Springs back in third.

The victories from both colts sees another £616,000 of prize money added to Galileo’s already impressive total this year, increasing his already sizable lead in his bid to win an eighth sires title. So far in the month of July Galileo’s offspring have won five top level Group 1 or Grade 1 races they include Alice Springs winner of the Group 1 Falmouth stakes on the 8th July, Deauville winner of the Grade 1 Belmont Derby on the 9th July, Seventh Heaven winner of the Group 1 Darley Irish Oaks on the 16th July, Highland Reel winner of the Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth stakes on The 23rd July , and The Gurkha winner the Group 1 Sussex stakes yesterday 27th July.

Minding hopes to add to the success on Saturday in the Group 1 Qatar Nassau stakes.

Further Group success for Galileo may happen this afternoon when his son Sword Fighter runs in the Group 2 Qatar Goodwood Cup.

Current Sires standings:-

Galileo - £5,859,981
Sea the Stars - £2,416,306

      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Galileo Closing the gap on Dad & Danehill



      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A.P.O'Brien Career Stats updated


      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Gurkha moves up the Top Earners List 

      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's Official A.P.O'Brien is the world record holder (we were missing 2 of Istabraqs Grade One Wins)

   1

                     ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Can The Gurkha join Aidan's Sussex Hall of Fame

      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another Group 1 winner for Galileo and Aidan

By Red

The Gurkha turned the tables on his Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes
conqueror Galileo Gold in a scintillating finish to the Group 1 Qatar Sussex stakes at Goodwood. Giving Aidan his 10th group 1 winner this year and a 25th multiple
Group 1 Winner for his sire Galileo.

Ryan had him up with the pace throughout this time, lying in 3rd. he was hemmed in
2 furlongs out once the gap opened up he switched left to press Galileo Gold entering the final furlong, he was soon ridden to challenge, leading well inside the final furlong, he stayed on. He went on to score by a neck from Galileo Gold with
Ribchester back in 3rd.

Ryan said: “He's a very good colt, we think a lot of him and he showed in Deauville that he's very good. Things haven't been right for him since, I think that was a very good race with some good horses and he deserved his day today. I was always very happy because he travels so well and I knew as soon as one horse in front folded an inch he'd be able to find room and make room. He has so much pace just to go where you want him when you need him. I was delighted with him today. This is a fast mile and I think when he gets on quicker ground he'll be better again. He's finished second in an Eclipse and he's a two-time Group One winner at a mile now. I'm sure we'll all sit down and work out what's best for him.”

Aidan said “ He’s very fast, he’s all speed, Ryan gave him a masterful ride, he had to sit and suffer at Ascot, He was always a fast Galileo, he’s a strong traveller and handles fast ground really well and quickens really well. He was very courageous on soft ground. The lads were happy with him. He has the mile races in France, the Champion stakes, he has York, he could step up to a mile and a quarter on good ground.”

      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sword Fighter to put his rivals under the sword
By Red

Aidan’s consistent and improving 3 year old Galileo colt Sword Fighter faces a field of 14 in tomorrow’s Group 2 Qatar Goodwood Cup over 2 miles. Amongst his opponents are the tough Duke of Marmalade Gelding Big Orange and the Galileo gelding Kinema winner of his last two starts.

Sword Fighter is a winner of 3 of his last 5 races. Was last seen out at the end of June when beating stablemate Landofhopeandglory by 2 lengths in the Group 2 Coral. IE Curragh cup over 1m 6f. he made all that day, going a length clear at the halfway stage stayed on well in the final furlong the yielding ground made it a real
test of stamina. Aidan won the race with Yeats in 2008. Currently 6/1 with Paddy Power.

      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rhododendron to bloom in the Dove 
By Red

Rhododendron faces a field of 12 in the Dove 100 colours EBF British Stallion Studs Maiden Fillies stakes at Goodwood tomorrow over 7 furlongs.

The Galileo 2 year old will be having her second racecourse appearance after a promising introduction under Seamie Heffernan behind Rehana in the Peter Keatley Curragh Equine Ground Care EBF Fillies Maiden over 7 furlongs at the end of June. 

Currently 2/1 with Skybet.


      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cross aimed at the Richmond
By Red

Aidan aims his War Front colt Intelligence Cross at the Group 2 Qatar Richmond stakes over 6 furlongs tomorrow at Goodwood.

He was last seen out over 6 furlongs where he finished ½ length 2nd behind Mehamas in the Group 2 Arqana July stakes at Newmarket he was held up in the rear that day, he closed the gap down over 2 furlongs out where he was switched to make a challenge over a furlong out, he stayed on well but could never trouble the winner.

Aidan has won the race in the past with Pyrus in 2000. Currently 3/1 with Paddy Power.

      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aidan aims for a fifth Sussex stakes

By Red

The Gurkha aims to provide Aidan with a fifth winner of today’s Group 1 Qatar Sussex Stakes. He will be dropping back to a mile after he finished a ½ length second over 1m 2f against Hawkbill in the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse on his last outing at Sandown. The Gurkha, was so impressive at Deauville in May when winning the Group 1Poule D’essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas) before finishing second at Royal Ascot, behind one of today’s opponents Galileo Gold who beat him 1 ¼ lengths in the Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes in June. The Gurkha didn’t have the best of runs that day as Ryan Moore had him settled well off the pace in the early stages and when he launched his run, he could not find a clear passage through. The Gurkha was flying at the finish, though, and looked as if he would have won that day, given a clean run. Aidan said: "Obviously we have not done much since the Eclipse. I think he travelled well that day but I suppose the ground was softer than ideal. I thought he ran a good race. We think he is a hardy horse at home and he has been taking his races very well so far. He has since been tried over 10 furlongs in the Eclipse and while he was beaten at odds-on, he only went down by half a length to Hawkbill on ground that maybe was not totally ideal for a step up in trip. The Sussex is always a very good race. He's in good form and we're happy with him. He's a very straightforward colt and we've always regarded him as a Galileo with plenty of speed, so we're hoping for the best back over a mile." Aidan has won the race in the past in 2000 with Giant's Causeway, 2002 with Rock Of Gibraltar, 2008 with Henrythenavigator , and 2009 with Rip Van Winkle. Currently 15/8 with Paddy Power.

      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Impressive War Decree wins the Vintage Stakes Group 2 at Goodwood full report in news section by Red

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rest in Peace JT Condolences to family & friends from the AOBFS Team

Galileo a Phenomenon in 2016

Aidan O'Brien Year By Year stats updated

Aidan O'Brien Top 10 earning horses in training 2016

War Decree produces a Vintage display

By Red


Aidan’s War Front colt War Decree produced a vintage display in the Group 2 Qatar Vintage stakes at Goodwood over 7 furlongs when beating Thunder Snow by 1 ¾ lengths. With his Group 2 bet365 Superlative Stakes conqueror Boynton Back in 3rd.

The 2 year old was having only his 3rd racecourse appearance. He tracked the leaders making headway to lead over a furlong out he galloped clear stayed on well under A Ryan Moore hands and heels ride.

Ryan said: "Like all of Aidan's two-year-olds he's improved a great deal from Newmarket and with every run he's progressed. He's a very well balanced horse and a very good mover. He's a nice type and he was still green when he got to the front. I'd say he’d improve again. I felt we could reverse the form with Boynton, getting 3lb it was just inexperience that cost him the last day." 

Kevin Buckley, Coolmore’s uk representative said: "Ryan was very complimentary. He's definitely improving and has come on a lot since the Superlative. "He's still learning and he's still a bit on the green side, but he did that really well." 

War Decree was quoted as big as 20/1 for next year's 2000 Guineas

      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aidan’s duo for the Gordon stakes 
By Red


Shogun and the Major General face seven rivals tomorrow at Goodwood in the Group 3 Beringice Gordon stakes over 1m 4f.

Shogun the Fastnet Rock colt will be having his sixth run of the year, he has yet to win a race in 2016. He was last seen when finishing 7th of 9 behind Harzand in the Group 1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh at the end of June. Currently 8/1 with Paddy Power.

The Major General will be having his seventh run of the year. He has been a very consistent colt wining twice in the process. He was last in action when he finished a length 3rd behind Qatari Hunter in the Silken Thomas and Lock 13 Handicap at the Curragh at the end of June. Currently 10/1 with Paddy Power.


      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sportsmanship in the Molecomb
By Red



Aidan’s War Front colt Sportsmanship can be seen tomorrow Running in the Group 3 Victoria Racing Club Molecomb stakes over 5 furlongs at Goodwood where he faces 11 rivals.

The colt was last seen 12 days ago at Leopardstown when winning the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden ¾ of a length from his stable companion Courage under Fire over 6 furlongs.the step down in trip shouldn’t inconvenience him.
Currently 7/1 with Paddy Power.

      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Galileo & Ballydoyle's Greatest heading to Glorious Goodwood next

Minding Ballydoyle & Alice Springs left in Saturdays Nassau Stakes

Shogun and The Major General declared for Gordon stakes and Sportsmanship runs in the Molecombe stakes on Wednesday at Goodwood

4 Kings

Sires Tables Updated after weekend racing - Galileo in a league of his own Zoffany Leads Power 2nd

Minding heads to the Nassau stakes

By Red


Minding heads a field of 10 fillies for Saturday's Group 1 Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood following today’s confirmation stage.


Aidan’s exciting filly is the winner of the Qipco 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Investec Oaks at Epsom, she tackled her elders for the first time in last month's Group 1 Sea The Stars Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh when seeing off Bocca Baciata by 4 and ½ lengths this was the fifth Group 1 win of Minding’s career. The form has since been franked at the Curragh when Bocca Baciata  saw off Earring by ½ length to win the Group 2 Kilboy Estate stakes.


