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Homesman Survives Enquiry drama at Limerick

30.01

Homesman and Ana O'Brien (2nd left) win from Modern Approach (right) - ©Healy Racing Photos

Homesman justified favourtism in the concluding maiden at Limerick this afternoon but had to survive a stewards enquiry in the process.

The Ballydoyle colt was always to the fore under Ana O'Brien, and was soon a narrow leader as Buffalo Blues pressed.

The War Front colt was asked to quicken passing the two pole but veered left off the rail over a furlong out, hampering Buffalo Blues and and the improving Modern Approach.

11/8 favourite Homesman kept on to assert inside the final furlong and was eased down as Modern Approach ran on again late on to get within a neck at the line.

The winner had been fourth on his return to action at Navan last Monday.

"I'm delighted with him and he's a big green horse. He's a massive horse and I think he'll progress with racing," said the winning trainer.

It was an across the card double on the day for Ana O'Brien with Somehow taking the feature event at Gowran earlier in the day.

Somehow On Top at Gowran

30.04

omehow and Seamus Heffernan beat Laganore (left) and Sea Swift (right) - ©Healy Racing Photos

Somehow asserted in the closing stages to claim the Victor McCalmont Memorial Stakes at Gowran this afternoon.

The Ballydoyle filly was sent off a 6/4 shot for the Listed event and was settled towards the rear by Seamie Heffernan in the nine-furlong contest.

She started to take closer order turning for home and came between rivals to challenge a furlong from home.

The daughter of Fastnet Rock overcame Laganore inside the final furlong, going on for a length-and-a-quarter victory. Sea Swift stayed on to grab the runner-up spot at the line.

Somehow, winner of a Listed and Group 3 race last season, had been beaten favourite on her return to action in the Park Express Stakes at Naas, losing out to English raider Czabo by half a length.

"She was placed in a Classic (fourth in Oaks) so it's no surprise that she has won,” said Heffernan.

“I think they were watering the ground just to keep it safe so it should be a little bit better on the outside.

“Donnacha (O'Brien) rode her the last day and she just took a blow at the wrong time, and she just got done. That will bring her on again."

(Quotes by Donal Murphy)

Envoy steps down in class in bid for reappearance success

30.04

Peace Envoy steps down from Group-race company for the first time in nearly 12 months as the colt bids to kickstart his three-year-old career with victory in the Power Irish EBF Tetrarch Stakes at Naas on Monday.

A winner at both Group Three and Listed level as a juvenile, the son of Power ended the last campaign with runs in two Group One races.

A highly-creditable third to American speedster Lady Aurelia in the Prix Morny at Deauville in August, he may have been slightly over the top when unplaced for the first time in eight starts in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket in September.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "He's in good form. We're happy with him since last year but he's just ready to start off."

Fozzy Stack is expecting a bold show from Son Of Rest, who was pitched into a Group One on only his second outing last term and performed admirably when fourth to Churchill in the National Stakes at the Curragh.

Son Of Rest showed his well-being ahead of this Listed contest when opening his account in impressive style in a five-furlong maiden at Cork four weeks ago.

"I hope we get a little drop of rain for him. I'm looking forward to running him," said Stack.

"He had a good run in the National Stakes behind Churchill and then he won his maiden at Cork."

Jessica Harrington, fresh from her success at Punchestown's National Hunt Festival, runs Drumfad Bay, who was unplaced in the Leopardstown 1,000 Guineas Trial on her return.

Henry de Bromhead, also better known as a leading jumps trainer, sends out Pecheurs De Perles, who recently got off the mark in a Tipperary maiden.

Making up the list of nine runners are the Ger Lyons-trained pair of Doctor Geoff and Noivado, Dermot Weld's Firey Speech, Jim Bolger's Radio Silence and True Valour from Johnny Murtagh's stable.

Queen Minding just ready to start

30.04

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Aidan O'Brien reports Minding "just ready to start" ahead of her return to action in the Camelot Irish EBF Mooresbridge Stakes at Naas on Monday.

The star filly faces four rivals in the Group Two contest where she has to carry a Group One penalty.

Minding rounded off a fantastic campaign last season with victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot and looks set to be a leading light once again for Ballydoyle.

"She's in good form. We've been happy with her since last year but she's just ready to start," said O'Brien.

Chief among her rivals in the 10-furlong contest looks to be the Jim Bolger-trained Godolphin colt Moonlight Magic.

The son of Cape Cross failed to shine in the Epsom and Irish Derby last season but ran with plenty of credit in the Irish Champion Stakes when sixth to Almanzor.

He was last seen finishing third in Group Two company at Chantilly.

Godolphin's Jimmy Hyland told www.godolphin.com: "Moonlight Magic is training very well, but is likely to need the race.

"The ground should suit him and, although it is a strong race, we expect a big run and hopefully he can improve for it.

"Moonlight Magic's target is the Group One Tattersalls Gold Cup (Curragh) on (Irish) Guineas weekend."

The consistent Brendan Brackan has already been in winning action this term, while Johannes Vermeer, stablemate of Minding, and the Joseph O'Brien-trained Jaqen H'Ghar complete the field.

War Command Argentina Bound

30.04

Argentinian breeders will soon have access to a precocious son of War Front, with War Command set to shuttle to Haras Vacacion in the South American country for the 2017 breeding season.

Bred by Joseph Allen, War Command is a half-brother to French Group 3 scorer Naval Officer, out of the Red Ransom mare Wandering Star, winner of the Grade 2 EP Taylor Stakes at Woodbine.

Owned by Allen and the Coolmore partners and trained by Aidan O'Brien, War Command was a top-class juvenile winning four of his five starts at two, picking up the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, before finding Sudirman and Big Time too good in the Phoenix Stakes.