Aidan could also call upon Alice Springs the 2 ¼ length winner of the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes earlier this month at Newmarket and Ballydoyle last seen when disappointing in America, Ballydoyle’s best effort this term was her 3 ½ length second behind Minding in the Qipco 1000 Guineas at Newmarket in May.


Minding is currently 2/5 with Ladbrokes, Alice Springs currently 7/1 with Paddy Power and Ballydoyle currently 16/1 with Paddy Power.

Guineas winners in mouth-watering rematch
By Red

The Gurkha faces a field of nine rivals including the English 2,000 Guineas winner Galileo Gold andthe Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Awtaad in the Group 1 Qatar Sussex stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday. In what promises to be a mouth-watering rematch.

The trio faced off against each other at Royal Ascot in the Group 1 St. James’s Palace stakes where Galileo Gold came out on top by 1 ¼ lengths to The Gurkha with Awtaad
a further ½ length back in third.

The Gurkha was last seen at the beginning of July when finishing ½ length second to Hawkbill in the Group 1 Coral - Eclipse at Sandown.

Highland Reel up to 5th on the all time list

A.P.O'Brien Career Stats updated

GAME OVER - A P O'Brien 5 Times Champion British Flat Trainer

Highland Reel up to 5th on the all time list

War Decree in Vintage stakes at Goodwood

By Red

Aidan O'Brien will be hoping for success when his War Front colt War Decree runs in Tuesday's Group 2 Qatar Vintage Stakes at Goodwood. He was last seen out when finishing ¾ of a length second to Boynton in the Group 2 bet365 Superlative Stakes at Newmarket at the beginning of July. He faces that rival again on Tuesday and this time he will be in receipt of 3lbs from his conqueror that day. This is a race that Aidan has won in the past with Highland Reel in 2014. Currently 15/8 with Bet365 and Paddy Power.

Another Group 1 winner for Aidan and Galileo

By Red

The Galileo colt Highland Reel gave his sire another Group1 winner when running out an impressive winner of the Qipco King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot under a great ride by Ryan Moore. The victory gave Aidan a fourth success in the race. Aidan and Galileo also had the fourth with Sir Issac Newton.

Ryan had the colt in the lead from the minute the stalls opened and was never headed.


He steadied the pace on the rising ground before the field turned for home and in the straight it appeared as though Wings Of Desire, who had stalked him throughout, was poised to sweep past.


However Ryan judged  the race to perfection and Highland Reel kept on responding and digging deep and Wings Of Desire never got on terms with him, he finished1 ¼ lengths back in second.

The head defeat by Dartmouth last month in the Group 2 Hardwicke 
Stakes at Royal Ascot shows how unlucky Highland Reel was that day when Seamie Heffernan lost his whip.

Ryan said: "He's a very good horse and won in America and Hong Kong. It’s a marvellous achievement from Aidan to get him back in this shape to win this sort of race. He's a very strong horse. He's very professional - he knows how to race."

Aidan said: "He had a lovely run here in the Hardwicke and we were delighted with him at home.

The horse has been progressing all the time and we couldn't be happier. Ryan gave him a beautiful ride. This is an incredible horse. As everyone knows, he travels the world and he's getting better, which is amazing. Physically, the development is plain and, mentally, he's a rock. He can go back to Australia, he can do Japan, Hong Kong and there's the Breeders' Cup Turf. He's an amazing horse and has so many options."

Butterflies on right flight path in Gowran

By Michael Graham

Sat 23rd Jul 2016, 14:41

Butterflies, right, beats Decisive Intent in Gowran
(Healy Racing Photos)

Butterflies sprang a 16/1 shock in Gowran Park when beating even-money-favouriteWinter into third in the opening fillies' maiden.

Emmet McNamara had her close to the pace in second as Decisive Intent made the most of breaking well to lead.

As the field raced into the straight, the well-backed Winter raced in fourth and improved to third a quarter of a mile out.

However, she could make on headway on Decisive Intent and Butterflies. The latter was ridden to tackle the leader a furlong from home. She was kept up to her work to beatDecisive Intent (20/1) by a length.

Winter, who had been 13/8 this morning, kept on at the same pace for third. She was three and three quarter lengths adrift of the runner-up.

Emmet McNamara said: “The step to a mile suited as she was just taken out of her comfort zone over seven. I think she will get further and it will do her confidence good.

“It looked a deep race beforehand and Declan (McDonogh) kicked off the home bend and made it a true test. She’s obviously very well-bred and is a valuable horse now.”

Successful trainer Aidan O'Brien ran three in the race - Elizabeth Browning finished fourth while Bound came in fifth.

Galileo fillyButterflies holds entries in the Group One Moyglare and Group Two Debutante Stakes.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

Happy 18th Birthday to Donnacha O'Brien from the AOBFS Team

Oh What a Night

Another group win for Highland Reel?
By Red


The Ryan Moore ridden Highland Reel the runner up in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot last month aims to go one better tomorrow when he faces Dartmouth his conqueror that day in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes. That was his first run since finishing well beaten in the QEII Cup at Sha Tin in April so he has the potential to improve again.


Aidan said "He's in good form and we've been happy with him since Ascot. He ran very well there and we were very happy with him. The plan going to the Hardwicke was with an eye on going back for the King George."

Aidan also saddles recent Curragh Group Three scorer Sir Isaac Newton, who won the Wolferton Handicap at the Royal fixture and will be ridden Seamie Heffernan.


Aidan said: "We're very happy with him. He really started coming to himself before Ascot. We were delighted with him there and delighted with him at the Curragh. It's another big step up, and a step up in trip. When he ran in the Jersey and was unlucky we thought he'd be a miler, even though he's bred to get further. He's starting to relax now. He was plenty mature enough but immature in his mind."

Aidan’s winners of the race were Galileo (2001), Dylan Thomas (2007) and Duke of Marmalade (2008)

Updates on some of the Ballydoyle Team

By Red

US Army Ranger who has not been seen on the track since his 1 ½ lengths second to Harzand in the Investec Derby pleased his trainer in a canter after racing at Leopardstown on Thursday night. The Galileo colt could now drop back down in class and in trip for the Group Three Royal Whip on August 21.

Aidan said: "US Army Ranger is getting ready to come back. We've been very happy with him. He had a break and is just back in. We could look at the Curragh with him it maybe the Royal Whip."

Found last years star filly is also in contention for the same race after she, too, engaged in a light breeze at Leopardstown. The four-year-old daughter of Galileo is a five-time winner of her 16 starts she is a dual Grade One scorer but has finished second on her last three starts, most recently a neck behind My dreamboat in the Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Aidan said: "Found just did a canter. We’re very happy with her and we'll have a look at something like the Royal Whip or maybe the Snow Fairy Stakes, August 28 at the Curragh."

Order Of St George also cantered at Leopardstown and is reported in good nick by Aidan. He said: "Order Of St George is grand. He's coming back and we'll get him ready for August the 20th to take in the Leger Trial at the Curragh. He was last seen when winning the Group 1 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot when beating Mizzou by 3 lengths.

Hit It A Bomb the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner has not yet raced this year but he could be set to reappear in the Desmond Stakes at Leopardstown on August 11,

Unicorn also worked with a lead horse at Leopardstown and is expected to compete in the Group 2 Betway Great Voltigeur Stakes at York on August 17.

A treble sees Galileo’s lead increase

By Red

Galileo had further success on the track last night with His offspring at Leopardstown dishing up a treble.

It got underway in the very first race when his son Douglas Macarthur Won the Frank Conroy European Breeders fund Maiden by an Impressive 5 lengths from another son of Galileo World War.

He was sent to the front from the start, he quickened from 2 furlongs out And was left clear inside the final furlong. His display caused

The bookmakers to quote him at 16/1 for the 2017 running of the Investec Epsom Derby. Hopefully he can emulate his sister Was at Epsom where she won the Oaks in 2012.

Galileo’s first Group success of the night came courtesy of Promise to be true in the Group 3 Jockey Club of Turkey Silver Flash Stakes by 1 ¼ lengths from Take a deep breath. She was held up, and was

Niggled at 2 furlongs out, she quickened well inside the final furlong staying on well. She earned a 16/1 quote for the 2017 Qipco 1,000 Guineas. Promise to be True is a sister to Maybe who was 3rd in the 2012 Qipco 1,000 Guineas.

The final Group action of the night was also won by Galileo when his son Churchill won the Group 3 Japan Racing Association Tyros Stakes by a neck from Alexios Komnenos. Churchill was held up in 3rd against the rail, he led entering the final furlong where he was pressed all the way by the runner up. He stayed on well in the closing stages. This run Impressed William Hill who cut his price from 10/1 to 8/1 for the 2017 Qipco 2,000 Guineas.

Galileo now is over £2M clear of his nearest rival in the sires Championship his half brother See the Stars.

How runs in the Princess Margaret

Image result for aidan o'brien

By Red

How the Aidan trained daughter of Galileo runs on Saturday in the Group 3 Princess Margaret Juddmonte stakes At Ascot over 6 furlongs.

The 2 year old How remains a maiden after four previous starts,

Her latest effort was a 2 ¼ length second to Take a deep breath in The Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund fillies maiden stakes Over 6 furlongs at Naas at the beginning of July, she was never Able to land a blow on the winner that day.

Currently 14/1 with Betfair.