Improving for the step back up to seven furlongs, War Command won both the Group 2 Futurity Stakes back at the Curragh and the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket. He raced three times at three - his best run when fourth to Kingman in the St James's Palace Stakes at the Royal meeting.

The six-year-old will stand alongside Hurricane Cat and fellow Royal Ascot scorer Remote at Vacacion, while his stud fee has yet to be announced.

Somehow set for return to action at Gowran

29.04

A drop in class to Listed level can reap rewards for Somehow in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Victor McCalmont Memorial Stakes at Gowran Park on Sunday.

Aidan O'Brien's Fastnet Rock filly was fourth in the Investec Oaks at Epsom and fifth in the Irish Oaks, and landed the Group Three Snow Fairy Stakes at Headquarters in October.

She returned to action in the same grade when narrowly outpointed by Czabo at Naas last month. With a rating of 113, she is the class act in the field.

Dermot Weld's Sharliyna did not meet expectations in testing conditions at Naas but should show more on better ground in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Handicap over seven furlongs.

The form of Treaty Of Vienna's debut fourth in the Curragh last September gives Jim Bolger's charge bright prospects in the Summer Evenings At Gowran Park Maiden.

The winner of that race, stablemate Vociferous Marina, impressed when scoring in the Listed Salsabil Stakes at Navan last weekend.

Weld's Frankel filly Frima should be monitored in the betting on debut.

Bolger's Bean Feasa has a lofty mark of 99 after finishing fifth in a Group Three at Leopardstown, so should be on the premises in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden.

It could be a memorable day for Bolger as Chronicles has to be respected when contesting the Gowran Park Festival Of Speed Race.

He kept on best at Navan on Monday when well backed.

Landline has snippets of form behind good horses which give him an each-way chance, at a price, in the Gowran Park Golf Open Singles Handicap.

Smiling Emily bounced back to form when third in Navan and looks the part, off 1lb higher, in the Kilkenny Country Music Festival Handicap.

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APOB Season Earnings update after Deauville and Cougar Mountain added to the tally

Cougar Mountain & Ryan Moore 6th in the Bet365 Mile (Group 2) at Sandown

Deauville (Pictured Below) & Ryan Moore 2nd in the Gordon Richards Stakes Group 3 a 1 2 for Galileo as Ulysses wins

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Ballydoyle runners - Gowran Park Sunday Auckland 2.05 Somehow 3.35 Taj Mahal 4.05 - Limerick Sunday San Remo 4.20 Homesman 5.20

She could be out very soon

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Rhododendron heads the 1000 Guineas field by Red

26.07.17

Ante-post favourite Rhododendron is among 27 fillies remaining in the Qipco 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 7 following the latest acceptance stage.

Aidan O'Brien's daughter of Galileo proved herself one of the very best of her generation when ending her juvenile campaign with victory in the Fillies' Mile at Newmarket in October.

O'Brien also has Asking, Hydrangea, Rain Goddess, Roly Poly and Winter, while his son Joseph relies on Intricately, winner of the Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes.

John Gosden has left in Daban and Dabyah, winners of the Nell Gwyn and Fred Darling Stakes last week, while Roger Charlton has Fair Eva, one of Frankel's many talented offspring.

Among the others still in the mix are Godolphin's Really Special, Sobetsu and Dubai One, plus Owen Burrows' once-raced winner Talaayeb.

Churchill heads the 2000 Guineas field By Red

26.07.17

Ante-post favourite Churchill is one of six horses still in Qipco 2000 Guineas contention for Aidan O'Brien.

The Ballydoyle handler has also left Caravaggio, Intelligence Cross, Lancaster Bomber, Peace Envoy and Spirit Of Valor in the Classic on Saturday week.

Swiss Storm is a notable absentee after just 19 colts stood their ground, and Hugo Palmer's Escobar is another who will not be heading to Newmarket.

Martyn Meade's Craven hero Eminent and the Richard Hannon-trained Greenham scorer Barney Roy are two major hopes for the home team.

Al Wukair, trained by Andre Fabre, Lucky Mistake and Spotify are three possible French raiders.

George joins Galileo's millionaires Club

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DC maturing into a top sprinter can see him winning his G1 this term

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Easton Angel had a temperature last night which is why she was a non runner

APOB Year by year stats updated

Sires Tables Updated

DC shines at Navan

24.04

Washington DC (centre, Seamie Heffernan) beats Ardhoomey (Colin Keane, near) with Primo Uomo chasing - ©Healy Racing Photos

With a run at Meydan 30 days ago under his belt, Washington DC proved up to justifying 2/1 favouritism in the Listed Woodlands Stakes at Navan.

The winner of a Listed race over six furlongs here last May, Ballydoyle hope Washington DC added to his Proudstown Park gains under Seamie Heffernan, getting the better of the other previous course winner in the line-up, Ardhoomey, by a neck.

Washington DC came through from the back to lead inside the final furlong.

Heffernan said: "He was the best horse in the race. All of Aidan's (O’Brien, winning trainer) are going to improve. Aidan's will improve more than other horses."

When asked if he sees Washington DC as a five or six furlong horse Heffernan replied: "He could probably mix it this year. Hopefully there will be more than one big day in him."

Paddy Power left Washington DC unchanged at 14/1 for the Kings Stand Stakes.

(MG & EM)

Caravaggio on Target For French Guineas

24.04

The French 2000 Guineas remains the likely Classic target for Aidan O'Brien's exciting colt Caravaggio.

The son of Scat Daddy was unbeaten in four starts as a juvenile including big-race victories in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.

Caravaggio is as short as 6-1 for the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday week, but he is likely to avoid a clash with stable companion and hot favourite Churchill by heading for Deauville.

"At the moment everything is going according to plan and that (French Guineas) is what we're looking at," O'Brien told At The Races.