Churchill just holds on to win the Tyros Stakes (Group 3) a treble for Ballydoyle & Ryan Moore at Leopardstown full report in news section

PROMISE TO BE TRUE looks a potential superstar as she flies home late to win the Silver Flash Stakes

Impressive Douglas MacArthur bolts up in Leopardstown

Churchill completes O'Brien/Moore treble

By Donal Murphy

Thu 21st Jul 2016, 20:01

Ryan Moore rider of Churchill
(Healy Racing Photos)

Churchill completed a treble for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore, as he took the Group 3 Japan Racing Association Tyros Stakes.

Successful in the Chesham at Royal Ascot on his last start, the son of Galileo was expected to follow-up this evening as he went off the clear 2/5 favourite.

Settled behind the leaders on the inner, he came with his challenge between horses over a furlong out, and soon led.

Alexios Komnenos came with a strong run down the outer inside the final furlong, butChurchill battled on well, and a neck separated them at the line.

The runner-up was returned at 8/1 under Wayne Lordanfor Tommy Stack, with Currency Converter a further two lengths back in third.

Aidan O'Brien, who was recording his third win in-a-row in this race, said afterwards: "When he gets there he's very babyish and green. We saw that at Ascot. He's a little immature still.

"He got there very easily but the other horse challenged wide and Ryan said he didn't see him until late.

"I was delighted with the way he travelled through the race.

"We always thought he was very good. He had a nice run when third at the Curragh and we obviously saw what he did in Ascot.

"We were a little worried in Ascot as they went slow and he got there early and was green. He got to the front today and waited again.

"I think the Futurity is where we will go now."

O'Brien and Moore were earlier on the mark with Douglas Macarthur and Promise To Be True.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

Promise To Be True now two from two

By Donal Murphy

Thu 21st Jul 2016, 19:29

Promise To Be True is pushed out by Ryan Moore
(Healy Racing Photos)

Promise To Be True made it two from two, as she took the Group 3 Silver Flash Stakes, completing a double for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore (earlier successful with Douglas Macarthur).

Successful on her debut at Tipperary last month, the daughter of Galileo was expected to follow-up this evening, going off the 4/6 favourite.

Settled in mid-division, she was pushed along in fifth over two furlongs out. She was still fifth at the furlong pole, but she soon came with her challenge between horses and swept to the front, going on to score by a length and a quarter.

Take A Deep Breath (5/1) finished second under Pat Smullen for Michael O'Callaghan, while Intricately was a nose back in third under Donnacha O'Brien for his brother Joseph.

Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "You'd have to be delighted with that. She would have learned plenty there.

"Something like the Debutante Stakes might suit her. We'll see where Mrs Stockwell is going with her filly (Brave Anna).

"She's a nice filly. She's green and she was very green first time. I thought she might be too green to win then but Seamus (Heffernan) nursed her and then she took off."

The winner is a full-sister to Maybe who won this race in 2011, and was unbeaten in five starts as a two-year-old.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

Douglas impresses on second start

By Donal Murphy

Thu 21st Jul 2016, 18:41

Ryan Moore rider of Douglas Macarthur
(Healy Racing Photos)

Douglas Macarthur made amends for his disappointing debut effort, as he ran out an impressive winner of the Frank Conroy EBF Maiden.

Sent off a well-backed 2/5 chance on his first start, the son of Galileo flopped badly, finishing last of six.

Having opened at 6/5 on-course today, theAidan O'Brien trained colt came in for plenty of market support, going off the clear 9/10 favourite.

Sent straight to the front by Ryan Moore, he made all and never came off the bridle, going on to score by five lengths.

World War (4/1) ran well to finish second under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons, while Your Only Man (40's this morning and from 22's to 18's on-course) was a further two and three parts of a length back in third under Gary Carroll for Emmet Mullins.

Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "We're very happy with that. The reason we let him roll on was because he was so green last time and needed to learn.

"Even today at the road he landed in the middle of it and he's still a baby.

"In an ideal world he'd have a run or two more before next year. His mind is still sleeping but we knew he had a massive engine.

"He would have learned a lot today. We knew he had a big engine as he was doing very good things. We were taken a little aback by how green he was.

"We'll look at the Beresford or the Golden Fleece for him. I'd like to give him a little bit of time. He's still very babyish."

The winner is a full-brother to 2012 Epsom Oaks winner Was.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

Reel & Newton in King George line-up

Thu 21st Jul 2016, 11:15

Sir Isaac Newton (purple)
(Healy Racing Photos)

Highland Reel and Sir Isaac Newton will fly the flag for Ireland in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

Highland Reel will renew rivalry with Dartmouth after the latter got the better of a thrilling tussle in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot last month while Aidan O'Brien has also opted to run Sir Isaac Newton following his recent resurgence.

Following the news on Wednesday that Roger Varian's ante-post favourite and last year's winner Postponed would be forced to miss the midsummer highlight with a respiratory infection, the race has lost some of its lustre.

However, the supplemented Dartmouth is likely to be the headline act given he is owned by the Queen in her 90th year and is running in the race named after her parents.

Dartmouth's trainer Sir Michael Stoute is also aiming for a record sixth win in the race following the victories of Shergar (1981), Opera House (1993), Golan (2002), Conduit (2009) and Harbinger (2010).

There is interest from France in the shape of Erupt, trained by Francis Graffard, whose biggest success to date came in the Grand Prix de Paris last season.

The three-year-old Classic crop is solely represented by John Gosden's Wings Of Desire, who made rapid strides earlier in the season and won the Dante at York.

He could only manage fourth in the Derby behind Harzand and represents the same connections of Eagle Top, narrowly beaten by Postponed 12 months ago.

Gosden has also declared Western Hymn.

Luca Cumani, who trained Postponed when he won last year, is this time represented by Second Step.

Exclusive sneak peak at Jacqueline Stanhope's MINDING & Ryan Moore. A new signed and numbered limited edition print. Visit Jacqueline's site here > http://www.jacquelinestanhope-fineart.com/

Direct link to Minding Print > http://www. http://www.jacquelinestanhope-fineart.com/photo_15022380.ht… .

Churchill set Tyros test at Leopardstown

Royal Ascot winner and Investec Derby favourite Churchill is the star name in a six-runner field for Thursday's Japan Racing Association Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown.

Following a promising debut third at the Curragh, Aidan O'Brien's juvenile was considered one of the bankers of the week at last month's showpiece meeting and did not disappoint, with an assured Chesham Stakes success that saw him move to the head of ante-post lists for next year's Epsom Classic.

The Galileo colt will likely be a hot favourite to supplement that win at Leopardstown in a Group Three contest O'Brien has won with the likes of King Of Kings (1997), Rip Van Winkle (2008) and Gleneagles (2014).

Churchill's rivals include Dermot Weld's Currency Converter, an impressive winner over the course and distance on his introduction, and the Tommy Stack-trained Alexios Komnenos.

The latter was a 50-1 winner at the Curragh last month and connections are hoping he can prove up to Pattern level.

The trainer's son and assistant, Fozzy Stack, said: "It's looks a tough renewal and a deep race, but our horse is in good form and is entitled to take his chance.

"Aidan's horse is the Derby favourite and the one to beat, but hopefully our lad will give a good account of himself."

Ger Lyons runs King Electric, who was fourth behind stablemate Medicine Jack in the Railway Stakes last time.

Joseph O'Brien's Eagle Spirit and Ready to Roc from Johnny Murtagh's yard complete the line-up.

APOB - Courage Under Fire, Intelligence Cross & War Decree in the Vintage stakes  Air Force Blue & Air Vice Marshal in Lennox Goodwood next Tuesday

16 for Ballydoyle 1 for Owning Hill in Ladbrokes St Leger Entries

3 Kings of the Breeding Business - Danehill - Sadlers Wells - Galileo career stats

Aidan O'Brien's Air Force Blue is among 14 entries for the Qatar Lennox Stakes at Glorious Goodwood next Thursday.

Air Force Blue has been entered for the Lennox Stakes

Air Force Blue has been entered for the Lennox Staker

Last season's Dewhurst winner has struggled to recapture his brilliant juvenile form in three runs this season, beating only one horse home in both the 2000 Guineas and Irish 2,000 Guineas before finishing down the field in the July Cup over six furlongs.

The Group Two could be his first attempt over seven furlongs since winning at Newmarket last autumn if given the go ahead by O'Brien who has also entered Air Vice Marshall in a race that he has yet to win.

Seventh Heaven raised in the ratings.

By Red


Seventh Heaven has been raised 16lbs to 114 by The official Irish Handicapper; she is now 1lb ahead of Architecture after winning the Group 1 Darley Irish Oaks on Saturday.

Ryan Moore had commented after Lingfield that the filly clearly didn't like the ground or the track and Aidan felt that she didn’t handle Epsom either and that the improvement she showed was down to racing on a flat track at the Curragh.

Even Song Clearly didn’t run her race in the Irish Oaks but there will be plenty more opportunities for her later on.

Seventh Heaven and Even Song are some way behind Minding on all known form but both are clearly smart fillies. The Yorkshire Oaks in August was mentioned as a possible target for Seventh Heaven due to the flat galloping track, this is a race that Aidan has won three times in the past, in 2006 with Alexandrova, 2007 with Peeping Fawn and recently with Tapestry in 2014.

Aidan goes for another stakes winner
By Red

Aidan sends the 3 year old Fasnet Rock filly Californiadreaming In search of a listed win in the Yeomanstown Stud Dark Angel European Breeders Fund stakes at Naas over 6 furlongs tomorrow night at 7.25.

The filly was disappointing last time out finishing last of 13 behind Creggs Pipes in the listed Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Cairn Rouge stakes at Kilarney 8 days ago, that race was over a mile. She has been a busy filly this year having already run 9 times winning Once.

Aidan trio head to the King George

By Red

Aidan has left three in the Group 1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes as he bids to win the Ascot race for a fourth time on Saturday.