Orderofthegarter has impressed twice already this season, most recently landing the Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial.

"Orderofthegarter probably won't go to Newmarket. He could go to the French Guineas and the Irish Guineas, or something like that," O'Brien added.

The Ballydoyle handler reported Rhododendron to have "done well physically" ahead of her bid for Classic honours in the Qipco 1000 Guineas, for which she is the 11-4 favourite.

He said: "It's so far, so good with her as well."

Legatissimo's Sis Smoulder bidding to get of the mark at Limerick

22/04

Legatissimo's half-sister Smoulder has her second start when she goes in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden at Limerick.

Of course, Legatissimo was a wonderful Classic-winning racemare, landing three Group Ones overall, as well as just coming up short in a few others.

A daughter of Redoute's Choice, Smoulder made a reasonable beginning to her own career when sixth at Naas nearly a fortnight ago.

Ryan Moore sported the famous Markus Jooste silks when Smoulder raced from stall 13 on that occasion, which was hardly ideal. It's reasonable to expect the three-year-old to improve for the experience and to continue to progress through the season.

Again the draw hasn't been kind as the Aidan O'Brien runner has been berthed out in gate 14. Going up to seven furlongs should suit, and the addition of a hood could help Smoulder, too.

Ana O'Brien, the leading apprentice of the campaign, takes the reins this time, whilst Seamie Heffernan is on the 85-rated Puppetshow. That one is another major player for Ballydoyle in what has the makings of an informative heat.

Michael Halford has Yulong Baokui engaged here, and the Copper Beech Stables operator has two chances in the featured 4 Of Us Play Live At Limerick Racecourse June 23rd Handicap.

Owners Ballygallon Stud Limited have a lovely young prospect with Halford in Irishcorrespondent, recently the winner of a maiden at Leopardstown, and the County Kilkenny farm also have Master Ring (Shane Foley up) with the Curragh handler.

That course and distance winner should go well again now returned to Greenmount Park off a break. Shadagann is a nice back-up for Halford, and Conor Hoban will ride this fellow.

A divide in the Book Online At www.limerickraces.ie For Twilight Racing Handicap makes for an eight-race programme.

The first split at 4.35 could go the way of Locus Standi for Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning.

Half-an-hour later in division two, Ripped might be the one for Gavin Cromwell and Ronan Whelan.

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Ryan Moore is suspended & can't ride at Navan on Sunday Here are the Ballydoyle Runners this busy weekend

APOB Season Earnings Updated

Does not get any better than this

George Returns At Navan on Sunday

Image result for order of st george horse

21.04

Order Of St George is the star attraction in an eight-strong field declared for the Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan on Sunday.

An impressive winner of last year's Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, the son of Galileo suffered a shock defeat when defending his crown in the Irish St Leger, but bounced back to finish a fantastic third in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

He rounded off his campaign on a disappointing note when beaten into fourth in Ascot's Long Distance Cup, but is still likely to be a warm order as he bids to add his name to a roll of honour that features Ballydoyle aces like Yeats and Fame And Glory.

Dermot Weld, trainer of the great Vintage Crop, relies upon Forgotten Rules.

The seven-year-old won this prize in 2015, but has been largely disappointing since finishing third in that year's Gold Cup and is fitted with blinkers for the first time.

Forgotten Rules and the Jim Bolger-trained Twilight Payment were both placed behind Jessica Harrington's Torcedor when he impressed in a conditions race at Leopardstown at the start of the month and the trio renew rivalries.

Red Stars, Lustrous Light, Morga and Dew Line complete the line-up.

Derby Trial Next for Venice

20.04

There was a second Ballydoyle winner in as many races at 'the junction' this evening when even money favourite Venice Beach came home stylishly in front in the Fundraising Events At Tipperary Races Maiden.

Equipped with first-time cheek-pieces the victorious Galileo colt scored on outing number three as he led a furlong and a half out before keeping on strongly to comfortably account for Clongowes by five and a half lengths.

Seamie Heffernan was on the Aidan O'Brien-trained winner half-an-hour earlier, Alluringly, but it was Donnacha O'Brien that took the reins on Venice Beach.

"He's a lovely horse and he liked going the mile and a half, even though at Leopardstown (previously) Seamus (Heffernan, jockey) thought he tired on his first run back, rather than the trip (being unsuitable)," explained Aidan O'Brien.

"Obviously he stays very well and is lazy - that's why he wears the cheek-pieces. He's a nice middle distance horse, will progress with racing, and will go for one of the Derby Trials next."

Impressive Alluringly set for an Oaks Trail Next

20.04

Alluringly and Seamie Heffernan - ©Healy Racing Photos

Alluringly (9/4) ran out an impressive winner of the Tipperary Races Fillies Maiden on her return from a 186 day break.

Babulena went off the even money favourite but Dermot Weld's grey had no answer to Ballydoyle'sAlluringly a furlong out and four and three parts of a length split them at the line. There was eight lengths back to Hushing in third.

"You'd have to be very happy with that and we'll go gentle now. She's a nice filly and has a great pedigree," said winning trainer Aidan O'Brien on the Seamie Heffernan-ridden victor.

"We'll look at an Oaks Trial now."

Meanwhile on his Craven Stakes 'also-ran' O’Brien said: "War Decree was babyish and was off a long time. Ryan said he rode very babyish and we'll just go gentle now. We're hoping he might leave that behind him."

(TW & EM)

War Decree beaten in The Craven Stakes pictured below in the Pre Parade Ring At Newmarket

Aidan on War Decree "He was babyish and was off a long time. Ryan said he rode very babyish and we'll just go gentle now. We're hoping he might leave that behind him.

Timeform Global Rankings European Division Ballydoyle Spotlight & News 2017 - 14 Horses from Ballydoyle in the rankings this week

Free and easy for Whitecliffsofdover at Newmarket

19.04.2017

Race Report

Aidan O’Brien’s Whitecliffsofdover (100/30) ran out an emphatic winner of the bet365 European Free Handicap at Newmarket on Wednesday.

The War Front colt looks some way down the Ballydoyle pecking order for the upcoming Classics but he had no trouble in accounting for his rivals in the Listed handicap.

Sent about his business early by Ryan Moore, the Coolmore three-year-old had a two-length advantage heading into The Dip and he’d extended that to almost three lengths when he hit the line.

Simon Crisford’s Rodaini (8/1) ran on for a relatively remote second from John Gosden’s Frankel colt Seven Heavens, who ran freely in the early stages despite the application of a first-time hood.

Reaction

Ryan Moore: "He's a lovely, big horse. He ran some good races last year. He's a fine, beautiful horse and I'd say he'd go on from here."

Co-owner Michael Tabor: "He was very impressive. He ran from the start very forward and hopefully he can now go on to better things. I would suppose now, with that run under him, he'd go for either the French or the English Guineas, one of those two races." *Whitecliffsofdover is not currently entered in the Qipco 2000 Guineas but could be added to the field at the supplementary stage on May 1.

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APOB Season Earnings updated

Ballydoyle Entries This weekend at Limerick & Navan

Sires Tables Updated

Decree Set Craven Mission

19.04.2017

Aidan O'Brien relies on War Decree in Thursday's bet365 Craven Stakes at Newmarket.

The son of War Front has not been seen since winning the Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwood from subsequent Group One winner Thunder Snow.

Racing Post Trophy winner Rivet is also among a field of seven for the Craven.

William Haggas shunned the more valuable Burradon Conditions Stakes at Newcastle last Friday in favour of a return to the Rowley Mile, where Rivet finished fifth in the Dewhurst last term.

Martyn Meade's once-raced Frankel colt Eminent puts his Classic hopes on the line, while Richard Hannon runs Larchmont Lad, who was bought by Cheveley Park in the off-season.

Saeed bin Suroor's impressive maiden winner Benbatl, Hugo Palmer's Gulliver and David Menuisier's Contrapposto complete the field.

George the headline act at Navan this weekend

19.04.2017

Ascot Gold Cup winner Order Of St George is among the 10 entries for Sunday's Coolmore Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan.

The five-year-old arguably ran a career best in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, when third behind stablemates Found and Highland Reel, and the possibility is his run at Ascot after that when only fourth on Champions Day came too soon.

O'Brien often runs his Gold Cup horse in the Vintage Crop and has won the race six times since 2007, including with dual winners Fame And Glory and Yeats.

Jessica Harrington can do no wrong at present and has given Torcedor the option after he bolted up on his first start for the yard since leaving David Wachman.

The second and third at Leopardstown that day, Jim Bolger's Twilight Payment and Dermot Weld's Forgotten Rules, are due to take him on again.

Ralph Beckett's Diamonds Pour Moi, a Listed winner in France when last seen, Lustrous Light and Motherland are others in the entry.

Decree faces 6 in The Craven

18.4.2017

War Decree ©Healy Racing Photos

Aidan O'Brien relies on War Decree, who has not been seen since winning the Vintage Stakes from subsequent Group One winner Thunder Snow.

Aidan Said “War Decree was a little bit off in front after the Vintage Stakes and missed a month, so we just didn’t have enough time to get him back to the track after that. He’s ready to start. He’s a big horse and has done well in physical terms since last year. He’s done so well that you’d worry he might take a run just to tighten him up. We’ll see what happens in the Craven before we decide whether he’ll go to the Newmarket or French 2000 Guineas. He’s an unusually good mover, he covers a lot of ground and barely touches it, so fast ground should suit him well.”

Racing Post Trophy winner Rivet heads a field of seven in Thursday's bet365 Craven Stakes at Newmarket.

William Haggas shunned the more valuable Burradon Conditions Stakes at Newcastle last Friday in favour of a return to the Rowley Mile, where Rivet finished fifth in the Dewhurst last term.

Martyn Meade's once-raced Frankel colt Eminent puts his Classic hopes on the line, while Richard Hannon runs Larchmont Lad, who was bought by Cheveley Park in the off-season.

Saeed bin Suroor's impressive maiden winner Benbatl, Hugo Palmer's Gulliver and David Menuisier's Contrapposto complete the field.

17.04.17

Roly Poly & Brave Anna Among Nell Gwyn Eleven

Brave Anna and Roly Poly, first and second in last year's Cheveley Park Stakes, both feature in a field of 11 for Wednesday's Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket.

Only a short head separated the Aidan O'Brien-trained pair in September and Roly Poly is now 3lb better off. She finished her season running unplaced at the Breeders' Cup.

Andre Fabre sends over the once-raced Pamplemousse, who was an easy winner at Chantilly recently.

Oh So Sharp winner Poet's Vanity, Sea Of Grace, a Group Three winner for John Oxx but now with William Haggas, and Mark Johnston's Prestige Stakes winner Kilmah also bring smart form to the table.

Peace Envoy War Decree Taj Mahal & Whitecliffsofdover all entered in the Craven Stakes - Peace Envoy & Whitecliffsofdover in European free handicap - Brave Anna Roly Poly & Elizabeth Browning in Nell Gwyn all next week next week at Newmarket Full reports below on this page

The Rematch is ON!