Highland Reel, Shogun and Sir Isaac Newton are still in contention

Highland Reel see previous story. Currently 6/1 Paddy Power

Shogun the Fasnet Rock colt was last seen out finishing 7th behind Harzand in the Group 1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the end of June. He sweated up before the race which didn’t help his chances. A colt that acts on any going. Currently 66/1 Paddy Power

Sir Issac Newton the Galileo colt has won his last two races and goes for a hat trick here. Last seen out at the end of June when winning the Group 3 Finlay Volvo International stakes at the Curragh. Currently 25/1 Paddy Power

No Immediate plans for Deauville

By Red

Aidan will take his time before making any future plans with his Grade 1 Belmont Derby winner Deauville.

The Galileo colt put his disappointing run at Epsom in the Derby behind him when holding off Highland Sky by a neck in the event at Belmont Park earlier this month. That race was over 10 furlongs which Aidan believes to be Deauville's optimum distance.

Aidan said "Deauville has come back from America in good form,"

He is entered in the Group 3 Kilfrush stud Royal Whip stakes on the 21st August at the Curragh and the Group 1 Qipco Irish champion stakes on the 10th of September at Leopardstown.

Leading Sires Tables Updated after weekend racing Galileo & Zoffany Lead power 2nd

Seventh Heaven Digital art pieces

A.P.O'Brien Major Race wins 2016

A.P.O'Brien & Ballydoyle Classics

5 Curragh Queens

Aidan O'Brien now 3 Group One wins away from Breaking World record and 2 to Equal TJ

Galileo Classic Winners

Highland Reel set to tackle the King George

By Red

Highland Reel the Aidan O’Brien trained Galileo colt will Run in the Group 1 Qipco King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday at 4.30.

Highland Reel was narrowly beaten by a head on his latest start in the Group 2 Hardwicke stakes at Royal Ascot behind Dartmouth. He wasn’t helped in his cause when Seamie lost his whip 2 furlongs out.

Highland Reel’s biggest successes have been away from his native Ireland when winning the Grade 1 Secretariat stakes at Arlington and the Group 1 Hong Kong vase at Sha Tin.

Aidan has won the race 3 times in the past with Galileo (2001), Dylan Thomas (2007) and Duke of Marmalade (2008)

Currently 7/1 with Sky bet.

Istan defies top-weight under Moore

Sun 17th Jul 2016, 14:59

Ryan Moore rider of Istan
(Healy Racing Photos)

Istan defied top-weight to win the Gabriel Curran Memorial Nursery Handicap underRyan Moore for Aidan O'Brien.

With four good efforts to his name, the son of Excelebration was given a mark of 82, and he was available at 9/4 this morning.

He opened on-course at 7/4, touching 13/8, before going off the clear favourite at 15/8.

Settled towards rear he was eighth halfway. He was pushed along from two furlongs out and while he was initially switched left for room, he then went right.

He was ridden to the front inside the final furlong, and kept on well in the closing stages, going on to score by a length.

Rock In Peace (8/1) finished second under Caroline Murtagh for Ger Lyons, while Joyce Compton (8/1) was another length back in third under Connor King for Willie McCreery.

Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "We always liked him at home and he'd a nice run the first day but was a bit disappointing after that. He travelled well today and it looks like he'll get further."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

Galileo sires his 30th Classic winner

By Red

Seventh Heaven’s win in the Group 1 Darley Irish Oaks provided Her sire Galileo with his 30th Classic winner, and his 26th individual Classic winner. In the process she also became his 59th individual Group/Graded winner following on from the success last Saturday of Deauville in the Grade 1 Belmont Derby.

Seventh Heaven became Galileo’s second Irish Oaks winner following On from the John Gosden trained Great Heaven’s who won the race in 2012

Galileo’s Progeny have won 15 Irish Classics 3 Irish 1,000 Guineas with Nightime, Misty For Me and Marvellous. 3 Irish 2,000 Guineas with Roderic O’Connor, Magician and Gleneagles. 2 Irish Oaks with Great Heaven’s and Seventh Heaven 4 Irish Derbies with Soldier of Fortune, Cape Blanco, Treasure Beach and Australia. 3 Irish St Legers with Alandi, Sans Frontiers and Order of St George.

Seamie in Seventh Heaven

By Red

Seamie Heffernan on Seventh Heaven pull clear to win the Classic

The Aidan O’Brien trained filly Seventh heaven wins the Group 1 Darley Irish Oaks under an inspired ride by Seamie Heffernan.

The Galileo filly was Aidan’s fifth win in the Oaks following on from Alexandrova, Peeping Fawn, Moonstone and Bracelet.

Seventh Heaven raced at the rear of the 11-runner field before starting to make her move coming into the straight. She made sustained progress to move into contention on the run to the final furlong and was ridden past Architecture to win going away by 2 ¾ lengths, with Harlequeen back in 3rd.

Seamie Heffernan said: "She's a nice, staying filly. She's an Oaks trial winner and didn't handle Epsom. They went a nice gallop and she was on the bridle all the way down to the two (pole) I always knew I was going to win, she won well.”

Aidan said: "Seamus was riding her work. He had second pick and wanted to ride her. I was a bit surprised but Seamus had faith in her and he had been riding her. She didn't handle Epsom, obviously the flat track suited her better. She loved the ground and the flat track.

She was always a high quality filly and Seamus gave her a classy confident ride. She's probably progressing. I suppose she could go for the Yorkshire Oaks she'll love the flat track, but the lads will decide. She's a lovely big flowing Galileo filly.”

Peace Envoy rallies in the closing stages to take the Anglesey Stakes at the Curragh full report in News Section

Seventh Heaven Wins a 5th irish Oaks for Aidan

By Red

Seventh Heaven ridden by Seamie Heffernan (left) on the way to winning the Darley Irish Oaks.

Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Seventh Heaven led home Architecture and Harlequeen to win the Darley Irish Oaks at The Curragh.

Pretty Perfect, one of four Aidan O'Brien-trained runners in the contest, set a testing gallop in front for the first mile and a quarter of the contest, with Seventh Heaven and stablemate Even Song, the hot favourite, held up well in rear.

But whereas Even Song was never able to make any gains and proved highly disappointing, Seventh Heaven steadily cut her way through the pack from the two-furlong pole under a confident ride.

Architecture, pulled out to make her challenge by Frankie Dettori with over a furlong to run, briefly collided with the winner, and looked for a few strides as if she might go one better than her Epsom second.

However, the challenge of the 14/1 winner proved irrepressible and she galloped clear to score by two and three-quarter lengths from Architecture, who confirmed form with Epsom third Harlequeen, Mick Channon's filly making late gains under Silvestre de Sousa to occupy the same placing again.

Ajman Princess, trained by Roger Varian, was re-shod at the start, but never appeared happy in the race and ultimately finished a long way behind the rest of the field.

Heffernan admitted victory had come as a pleasant surprise.

"It was a Group One and we went at a Group One pace," he told At The Races. "I was always travelling great, but if you'd given me the choice before the race I'd have given back half the prize money to ride Even Song. That's the way it can be with fillies though. Sometimes they just don't turn up."

Of Even Song, O'Brien said: "I had to train her hard for Ascot and sometimes when you have to train them hard, they just don't quite fire the second time. Ryan said she was slowly away and just never travelled, but she's a good filly and she'll be back."

The trainer said he felt that Seventh Heaven had failed to handle the contours at Epsom and had been better suited by the more galloping track here.

"She won well at Lingfield and she has confirmed that form here with the filly who was second that day (Architecture) but Ryan said afterwards that he wasn't sure she would handle the track at Epsom," O'Brien explained.

"We decided to take the chance because it was the Oaks, but Ryan was right and she didn't enjoy it at all. However, Seamie said she would appreciate this galloping track more and he gave her a very confident ride."

Peace Envoy Powers to win the Anglesey stakes

By Red

Peace Envoy heads for home

The Aidan O’Brien trained colt Peace Envoy gave Aidan

His 10th success in the Group 3 Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables

Anglesey stakes over 6 furlongs at the Curragh.

Aidan’s previous wins came in 1996, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003 , 2004 ,2005, 2013 and 2014.

Peace Envoy powered clear of the field to win the race by 1 ¾ lengths over Psychedelic Funk and Mirdif. The Power colt was having his

6th race course appearance.

Aidan said “Every week he’s getting better, he’s getting bigger and

Stronger. He could come back here for the Phoenix stakes or he could go for the Morny, the lads will decide. On his performance today you wouldn’t say he wouldn’t get 7 furlongs, he reminds me very much of

Rock of Gibraltar as a 2 year old.”

Peace Envoy’s win gives his sire Power his first group winner.

Aidan trio to take on their elders for the first time

By Red Hrafan

Best in the World at the Curragh

Aidan has a trio of fillies running in the Group 2 Kilboy Estate stakes at the Curragh on Sunday

Best in the World has yet to live up to her name on the race track, this daughter of Galileo is a one time winner of a Listed race in her two year old career she was last seen in action when finishing 3rd to her stable companion Pretty Polly in the Group 3 Munster Oaks beaten nearly 7 lengths that day. She is already a course winner here. Currently 16/1.

Earring this daughter of Dansili is difficult to assess she won her Maiden in May at Gowran beating An Cailin Orga of Jim Bolger’s who is entered in the Group 1 Darley Irish Oaks. Her last run was a disappointing 7th of 13 behind Creggs Pipes in the listed Cairn Rouge stakes at Killarney only 5 days ago on yielding ground if this race hasn’t left its mark she should be up there. Currently 12/1.