Runners at Cork Saturday - Rider info To Follow

4 Ballydoyle Horses among worlds best in Timeform Global Ratings 2017

Decree Heads Ballydoyle 4 in Craven 14.04.2017

War Decree is among four entries from the Aidan O'Brien stable as the Ballydoyle trainer seeks to win the bet365 Craven Stakes for the first time at Newmarket on Thursday. War Decree, a 16-1 chance for the Qipco 2000 Guineas in which his stablemate Churchill is hot favourite, has not raced since winning the Group Two Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. O'Brien is also responsible for Peace Envoy, Taj Mahal and Whitecliffsofdover in a 16-strong entry for the Group Three over the Rowley Mile. Leading the home contingent is the William Haggas-trained Rivet, winner of the Champagne Stakes and Racing Post Trophy. Saeed bin Suroor has put in both Benbatl and Dream Castle, who made impressive winning debuts at Doncaster earlier this month. Godolphin have a third possible in the Charlie Appleby-trained Salsabeel, who showed plenty of promise in two starts last season. Martyn Meade's Eminent and the Richard Hannon-trained Larchmont Lad are also in the mix, while the list is completed by Al Hamdany, Contrapposto, Frankuus, Gulliver, Law And Order and Montataire.

Minding set for French reappearance

Minding could make her eagerly-awaited reappearance in the Prix Ganay before a return to France at the end of the season for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Aidan O'Brien's superstar filly won five Group Ones last season, including the Queen Elizabeth II against the boys at Ascot on Champions Day.

O'Brien said: "We're very happy with her and she has changed physically over the winter. We decided to work her at Leopardstown rather than run her at Naas last weekend. Everything went well there and she might start off in the Prix Ganay in France.

"The Tattersalls Gold Cup and Royal Ascot will be possibilities for her too. Longer-term, we might hold off running her back at a mile and a half until later in the season, with the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe being an obvious option. She's just a remarkably versatile filly in every regard and is really something to look forward to."

Arc third Order Of St George will have his early season built around retaining the Ascot Gold Cup.

"He's going to start off in the Vintage Crop at Navan and is likely to have one more run after that before going back to the Ascot Gold Cup," said O'Brien, speaking in a stable tour for www.attheraces.com.

"He's happy with an ease in the ground and if last year's Arc had been run on soft ground, he would have been an even bigger player. He ran a serious race that day and well capable of competing over a mile and a half too."

Alice Springs was another multiple Group One winner last season but she met with a surprise defeat on her comeback last weekend.

"We were all happy with her comeback run at Naas. She went there quite heavy on the scale, but to be fair she did well physically over the winter so she's probably going to just have a heavier racing weight this year than she did last year," said O'Brien.

"I think she's made a big forward move in physical terms, but she has to go and prove that on the racecourse. We'll have a look at the Lockinge Stakes for her and if the ground is nice, she'll probably run there before heading to Royal Ascot. She has only raced against colts on a couple of occasions, but on her day, I'd be hopeful she can compete with them."

Highland Reel, disappointing in Dubai, looks set to travel the globe once more, while O'Brien has a couple of interesting recruits for the sprinting ranks in Acapulco and Easton Angel, first and

Brave Anna & Roly Poly to test classic credentials in Nell Gwyn Stakes next week April 14, 2017

Image result for Brave anna cheveley park stakes

April 14, 2017 Aidan O'Brien has put Brave Anna and Roly Poly in the Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket on Wednesday. The pair were first and second respectively in the Cheveley Park Stakes at the course last season and are among 20 entries for the notable Qipco 1000 Guineas trial. Andrew Balding expects Oh So Sharp Stakes winner Poet's Vanity to improve for her outing in the Nell Gwyn. Balding said: "Poet's Vanity has done well over the winter and I am very happy with the standard of her recent work. But she is a big filly, and although I fully expect her to run a decent race on Wednesday, there is no doubt that she will come on for the run. "She is so relaxed that I would be very surprised if she didn't stay the mile of the Guineas, although I doubt that she will get much further. "All her racing has been on fast ground so although I'm sure that she will handle a soft surface when the time comes, I would rather have her prep run on decent ground and I am happy with the dry weather forecast for the next few days." John Gosden can choose from Dabyah, third in the Marcel Boussac, and Daban, and o ther Nell Gwyn possibles include Sea Of Grace, now with William Haggas after leaving John Oxx, Andre Fabre's Pamplemousse and Hugo Palmer's Unforgetable Filly. Also on the card is the Earl of Sefton Stakes, with David O'Meara having entered the Lincoln winner Bravery and stablemate Custom Cut. Charlie Appleby's pair of Folkswood and Viren's Army and Brian Meehan-trained Cambridgeshire winner Spark Plug are others among the 10. Gosden's Frankel colt Seven Heavens, David Elsworth's Sir Dancealot and O'Brien's pair of Peace Envoy and Whitecliffsofdover are among the 13 entries for the European Free Handicap.

4 Ballydoyle Horses among worlds best in Timeform Global Ratings 2017

Aidan O'Brien Stable Tour By AtTheRaces > http://www.attheraces.com/stable-tours/aidan-o'brien

Potential Ballydoyle Runners at Tip on Thursday

We make it that San Remo Bought up Aidan's 1999th Flat winner. - Here's our New Year By Year stats Poster

APOIB Season Earnings Update

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Getting to that time of year trials have begun time to remember the fantastic five which hopefully will become the sensational six in 2017