Kind of Magic is a once Listed winning daughter of Galileo back in her two year old days beating stable companion How High the Moon over the course here. She was last seen in action finishing last of 6 behind Now or Never in the Group 3 Derrinstown Stud 1,000 Guineas trial at Leopardstown. Currently 20/1.

Each of Aidan’s fillies have a good chance the better ground should suit.

The one they all have to beat is Jessica Harrington’s Big Bad Bob filly Bocca Baciata who finished 4 lengths behind Minding in the Group 1 Sea the Stars Pretty Polly stakes.

Longines World Thoroughbred Rankings updated (thanks to Red Hrafan)

Even Song bids to win a fifth Irish Oaks for Aidan O’Brien

By Red Hrafan

Aidan sends out a quartet of fillies today in a bid to win a fifth Group 1 Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh following on from the successes of Alexandrova (2006), Peeping Fawn (2007), Moonstone (2008) and Bracelet (2014).

His fillies are headed by Even Song the 4/5 favourite with Paddy Power. The filly has had a short break since her success in the Ribblesdale stakes at Royal Ascot, she is a filly that would be suited by most types of ground and should appreciate ground conditions underfoot today with the going being described as Good, Aidan is happy with how she has been working since her comeback.

Aidan is also represented by Pretty Perfect 14/1 with Paddy Power and the two outsiders of his quartet Seventh Heaven 28/1 with Paddy Power and Somehow 25/1 with Paddy Power

The race is due off at 5.45

Regally bred colts set to appear at the Curragh on Saturday

By Red Hrafan

Zenyatta

Taj Mahal the brother to Marvellous, Gleneagles and Coolmore is set for his second run In the Darley European breeders fund maiden at 2.55. The son of Galileo x You’re so thrilling has only had one previous run when finishing

7th out of 14 on his debut behind the surprise 50/1 winner Alexios Komnenos. He

should appreciate the better ground. He faces competition from his stable companion

the War Front colt Lancaster Bomber who is making his debut.

De Coronado the three year old Street Cry xVertigineux makes his debut in the Kilsan International maiden over 1m 4 f at 6.50 the colt is a brother to the great American Mare Zenyatta the winner of 19 races including the Breeders Cup Classic. He is opposed by his stable companions the Galileo colts New Millenium and London.

Hit it a Bomb to miss his intended target By Red Hrafan

Aidan’s unbeaten three year old War Front colt Hit it a Bomb will not return to action this weekend , he was due to contest the Group 2 Friarstown Stud Minstrel stakes at the Curragh on Sunday. Aidan said “ He is good, he is entered on Sunday, but he won’t run. He has done very well since his break, but he will take a day away before he runs. The colt was last seen running in the Grade 1 Breeder’s Cup Juvenile turf which he won.

Irish Oaks Jockey Bookings - Even Song - Ryan, Pretty Perfect - Colm, Somehow - Donnacha and Seventh Heaven - Heff.

Beacon Rock well beaten in France attempted to make all and faded towards the end of the race

War Front photos from our Friend Patricia Diers (many thanks to Patricia

Sportsmanship justifies favouritism

By Donal Murphy

Thu 14th Jul 2016, 18:22

Sportsmanship justified favouritism in the opener at Leopardstown, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, scoring under Donnacha for his father Aidan.

Sixth on his debut at the Curragh last month, the son of War Front finished second to Firey Speech on his next start at Naas.

Available at 6/4 last night, he opened on-course at just 5/6, touching 4/5 before going off the even money favourite.

Having tracked the leader in a close second, the winner hit the front at the two furlong pole and went clear with over a furlong to race.

He was ridden and kept on well inside the final furlong, although his advantage was reduced by stable mate Courage Under Fire.

Three parts of a length separated them at the line, with the runner-up returned at 4/1 under Seamie Heffernan.

Sebastian Bach completed the placings a further length and a half back in third underPat Smullen for Michael O'Callaghan at 7/1.

Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "He has a lot of speed and won't mind staying at five or six.

"He could be a horse for Goodwood. He's pacey and will be better in a really strong run race.

"The second wouldn't mind going up to seven. Colm rode him first time and said the same thing."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

Ballydoyle 4 head for the Irish Oaks

By Red Hrafan

Royal Ascot winner Even Song

Aidan will be represented by four runners in the Group 1 Darley Irish Oaks at 5.45 at the Curragh on Saturday, his quartet of runners are Even Song, Pretty Perfect, Seventh Heaven and Somehow.

Aidan bids to win the race for the fifth time having won it in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2014.

Even Song the Mastercrafstman filly has had this race on her agenda since winning the Group 2 Ribblesdale stakes at Royal Ascot last month from Ajman Princess by 1 ½ lengths, the same filly re-opposes her here. She is currently 8/11 with Paddy Power.

Somehow finished fourth and Seventh Heaven finished sixth behind her stable companion the brilliant filly Minding in the Oaks at Epsom.

Somehow the Fastnet Rock filly didn’t seem to stay the trip that day on ground that was good to soft, she should also appreciate the flatter track at the Curragh. Currently 20/1 with Paddy Power.

Seventh Heaven the Galileo filly had her troubles at Epsom where she was squeezed for room and was hampered in the straight. She is another who should appreciate the flatter track. Currently 25/1 with Paddy Power.

Pretty Perfect the Galileo filly was last seen when winning the Coral. IE Group 3 Munster Oaks by 4 lengths from Shamreen she’s a filly that will act on any going and stays well. Currently 14/1 with Paddy Power.

Former Ballydoyle Mares Bracelet, Chiquita, Diamondsandrubies Marvellous, Misty For Me, Moth, Tapestry, Together, Together Forever, Was, Wading, all covered by War Front

BRAVERY COOK ISLANDS DEAUVILLE HIGHLAND REEL JOHANNES VERMEER LONG ISLAND SOUND OL' MAN RIVER SIR ISAAC NEWTON all entered in Arlington Million

Going from strength to strength

Timeform Global Rankings European Division Ballydoyle Spotlight & News

Update

Successor appreciates step up in trip

By Donal Murphy

Wed 13th Jul 2016, 18:13

Seamie Heffernan rider of Successor
(Healy Racing Photos)

Successor got off the mark on his fifth career start, as he took the opener at Killarney, the Rentokil Initial Maiden.

Seventh, fifth and fifth on his first three starts, the Aidan O'Brien trained son of Galileo was a staying on third on his most recent outing at Navan.

That run came over a mile and five, and the step up in trip to a mile and six today clearly suited.

Backed from 5's to 3's on-course, he was settled in rear by Seamie Heffernan. He made progress through the field from three furlongs out, and was switched to the inner over two furlongs from home.

He was pushed along from there and got to the front inside the final furlong, going on to score by a length.

Sea Of Mystery, who was sent off the 2/1 favourite (was as big as 13/2 last night), finished second under Declan McDonogh for John Oxx.

Aidan O'Brien also saddled the third home, and that was Three Star General who was a further two and three parts of a length back under his daughter Ana at the odds of 6/1.

Seamie Heffernan said afterwards: "He is a fine big horse. He was a little bit disappointing but there is a chance he was a little weak.

"I was always sure I was on the best one and hopefully he starts improving and he stays well. That's his first time at a mile and six so staying might be his thing."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

Father against Son again in the Stanerra

By Red Hrafan

The Joseph O’Brien filly Arya Tara takes on his fathers filly Etched in the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Stanerra stakes at Leopardstown over 1mile 6 furlongs.

This could be another race where Joseph comes out on top against Aidan.

Arya Tara has notched up a hat trick of wins so far this season, she was last seen winning the Roscommon Herald Handicap from Immortal Bridge.

Joseph says “ She’s very straight forward and seems to handle any ground.” Currently 7/4 with Ladbrokes.

Etched is still a maiden after 8 runs, she has been a busy filly this year having run 6 times. Last seen over 1 mile 2 furlongs in the Irish Stallions EBF fillies maiden at Leopardstown where she finished over a length behind Cinn Toinne. Currently 33/1 with Betfair.

Galileo V War Front or will Pivotal prevail?

By Red Hrafan

It is a clash between Galileo and War Front when their sons take on each other in the Group 3 Icon Meld stakes at Leopardstown over 1 mile 1 furlong.

Bravery by Galileo was last seen out when he finished 7th of 7 behind Hawkbill in the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse at Sandown where he pulled to hard and never figured at any stage. He will be wearing a hood for the first time. Currently 14/1 with Betfair.

General Macarthur by war Front was last seen finishing 7th behind Lumiere in the Listed Plus vital Sir Henry Cecil stakes at Newmarket.

Currently 16/1 with Bet 365.

However there could be a sting in the tail caused by the Joseph O’Brien trained Reckless Gold the Pivotal colt was last seen when winning a Maiden over 1 Mile at the Curragh, this is a step up in class.

Currently 10/1 with Ladbrokes.

Beacon Rock heads for the Grand Prix De Paris

By Red Hrafan

The Aidan O’Brien trained Beacon Rock becomes the Ballydoyle trainers sole representative in the Juddmonte Group 1 Grand Prix De Paris at Saint-Cloud after his stable companion Shogun was declared a non runner.

The Galileo colt was last seen when finishing 2nd 1 ¼ lengths behind Across the Stars in the Group 2 King Edward VII stakes at Royal Ascot. He is currently priced at 11/2.

Aidan’s star names to the fore in Cartier Awards

By Red Hrafan

The Cartier awards are horse racings answer to the Lester’s and were founded in 1991. The highest Cartier award is for “Horse of the year”.

Aidan has so far won a total of 31 Cartier awards putting him head and shoulders above any other trainer. He has won the award with the Horse of the Year 3 times in 2000, 2005 & 2007.