Updates on Churchill & Caravaggio

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Aidan O'Brien insists the next two weeks are key as Churchill prepares to tackle a mile for the first time in the Qipco 2000 Guineas. O'Brien reports the Dewhurst winner to have grown considerably and that the trip should prove no problem to him in the first colts' Classic. "He's doing everything unbelievably well at the moment. From this coming weekend it's three weeks to the 2000 Guineas, so the next two weeks will be key, but he's doing unbelievable at the moment," said O'Brien of the champion European two-year-old. "He looks a different creature altogether. He's big, he's powerful, he has a good mind and he's a great mover. He's physically very big, but he's not a big long yoke, he's compact, strong and well made. "In terms of trip, I always thought he'd be fine at a mile and maybe up to a mile and a quarter. I wouldn't be sure about a mile and a half for him, but his temperament will give him every chance if he's ever asked to try it." Caravaggio won the Coventry Stakes and the Phoenix Stakes before missing the back-end of the season, but O'Brien is not as confident about him staying a mile. Nevertheless, the French Guineas is on his agenda. The Ballydoyle trainer said: "He's working great. We brought him to Naas to work the other day and he's plenty fit so we didn't feel we needed to do a lot more with him. "We're just not sure about him getting a mile. He's a very fast, very quick horse. What is very unusual about him if you go back and watch footage of him is that when he quickens, he nearly knocks himself over. "A lot of those sprinters are about relentless speed, but this fella can really quicken. He has big shoulders, a big backside, a great head and he's long too. Physically, he looks more like a sprinter. "We are training him for the Poule d'Essai des Poulains at the moment, but if we see anything that makes us think that asking him to try a mile is the wrong thing between now and then, we'll run him elsewhere. "He bends his knee a bit, but the ground probably isn't a big issue for him and dirt would probably be fine for him too." O'Brien also mentioned that Yucatan and Capri, third and fourth in the Ballysax Stakes last weekend, would head for the Derrinstown Derby Trial, with Orderofthegarter heading for the Irish Guineas and Lancaster Bomber a possible for either the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness.

Rhododendron & Hydrangea among 12 Ballydoyle Investec Oaks entries

Hydrangea Impressed on reappearance

Thursday, April 13, 2017 Entries are unveiled today for the Investec Oaks, the premier fillies' Classic and highlight of Ladies' Day at Epsom Downs on Friday, June 2, day one of the Investec Derby Festival. First run in 1779, a year before the Investec Derby, the Group One contest, worth £500,000, is staged over a mile and a half and has 54 three-year-old fillies engaged. Ireland's champion trainer Aidan O'Brien has won the latest two renewals of the Investec Oaks, with Minding (2016) and Qualify (2015), and been successful six times in all. He has the most entries (12) of any handler in 2017. Heading the Ballydoyle contingent is Rhododendron, who ended 2016 by taking the G1 Dubai Fillies' Mile at Newmarket in October. The three-year-old daughter of Galileo, out of three-time G1 scorer Halfway To Heaven, is the current Investec Oaks favourite in the ante-post betting market. Another leading contender from Ballydoyle is Hydrangea. She too is a daughter of Galileo and finished second to Rhododendron in the Dubai Fillies' Mile. Hydrangea was triumphant on her reappearance at Leopardstown on April 8 in the G3 Ballylinch Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial over seven furlongs at Leopardstown, where she beat stable companion Winter by a head, with Promise To Be True and Rain Goddess further back. Longing has also been out in 2017, making a promising debut when third to Bengala (John Oxx) in a 10-furlong Leopardstown maiden on April 5.

Frankels San Remo Brings up Ballydoyle Treble

12.04.2017

There was a third Aidan O'Brien winner in a row on the polytrack tonight as San Remo defied top-weight in the Dundalk Stadium Handicap. The three-year-old Frankel colt was equipped with a hood for the initial occasion, on his first venture outside of maiden company. On start number four and off a 184 day absence from action, 4/1 shot San Remo got to the front a furlong out in this six runner affair. He then fought off Room To Roam and Buffalo Blues by a head and a neck. There was just a further three parts of a length to the favourite, Allography, in fourth. "He was a little bit behind the bridle the whole way but when he got a bit of light and I got a few smacks into him he picked up well," said Donnacha O'Brien, earlier a winner on his brother Joseph's True Blue Moon. "He's never going to be a world-beater but he'll win what he wins in his grade." The earlier Ballydoyle winners meanwhile were War Secretary (Seamie Heffernan) and Key To My Heart (Ana O’Brien). The Stewards interviewed C.T. Keane, rider of Room To Roam, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found C.T. Keane in breach of Reg. 10 3. (f) (frequency) and suspended him for 1 race day. The Stewards interviewed D. O'Brien, rider of San Remo, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Key to my heart Breaks her Maiden at Dundalk

12.04.2017

Key To My Heart supplied Aidan O'Brien with a double and she became the third winner for the family on the evening when landing the Crowne Plaza Race & Stay Fillies Maiden at Dundalk. The action began on the polytrack with an opening race win for True Blue Moon (Joseph and Donnacha O'Brien). Then in the featured Patton Stakes Aidan O'Brien's War Secretary prevailed under Seamie Heffernan. Half-an-hour on andKey To My Heart in first-time blinkers and with Aidan O'Brien up, made all to beat her stable companion Puppetshow by two and a half lengths. "She did it well. We went a nice gallop and she kept going, she stays well," said Aidan O'Brien. "The blinkers sharpened her up a bit as she's a bit laid back at home." (GC & EM)

Impressive Secretary bags listed win at Dundalk

12.04.2017

Favourite Ambassadorial lost his unbeaten record when only third as the Listed Avenue Inn, Dundalk Patton Stakes went to Ballydoyle's War Secretary in the hands of Seamie Heffernan. Both of these had course and distance winning form to their names, and Heffernan elected to put the pace to the seven furlong affair on his mount, a 5/2 second market choice. Six to four shot Ambassadorial was waited with by Shane Foley, and it opened up in the straight as the jockeys asked for more. Well-supported 8/1 chance Noivado looked like he might go by War Secretary from over a furlong out. He edged right close home and eventually lost out by a neck. < Ambassadorial kept at it but he never really looked likely to get on terms and he ended up two lengths back in third. "He's been working nicely and we were hoping he would win," said Heffernan. "Sure like all of them we are hoping he will improve plenty. He's a likeable sort." The other Aidan O'Brien runner, Intelligence Cross, finished fourth.