Currently his brilliant filly Minding is leading the award for horse of the year following her displays in the 1,000 Guineas and Oaks, she also heads the award for 3 year old filly.

His Order of St George heads the list in the stayers award after his success in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

Standings so far are:- (Aidan’s horses in bold)

Cartier Horse Of The Year

Minding 144 Galileo Gold 112 Harzand 88 The Gurkha 80

Cartier Older Horse

Darlyan 70 Postponed 68 Silverwave 64 Found 64

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt

Galileo Gold 112 Harzand 88 The Gurkha 80 Hawkbill 56

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly

Minding 144 La Cressonniere 64 Quiet Reflection 56 Alice Springs 54

Cartier Stayers

Order Of St George 48 Mizzou 32 Vazirabad 28 Clever Cookie 20 Sword Fighter 16

Top 2 year old Caravaggio likely to be aimed at the Phoenix

By Red Hrafan

Leading 2 year old in Ireland and Britain Caravaggio is expected to line up next in the Group 1 Keenland Phoenix stakes over 6 furlongs at the Curragh on the 7th of August.

Aidan’s Scat Daddy colt has carried all before him winning all three of his races in effortless fashion, he was last seen out when winning the Group 2 Coventry stakes at Royal Ascot 2 ¼ lengths from Mehmas who has come out since and won so franking the form.

This is a race that Aidan has won 14 times so far :-

1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2015.

Amongst Aidan’s winners have been his top 2 year old Johannesburg.

George Washington the brilliant 2,000 Guineas winner .

Air Force Blue last seasons top 2 year old .

Despite showing blistering speed the bookmakers have Caravaggio at 4/1 ante post favourite for the 2017 running of the Qipco 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Vancouver has arrived back home in Australia

Tyros stakes a possibility for exciting Churchill

Tuesday 12th July By Red Hrafan

Churchill the Aidan O’Brien trained son of Galileo is a possible entry in the Group 3 Tyros stakes at Leopardstown on the 21st July. The race is often regarded as a leading trial for the 2,000 Guineas and the Epsom Derby, attracting some of the leading juveniles.

This is a race that Aidan has won 9 times in the past 1995, 1997,1999, 2002, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014 and 2015.

His winners include King of King’s, Rip Van Winkle, Zoffany and Gleneagles.

Churchill was last seen out when winning the listed Chesham stakes at Royal Ascot by ½ a length from Isomer in ground that was good to soft. The colt should appreciate a sounder surface.

He is currently a 14/1 chance for next years Epsom Derby.

Sire's Tittles Updated after weekend racing - Galileo has it won - Power 2nd - Zoffany 2nd

Deauville joins Top Earners rich list

Deauville's Belmot Derby win brings Aidan O'Brien to within 3 of Tommy J Smith's world record of 279 Group/Grade Ones in a Career

A.P.O'Brien's Amazing Career Stats Updated

Continuing success of Galileo as a broodmare sire

Sunday 10th July By Red Hrafan

Galileo continues his success as a broodmare sire yesterday when Near England (Lord of England) by Near Galante wins the Group 3 Nutan-Rennen at Hamburg for 3 year old fillies over 1m 3f by a length from Son Macia staying on well.

In the past few months his daughters have been responsible for the Classic winners of some of Europe’s top races, among them are Galileo Gold (Paco Boy) by Galicuix winner of the Group 1 English 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket in April he followed it up with a second place in the Irish 2,000 Guineas in May. He has since gone on to win the Group 1 St. James’ Palace stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

La Cressonniere (Le Harve) by Absolute Lady won the Poule D’essai Des Pouliches (French 1,000 Guineas) in May followed up by her win in the Prix De Diane (French Oaks) in June where she made it 5 out of 5 starts.

A few others to note are:-

Night of Thunder (Dubawi) by Forest Storm winner of the English 2,000 Guineas in 2014 beating Kingman. He also won the Group 1 Al Shaqab Lockinge stakes.

Dartmouth (Dubawi)by Galatee winner of the Group 3 John Porter stakes in April. He has also won the Group 3 Ormonde stakes in May and the Group 2 Hardwicke stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

Qualify (Fastnet Rock) by Perihelion winner of the Group 3 Weld Park stakes 2014 and the Group 1 English Oaks in 2015.

Turret Rocks (Fasnet Rock) by Beyond Compare winner of Group 2 May Hill stakes in 2015.

Zhukova (Fasnet Rock) by Night time winner of the Listed Oyster stakes for fillies and mares in 2015, in 2016 she is the winner of the Listed Alleged stakes in April and the Group 3 Blue Wind stakes in May.

Leitir Mor (Holy Roman Emperor) by Christinas Letter winner of the Group 3 Tower stakes in 2012 and the Group 3 Ballycorus stakes.

Aiea Lacta Group 3 winner.

Magicool (Fasnet Rock) by Perfect Truth winner of the Group 1 Queensland Derby.

Hard Dream group 2 winner.

Savanne (Rock of Gibraltar) by Sevenna winner of the Group 3 Prix De Royaumont for 3 year old fillies.

Deauville provides a first Belmont Derby success for Aidan

Sunday 10th July By Red Hrafan

After a near miss in the 2014 running of the Grade 1 Belmont Derby with Adelaide who was runner up, Deauville goes one better to win under an inspired ride by Jamie Spencer, proving that stall 13 was lucky for this colt.

Jamie had the colt up with the pace throughout, lying in second for most of the race he galloped clear to take the lead at the final turn going clear by a couple of lengths, he was driven out in the last hundred yards to win by a neck from Highland Sky. The win here proves that his run at Epsom in the Derby was too bad too be true and the rain softened ground did not help his cause over the 1m 4 f trip. He appreciated the firm going here and the step back in trip to 1m 2 f. his stable companion Long Island Sound finished 6th he was never able to land a blow.

The win also supplies Deauville’s sire Galileo with his 58th individual Group 1 winner and his 109th in all Group 1’s.

Another Grade 3 winner for Galileo in America

Sunday 10th July By Red Hrafan

Whilst Galileo’s more fashionably bred off spring were racing at Belmont Park his daughter Faufiler was contesting a lower grade race at Arlington Park.

The 5 year old Mare won the Grade 3 Modesty Handicap for fillies and mares over 1m 1 ½ furlongs, by 1 ¼ lengths from Al’s Gal.

Faufiler’s win added more success to what has already proved to be a successful weekend for her sire after Alice Springs win in the Group 1 Falmouth stakes at Newmarket on Friday.

Mixed fortunes in the Belmont Oaks

Sunday 10th July By Red Hrafan

There were mixed fortunes in the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks for the Aidan O’Brien fillies Coolmore and Ballydoyle.

Coolmore badly missed the break from stall 13 and was hard driven along to chase the leader, she was outpaced in the last 2 furlongs eventually fading to finish 3rd , 4 lengths behind the winner Catch a Glimpse who was winning her eighth turf race. She seemed to appreciate to firm ground.

Ballydoyle missed the break too and never figured at any stage of the race she was unable to quicken from 3 furlongs out, Colm O’Donoghue eased her down over a furlong out finishing last of the 13 runners. Ballydoyle unshipped Colm and galloped off after the race but luckily she was soon caught.

What next for Air Force Blue?

Sunday 10th July By Red Hrafan

Yesterday the Aidan O’Brien trained colt finished 12th in the Group 1 Darley July Cup over 6 furlongs. Was the pace of the race too quick for him dropping down to 6 furlongs against seasoned sprinters? Only time will tell.

Ryan Moore steadied him up after leaving the stalls and held him up in the rear. He was making progress over 2 furlongs out but was unable to get a clear run from over a furlong out. He was never able to get any closer to the leaders and land a blow an appeared to be eased down well inside the final furlong.

His stable companion Washington DC finished 5th after being outpaced in the final furlong.

After yet another disappointing run by last seasons top 2 year old the question is what next for the Ballydoyle colt?

He has a few entries to try and get his season back on track including the Group 2 Qatar King George stakes over 5 furlongs at the end of July , the Group 3 Qatar racing and equestrian club Phoenix Sprint stakes on the 7th august at the Curragh over 6 furlongs or the Group 1 Coolmore Nunthorpe over 5 furlongs at York on the 19th of August. He has to win one or all of them to fulfil last seasons promise.

DEAUVILLE wins the Group One Belmont Derby

Uncatchable

Aidan quartet to run at Belmont Park

Saturday 9th July By Red Hrafan

Long Island Sound

Aidan O’Brien sends a four strong team out to challenge the Americans tonight at Belmont Park in the Belmont Derby Grade 1 and the Belmont Oaks Grade 1.

First up at 9.30 (GMT) is the Belmont Derby over 1m 2f where Aidan is doubly represented by Long Island Sound and Deauville.

Aidan is hoping to go one better here than in 2014 when Adelaide finished second in the inaugural running of the race.

Deauville is drawn 13 out of 13 and faces a stiff challenge on this tight turf track. The colt drops down in trip after his disappointing run at Epsom in the Derby where he finished 11th, he didn’t appear to stay the 1m 4f on the good to soft that day. He was runner up to Wings of Desire in the Dante on Good to firm. He should appreciate the firm going tonight.

Long Island Sound was stepped up in class on his last run where he finished 3rd at Royal Ascot in the Group 3 Tercentenary stakes to Hawkbill who has won again since. He is a colt that appears to go on any ground and is still improving. He is drawn in stall 7.

The home defence is led by Airoforce who finished second to Aidan’s Hit it a Bomb at last years Breeders Cup. The sole British challenger is Humphrey Bogart trained by Richard Hannon.

Aidan again is doubly represented in the Belmont Oaks 1m 2 f at 10.46 (GMT) by Ballydoyle and Coolmore.

Ballydoyle has the better form of the two and is a high class filly, she has already won a Group 1 as a 2 year old when beating Turret Rocks over a mile in the Prix Marcel Boussac. She finished 3 ½ lengths behind her stable companion Minding in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket in May on good ground. She was last seen out finishing 6th behind La Cressonniere at Chantilly in the Prix De Diane ( French Oaks) on soft ground given a bad draw. She should appreciate the firm ground and is drawn in stall 7.

Coolmore has yet to live up to her illustrious name, her best effort coming as a 2 year old when beating Anamba at the Curragh on good ground in the Group 3 C.L. & M.F. Weld Park stakes. Coolmore has been drawn 13 out of 13. She should appreciate the firm ground.

The home team have a strong challenger in the shape of Catch a Glimpse who has won 7 out of 7 races on turf, she just touched off Alice Springs ¾ of a length in the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile fillies at Keenland last year.

The Ballydoyle Blogger assess all their chances on his page.

Galileo well clear in the race for the 2016 sires championship

Saturday 9th July By Red Hrafan

Coolmore Ireland’s 18 year old legendary sire Galileo is well clear in a bid to win his eighth sires title following wins in 2008, 2010, 2011,2012, 2013, 2014,and 2015.

So far this year his progeny have broken through the £4M barrier in win and place prize money courtesy of the impressive win by his daughter Alice Springs in the Group 1 Falmouth stakes at Newmarket on Friday.

His closest pursuer in the race to be champion sire is his half brother See the Stars with over £2M in win and place prize money thanks mainly to his son the dual Derby winner Harzand.

Alice Springs has become Galileo’s 57th Group 1 winner, tonight he goes for his 58th when his progeny race in America at Belmont Park, Deauville bids to win the Grade 1 Belmont Derby invitational and the fillies Ballydoyle and Coolmore attempt to win the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks invitational, this would cap a great weekend for the stallion.

His Group 1 winning progeny this year include the classic winners Minding winner of the English 1,000 guineas and Oaks and The Gurkha winner of the Poul D’essai Des Poulains ( French 2000 Guineas). The exciting Royal Ascot Gold cup winner and last year Irish St Leger winner the 4 year old Order of St. George has kept the flag flying for Galileo in the older generation.

Meanwhile back in Ireland at Fairyhouse his son Lustrous Light runs in a low key race on Sunday.

Alice in Wonderland so glad she got her Group One so derserved

A.P.O'Brien Career Stats Updated

A First Falmouth win for Aidan O’Brien

Friday 8th July By Red Hrafan

Aidan O’Brien trains his first winner of the Group One Falmouth stakes at Newmarket with the talented filly Alice Springs a daughter of super sire Galileo for whom she also provided a 57th Group one success, setting a new track record in the process.

Ryan Moore had the filly up with the pace throughout and went on to win very impressively from the 16/1 shot Very Special.

She is improving with every run and is very tough and genuine filly this being her 5th run of the season, she can’t be discounted from all the top Group one races later on in the year, will she go for the top races at Breeder’s Cup at Santa Anita only time will tell.

She has deserved a Group One success after finishing 3rd behind Minding in the 1000 Guineas in May.

Roly Poly the cherry on the cake.

Friday 8th July By Red Hrafan

The Duchess of Cambridge group 2 (formerly the Cherry Hinton) at Newmarket was won by the visually impressive War Front Filly Roly Poly from the 33/1 shot Magical Fire, in a time of 1m 10.72 seconds which was 0.32 seconds outside of the track record.

She is a very tough genuine filly having her 5th run of the season she appreciated the firmer ground today. Her only poor run coming when she finished 8th behind Lady Aurelia at Royal Ascot on ground that was too soft for her.

This is Aidan’s second winner of the race having won it previously with the Storm cat filly You’resothrilling in 2007.

Reaction by Bookmakers is to put her in at 16/1 for next year’s 1000 Guineas.

Another Group Winner for Galileo HOUSESOFPARLIMENT

Clash of the Titans Galileo V Sea The Stars

Housesofparliament wins the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket great ride by Ryan he mowed them down late on.

Happy 50th Birthday to Ballydoyle's Pat Keating from the AOBFS Team

Intelligence Cross 2nd in July Stakes

Handed down from father to son

Thursday 7th July By Red Hrafan

17 years after wining the then Listed Bahrain trophy with Moon Dragon sired by Sadler’s Wells, Aidan O’Brien wins his second Bahrain trophy now a Group 3 race with Housesofparliament sired by Sadler’s Wells son Galileo.

The Galileo colt was last seen out when finishing 4th in the King Edward Vii stakes at Royal Ascot behind Across the Stars in ground that was far from ideal.

Today the ground was described as good to firm which suited the colt well as did the step up in trip. Housesofparliament lead over a furlong out staying on well to beat Platitude by 1 ½ lengths providing Galileo with another Group winner to add to his already impressive tally.

The win means that Aidan will have a lot more options open to his colt.

Bookmakers reacted positively by cutting Housesofparliament to 12/1 for the Group 1 Doncaster St. Leger.

Housesofparliament boosts leger claims by taking Bahrain Trophy

Aidan O'Brien's Housesofparliament (9/2) got Newmarket's July Meeting off to a winning start for Ryan Moore.

As is so often the case in races run on the July Course, the field were spread right across the track at the two-furlong pole and Harrison and Harbour Law looked to be right on terms in the sprint to the winning post.

But Housesofparliament and Moore, racing alongside Platitude and Frankie Dettori towards the stands' side, got on top inside the final furlong and it was the former, fourth in the King Edward VII Stakes last time out, who prevailed under Moore by a length and a half, with Harrison third.

Moore said: "Aidan's horses all take their racing very well. This horse has run on soft ground all year and it's the first time he's had decent ground and he's relished it.

"He saw it out well and the ground has made a difference to him today."

Victory saw the winner cut in the betting for both the St Leger and the Ebor Handicap, but O'Brien has a number of options for both contests and it remains to be seen which route they choose to take - both races, possibly.

Options still remain open for Minding

Thursday 7th July By Red Hrafan

Minding the brilliant winner of the 1000 Guineas and the Oaks at Epsom is still one of the 31 horses standing their ground for the Group one Qatar Sussex Stakes run on the 27th of July at Goodwood.

The Aidan O’Brien filly would be taking on the colts for the first time, chief amongst her rivals could be Galileo Gold the winner of the 2000 Guineas and St James’ Palace stakes. Minding may also be joined by her stable companion in the race The Ghurkha the impressive winner of the French 2000 Guineas,

Minding Last seen out at the end of June when beating her elders convincingly is still amongst the 31 fillies and mares for the Group 1 Qatar Nassau Stakes on the 30th of July at Goodwood here she is likely to come up against Arabian Queen one of only two horses to beat Golden Horn last year and the unbeaten John Gosden trained filly Persuasive.

It seems more than likely that Minding will head for the Nassau.

Belmont Oaks - Ballydoyle stall 7 Coolmore stall 13 - Belmont Derby - Deauville stall 13 Long Island Sound stall 7 - (Jockey Bookings) Colm rides Long Island Sound and Ballydoyle and Jamie Spencer rides Deauville and Coolmore at Belmont Park Saturday night

Meet Finn McCool (Here is his profile)

Aidan has taken all his entries out of the Prix Jean Prat in France at the weekend. - Inca Gold, Pipes Of Peace and Etched declared for Leopardstown tomorrow. - Ryan Moore booked to ride Alice Springs in G1 Falmouth Stakes & Roly Poly in the G2 Cherry Hinton on Friday at Newmarket - Ryan Moore booked to Ride Landofhopeandglory in Sunday's German Derby at Hamburg

Welcome to our new Team Member @RHrafan Red has been helping us for years bout time we added Red to the team roster

Hoping for a fairytale ending

Simply Fallon our tribute to a legend thanks for the memories champ @KFallonJockey

Housesofparliament among Bahrain nine

Wed 6th Jul 2016, 15:03

Housesofparliament pictured on his way to victory at Dundalk in April
(Healy Racing Photos)

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Housesofparliament will be the only Irish representative in the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket.

Housesofparliament was last seen running really well when finishing fourth in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot last month and will face eight rivals on Thursday.

Saeed bin Suroor is looking forward to seeing Prize Money test his powers over a longer distance having chased home fellow Godolphin inmate and subsequent Eclipse hero Hawkbill in the Tercentenary Stakes at the Royal meeting.

An impressive winner on his only appearance at two, the Authorized colt has filled the runner-up spot on each of his three starts so far this season and his trainer feels he could develop into a realistic contender for the St Leger at Doncaster in the autumn.

"He ran three times (this season) and finished second every race," Bin Suroor told At The Races.

"The horse is doing really well, he's a tough horse, and the jockey (James Doyle) advised us after his last run to run over a mile and six (furlongs) in the future.

"I think a mile and five in the the Bahrain Trophy will suit him well, he worked well in his last piece of work and he's in great form. I think he can go on any ground."

He added: "We are thinking about the St Leger but we'll see how he runs at Newmarket."

Bin Suroor also saddles outsider Race Day .

Trainer Laura Mongan is quietly confident about the chances of Harbour Law, who after winning at Salisbury and Sandown in May, was narrowly beaten by O'Brien's Sword Fighter in the Queen's Vase.

"We're going there full of hope," said Mongan.

"He hasn't let us down so far and came out of Ascot pretty well. He's coming on all the time and we think there is still some improvement in him.

"We didn't run him as a two-year-old, which has probably helped, and we think he goes there with every chance.