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Aidan Aims for 8th Coronation Cup Victory

12.04.2017

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St Nic won 3 back to back Coronation Cups RIP Champ

Sheema Classic runner-up Seventh Heaven, who won both the G1 Irish Oaks and G1 Yorkshire Oaks in 2016, is one of seven entries for Ireland's champion trainer Aidan O'Brien, who is the most successful handler in the Investec Coronation Cup with seven victories, headlined by three-time scorer St Nicholas Abbey.

The Ballydoyle septet also includes Highland Reel, who enjoyed a marvellous 2016 with G1 victories in the G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the G1 Breeders' Cup Turf, last year's Investec Derby second and third, US Army Ranger and Idaho, plus Order Of St George, winner of the G1 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and an excellent third to stablemate Found in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Deauville and Johannes Vermeer complete the O'Brien entries.

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All Class

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Clear Skies 2nd in 7.45 at Tipperary caught on the line by Joseph O'Brien trained Kalopsia & Ana O'Brien

Possible Ballydoyle Runners at Cork on Saturday

Twitter Poll Result is in so its off to the Derby for Churchy thanks to the 171 who voted more votes to come through the season

The United States Joins the Galileo Millionaires club

APOB Career Stats Updated

APOB Season earnings updated

Leading Sires Tables updated GALILEO Top

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Striking first foals for Kingston Hill

Aidan O'Brien Looses Dundalk Appeal 10.04.2017

Aidan O’Brien has lost his appeal against a €2,000 fine imposed under the Turf club’s new ‘non-trier’ rules over the running and riding of the Coolmore Stud owned Music Box at Dundalk 10 days ago. A Referrals Committee hearing at Turf Club headquarters on Monday afternoon upheld the penalties imposed by the racecourse stewards after Music Box finished third to her stable companion Asking in a maiden race. Wayne Lordan, who along with O’Brien represented himself at the hearing which lasted almost an hour and a half, also had his appeal against a five day suspension dismissed. Music Box, who is owned by John Magnier and the other Coolmore partners, had her 42-day suspension imposed under the controversial Rule 212 confirmed as well. The Referrals Committee, which was chaired by the retired Supreme Court Justice Joe Finnegan, exonerated both O’Brien and Lordan of another charge of schooling in public which was imposed by the Dundalk stewards.

Mixed fortunes for Ballydoyle leading lights 10 Apr 2017

Hydrangea and Orderofthegarter both win in Ireland over the weekend but Alice Springs and US Army Ranger are beaten Alice Springs made an encouraging return to action in the Group 3 Gladness Stakes at Naas on Sunday. A dual winner in the QIPCO Champions Series last year, when she won the Falmouth Stakes and Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes, Aidan O’Brien had warned she would come on a lot for the run and the trip of seven furlongs was also on the sharp side for her. However, Alice Springs still started 6-4 favourite and looked like prevailing when collaring front-running Blue De Vega deep inside the final furlong, only for the Fozzy Stack-trained Diamond Fields to collar her in the final strides. Alice Springs was not subjected to a hard race by Ryan Moore and seems certain to derive plenty of benefit. Later, O’Brien’s Derby runner-up US Army Ranger made his return in the Dr Vincent O’Brien Centenary Alleged Stakes. He also looked in need of the run, though, and a bit keen, finished third behind British challenger Air Pilot. “You can always rely on these old geldings to get you out of jail when things aren’t going great,” said Ralph Beckett, the winning trainer. “He’s a great old campaigner and probably has another day or two in him.” On Saturday, O’Brien’s Hydrangea kept on well to land the Group 3 Ballylinch Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial Stakes at Leopardstown. The daughter of Galileo, one of four runners for the stable in the race, will now be considered for the QIPCO 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 7. “She’s a very solid filly, and had the form in the book,” O’Brien said. “She will be in the mix for Newmarket.” O’Brien also landed 2,000 Guineas Trial on the card with Orderofthegarter, who made all and won by nearly four lengths. The trainer will now consider the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas for the son of Galileo and confirmed plans for Churchill, hot favourite for the QIPCO 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 6, and Caravaggio, who is also prominent in the market. “At the moment we are looking at running Churchill at Newmarket and Caravaggio in France,” he said. “That is Plan A, but things can always change.” The QIPCO 2000 Guineas is the first race in this year’s QIPCO British Champions Series.

Ballydoyle draw a blank at Naas today but plenty of positive runs more to come

Belgravia 3rd Diodorus 4th African & Ensign unplaced in 5.10 at Naas - US Army Ranger 3rd in Naas 16.05 - Alice Springs 2nd in 15.25 at Naas positive comeback just got nailed late on - Cenotaph Unplaced 14.55 at Naas - Smoulder unplaced in 2.55 at Naas - Sioux Nation 3rd on debut in opener at Naas.

APOB all time top rated Juveniles rated by Timeform

Queen Hydrangea

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De Coronado 10th Leopardstown 5.05

Douglas MacArthur 2nd Yucatan 3rd Capri 4th in the Ballysax Stakes the Race was won by the Joseph O'Brien Trained Rekindling

Pennsylvania unplaced in 3.25 at Leopardstown

Music Box 2nd in the opener at Leopardstown

Hydrangea wins the Group 3 Leopardstown 1000 Guineas Trial Winter in 2nd Rain Goddess & Promise To Be True unplaced report below

Orderofthegarter is so very classy winning the Leopardstown 2000 Guineas he made all to win very impressively stablemate Taj Mahal in 2nd 1 2 Ballydoyle report below

Hydrangea Blooms in Guineas Trial Win

08/05

Champion Trainer Aidan O’Brien completed a Guineas Trials ‘1-2’ double at Leopardstown today as his ‘always a bridesmaid, never a bride’ Hydrangea landed the Group 3 Ballylich Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial Stakes when providing jockey Padraig Beggy with a first Group win.