"We're not worried about the drop back in trip. It's a tough race, but he's the only proven stayer in there and we think his form suggests he's more than good enough.

"If he was with a more fashionable trainer, I think he'd be a lot shorter price than he is."

Shabeeb steps up in class for Roger Varian after winning a Sandown maiden and a Doncaster conditions event.

Speaking on his website www.varianstable.com, the trainer said: "Shabeeb is thoroughly progressive and I have been impressed by both of his wins this season.

"He will enjoy the ground and both his pedigree and run style suggest the step up in trip will be in his favour.

"He needs to improve again, but he is an exciting prospect."

Sir Michael Stoute's Platitude, the Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained Gunnery, David Simcock's Goldmember and Harrison from Mick Channon's yard complete the line-up.

Is Roly Poly Cherry ripe to win the Cherry Hinton?

Wednesday 6th July By Red Hrafan

The Aidan O’Brien War Front 2 year old Filly Roly Poly runs on Friday at 3.45 at Newmarket in the Group 2 Duchess of Cambridge stakes formerly the Cherry Hinton where she faces nine rivals including Nasimi for Godolphin who impressed on her only start at Haydock in a 6f Maiden back in May.

Aidan’s filly has had a busy campaign for a two year old but seems to be thriving on her racing judging by her last start at the end of June when winning the Group 3 Grangecon Stud Stakes over 6f at the Curragh.

Alice Heads to the Falmouth

Wednesday 6th July By Red Hrafan

The Aidan O’Brien trained 3 year old Alice Springs heads to Newmarket on Friday to contest the Group 1 Tattersalls Falmouth stakes where she faces seven other rivals including the first and second from last year Amazing Maria and Euro Charlene.

The Galileo filly has had a busy campaign so far this year, she was last seen out in June when encountering traffic problems when finishing a strong 3rd to Qemah in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Currently 8/1 with Bet 365 and William Hill 7/1 with Boylesports and 5/1 with Paddy Power

Irish Oaks the target for Even Song

Wednesday 6th July By Red Hrafan

The Aidan O’Brien trained Even Song will spearhead the Ballydoyle Team for this years Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh on Saturday the 16th July at 5.45pm.

This is a race which Aidan has won four times in the past, his most recent winner being Bracelet in 2014.

The Mastercrafstman filly has had a light campaign this year culminating in an impressive 5 lengths victory with her last start in the Group 2 Ribblesdale stakes at Royal Ascot last month. The race being only the fourth start of her career.

Currently priced at 8/13 with Paddy Power 4/6 with Ladbrokes and 11/10 with Bet 365

A First Deutsches Derby win for Aidan?

Wednesday 6th July By Red Hrafan

Aidan O’Brien will attempt to win his first ever German Derby at Hamburg-Horn over 1 and a ½ miles this Sunday with Landofhopeandglory.

The Coolmore team have paid out €65,000 to supplement the colt for the race.

The son of High Chaparral was two lengths adrift of his stable companion Sword Fighter in the Group 2 Curragh cup at the end of last month.

The colt has had a busy season so far but he seems in good form with himself, this race could prove to be the ideal one for him.

He is currently priced at 3/1 with Betfair.

Air Force Blue returns to action

Wednesday 6th July By Red Hrafan

Saturday sees the return to action after a short break of last seasons top two year old colt Air Force Blue in the Darley July cup over 6 furlongs.

The Aidan O’Brien colt drops down to sprinting after two disappointing efforts this term in the English and Irish 2000 Guineas over a mile.

The colt has been offered best price of 14/1 to redeem his reputation. The War Front colt will relish the ground conditions at Newmarket which has been described as good to firm, good in places,

Aidan has been happy with his work over the last few weeks, he is a colt that the Ballydoyle maestro has always thought had a lot of speed, reminding us of the colts win in the Phoenix at the Curragh over 6 furlongs as a 2 year old.

Ryan booked for Newmarket on Saturday so looks like Heff Jamie Spencer and Colm will be going stateside.

Ryan rides Housesofparliment in Bahrain Trophy Intelligence Cross in July Stakes General MacArthur in Sir Henry Cecil Stakes Thursday at Newmarket

Newmarket Saturday - Maiden - Rhododendron - Superlative Stakes (G2)- Churchill, Peace Envoy, War Decree, Intelligence Cross - July Cup (G1) - Washington DC Air Force Blue & Waterloo Bridge

Order Of St George Piece by me

The Gurkha, Bravery, Long Island Sound, Shogun, Ballydoyle and Alice Springs

among G1 Prix Jean Prat entries on sunday. (4 of these are in America and 2 raced last weekend so doubt if any will go maybe Shogun)

Coolmore Ballydoyle Deauville & Long Island Sound have arrived in America and will work at the Belmont track on Tueday morning.

Newmarket Saturday - Maiden - Rhododendron - Superlative Stakes (G2)- Churchill, Peace Envoy, War Decree, Intelligence Cross - July Cup (G1) - Washington DC Air Force Blue & Waterloo Bridge

Happy Retirement to former Ballydoyle Jockey Kieren Fallon - A Digital Art Piece in Tribute to a great career

A P O'Brien on Kieren Fallon "Kieren was an exceptional jockey & we had a lot of great days together. We would all like to wish him the very best for the future"

Great Piece on TDN - Ballydoyle Fillies Building Coolmore Foundations - well worth a read > http://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/ballydoyle-fillies-bu…/ .

Top Earning Horses in Training 2016 Update 4/7/2016

Leading Sires Tables updated after weekend racing - Galileo Clear - Power leads - Zoffany 2nd

Aidan has a very strong lead in British Champion Trainers Table

Glory to run in German Derby after supplementary fee of 65,000 was paid

Landofhopeandglory has been supplemented at a cost of 65,000 Euro and has been prepared for the IDEA 147th German Derby at the racecourse in Hamburg-Horn a race that carries 650,000 euros in prize money & is the the fourth round of the German Racing Champions League,

Landofhopeandglory is expected to carry number 7 the favorite Boscaccio bears the number 2. The final starting field specifications for the Race takes place On Wednesday.

The race takes place on Sunday

The son of High Chaparral has a German background: His mother throwing blade was trained by Peter Rau for Gestüt Ravensberg. He has worked with trajectory the same grandmother as the group Horse Wild Park . Trajectory is also the second mother of Forest Park , the Derby winner of 2011. His half-brother is in a GAG of 44 kilos standing Bacchus Danon from the stable of Gerald Geisler.

Landofhopeandglory finished second in the Curragh Cup (Group II), behind Swordfighter a a few weeks ago.

The Gurkha Finished 2nd in the Coral Eclipse ran very well just found one too good on the day

Final Preparations for the Gurkha

Big Chance for The Gurkha in the Coral Eclipse at Sandown Park tomorrow

Heff

Romanesque strikes on debut for Donnacha

By Gary Carson

Fri 1st Jul 2016, 20:46

Aidan O'Brien
(Healy Racing Photos)

Ballydoyle colt Romanesque stuck on well in the closing stages to make a winning debut in the Anglo Printers Maiden at Bellewstown.

Donnacha O'Brien pressed leader and market rival Easy Pass (evens favourite) throughout, in the mile-and-a-half contest, and sent his mount into the lead with two furlongs to run.

The long-time leader battled back to dispute again inside the final furlong but Montjeu colt Romanesque found more in the closing stages for a two-length success at odds of 5/4.

Donnacha O'Brien said afterwards:- "He's a good genuine horse. He's done plenty of work but normally they are green at the Curragh first time out never mind here. He did well to win."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)

Ballydoyle trio in Bahrain Trophy

Fri 1st Jul 2016, 15:23

Housesofparliament winning at Dundalk
(Healy Racing Photos)

Aidan O'Brien can choose from three in the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket on Thursday.

The Ballydoyle handler has given entries to Housesofparliament, Landofhopeandglory and Lieutenant General in a recognised trial for the St Leger.

Ed Dunlop has given Irish Derby fourth Red Verdon an entry in this race, as well as in the Princess of Wales's Arqana Racing Club Stakes on the same card.

If taking his chance in the latter, he could come up against l ast year's winner Big Orange, who is also among 11 horses remaining following the confirmation stage.

Michael Bell's five-year-old could renew rivalry with the Luca Cumani-trained Second Step, who followed him home in second place, on day one of the July Meeting.

Sir Michael Stoute may give Exosphere the opportunity to redeem himself following his poor effort in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot. The four-year-old had earlier won the Jockey Club Stakes in tremendous style.

John Gosden has left in both Eagle Top, who has been declared for the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud on Sunday, and Muntahaa, who is also in the Bahrain Trophy.

The Grey Gatsby, the 2014 Irish Champion Stakes hero, is an interesting possible runner on what would be just his second try at a mile and a half.

O'Brien's Intelligence Cross and Peace Envoy feature among 13 entries for the Group Two Arqana July Stakes.

Butterflies on right flight path in Gowran

Churchill completes O'Brien/Moore treble

By Donal Murphy

Promise To Be True now two from two

Douglas impresses on second start

Reel & Newton in King George line-up

Churchill set Tyros test at Leopardstown

Air Force has Glorious option

Aidan O'Brien's Air Force Blue is among 14 entries for the Qatar Lennox Stakes at Glorious Goodwood next Thursday.

Istan defies top-weight under Moore

Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Seventh Heaven led home Architecture and Harlequeen to win the Darley Irish Oaks at The Curragh.

Sportsmanship justifies favouritism

Successor appreciates step up in trip

Housesofparliament among Bahrain nine

Romanesque strikes on debut for Donnacha

Ballydoyle trio in Bahrain Trophy