The daughter of Galileo had finished second in two Group 1s and one Group 2 race last year but today held on for a head win over stablemate Winter.

O’Brien, who had earlier won the colts’ equivalent when Orderofthegarter beat stablemate Taj Mahal, later commented “she’s (Hydrangea) a very solid filly, and had the form in the book. Padraig gave her a very good ride and had her in a very good position. She’ll be in the mix for Newmarket (1,000 Guineas).”

O’Brien ran four runners in the race and added

“I’m happy with how they all ran, some were a bit green and Ryan thought his filly (Promise To Be True) would come on a lot and Seamus said the same of his filly (Rain Goddess). Wayne (Lordan) was delighted with his filly (Winter), and said she just got a bit tired in the last 50 yards and was a bit fresh early.”

Jockey Beggy added “I’ve won a few Premier Handicaps but that is my first Group race win. She jumped out and went an honest gallop, and found another bit in the final furlong.”

Hydrangea was later cut to 12/1, from 16s, for the English 1,000 Guineas.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee

2,000 Guineas Trial Won to Order

08/05

Orderofthegarter earned Classic quotes following his impressive win in the Listed Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial Stakes at Leopardstown today, landing a gamble to lead home a 1-2 for trainer Aidan O’Brien.

Jockey bookings for the race suggested Taj Mahal was Ballydoyle’s first-string under Ryan Moore but having opened at 3/1 this morning, drifted to 5/1 at the off. In contrast, ‘second-string’ Orderofthegarter, under Seamie Heffernan was heavily backed from 2/1 this morning in to 5/4 favourite and in the race made all for a comfortable three and a three parts of a length win over the staying on Taj Mahal

Orderofthegarter, which had the benefit of a recent winning outing, was later introduced at 12/1 for the English 2,000 Guineas and at 5/1 for the Irish equivalent.

Following the race, O’Brien stated “he’s made nice progress from Naas; his two runs last year were when second to two good horses of ours so we probably shouldn’t be surprised with what he’s doing.

“Seamus was positive on him - he gets a mile well and should get a mile and a quarter. He could be an Irish Guineas horse, and he goes on any ground.

“At the moment we are looking at running Churchill at Newmarket and Caravaggio in France. That is Plan A but things can always change.”

The Most Noble 'Order of the Garter' is the highest order of chivalry and the third most prestigious honour (inferior only to the Victoria Cross and George Cross) in England and the United Kingdom.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee

Alice all set for Reappearance at Naas on Sunday

07/04

Three-time Group 1 winner Alice Springs will begin her season at Naas on Sunday when lining up in the Group 3 Gladness Stakes under the world’s leading jockey, Ryan Moore, who will making just his second visit to Naas Racecourse.

Aidan O’Brien’s star filly set a new course record at Newmarket when winning the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes last July and followed that up to win the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on Irish Champions Weekend and then Sun Chariot Stakes back at Newmarket in October.

The daughter of Galileo will face four-rivals including Tom Hogan’s veteran Gordon Lord Byron, while Michael O’Callaghan is represented by Blue De Vega in the €60,000 contest.

NEW Coolmore Posters - Classic Contenders for Canford Cliffs & Excellebration

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GALILEO The Ferrari of Sires

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Leading Sires Tables updated

05.04.17

Capri heads Aidan's possibles for the Ballysax.

Capri heads six possibles for trainer Aidan O'Brien as he goes for an eighth success in the P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday.

The grey won three of his five starts as a juvenile, including the Group Two Beresford Stakes at the Curragh in September, and wound up with a third place in the Group One Grand Criterium de Saint-Cloud.

O'Brien can also choose from Douglas Macarthur, Exemplar, Finn McCool, Wings Of Eagles and Racing Post Trophy runner-up Yucatan in the Group Three contest over a mile and a quarter.

Jim Bolger, who has won this race on four occasions, has three of the 15 entries in Dubai Sand, Legitimus and Vociferous Marina.

O'Brien is also well represented in the two Guineas Trials on the card.

In the Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial Stakes, the Ballydoyle trainer has Orderofthegarter, Peace Envoy, Taj Mahal, War Secretary and Whitecliffsofdover among the 14 entries.

Elizabeth Browning, Hydrangea, Promise To Be True, Rain Goddess and Winter are his five among 19 possibles for the Ballylinch Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial Stakes.

05.04.17

Ballydoyle Queen Minding Pencilled in for Naas on Sunday

Minding is the star name among 12 entries for the Dr Vincent O'Brien Centenary Alleged Stakes at Naas on Sunday.

Aidan's filly won the Group 1 Qipco 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, the Group 1 Investec Oaks at Epsom, the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh, the Group 1 Nassau Stakes at Goodwood and the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot during a sensational three-year-old campaign in 2016.

Minding would undoubtedly be a huge draw if she makes her seasonal reappearance in the Group Three contest, although the Ballydoyle handler also has the option of running US Army Ranger and Idaho.

Dermot Weld's Zawraq is another interesting contender for the home team, while the Ralph Beckett-trained Air Pilot and Viren's Army from Charlie Appleby's yard could travel from Britain.

Group Three honours are also up for grabs in the Gladness Stakes over seven furlongs.

O'Brien has entered three-time Group One winner Alice Springs and Peace Envoy.

Other possible runners include Tom Hogan's admirable veteran Gordon Lord Byron and the Michael O'Callaghan-trained Blue De Vega, who was third in the Irish 2,000 Guineas last year.

Former Ballydoyle Resident Bravery wins the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster

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A.P.O'Brien Seasonal Prizemoney earnings updated