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Plinth pops the last in Cork
(Healy Racing Photos)

Plinth won an incident packed four-runner two mile hurdle in Cork after Flaxen Flarecrashed out at the second last when leading.

Davy Condon took a heavy fall from Flaxen Flare (1/1f) who had all her rivals off the bridle when she ploughed through the penultimate hurdle. This led to Draycott Place colliding with the turn-off rail which stopped him in his tracks.Plinth (11/4) was left clear and Jody McGarvey pushed him out to hold The Plan Man (4/1) by two lengths. The runner-up was a major on-course gamble from 7/1 to 4/1.

“That’s my first ride for Aidan (O’Brien) and it’s nice to be associated with people like Aidan and JP (McManus). I kicked on my horse sooner than I would have liked, but it forced Flaxen Flare into making his mistake,” Jody McGarvey said.

“He jumped very well. He idled a bit, but he had the race put to bed at that stage.”

Davy Condon was conscious after his fall, but was taken to hospital by ambulance with a suspected back injury.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

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The impeccably-bred Ol' Man River lived up to his pedigree with a stylish victory on his debut Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden at the Curragh.

Joseph O'Brien: Rode Ol' Man River to victory

Always travelling easily on the outside from his wide draw, the 11-10 favourite, trained by Aidan O'Brien, moved effortlessly to the lead in the final furlong of the one-mile contest.

Just pushed out by Joseph O'Brien, the son of Montjeu out of the Classic-winning mare Finsceal Beo barely had a race as he coasted home by three-quarters of a length from the staying-on Aared with Vilman third.

The winning trainer said of the youngster, who cost 2.85million euro as a yearling and has a host of lofty entries: "You'd have to be delighted with that first time. He's never been away and this was his first day on the track.

"It looked a good solid race and he travelled very strongly. He had to get tired going that gallop first time, but he cruised into the lead.

"We'll take our time with him and won't be in any panic. We'd rather go gentle and see what's going to happen.

"The good thing about him is he's a strong traveller and seems to have plenty of pace. Looking at today he wouldn't mind going back to seven furlongs.

"He was working with plenty of class and showing plenty of pace at home. You are always afraid first time what will happen and he was drawn in the car park.

"If we had a preference we'd rather go faster than softer, ground-wise."

"Obviously the Derby is a long way off and the market is flooded with the winner's stablemates, but he certainly looks a decent horse for the future on that performance."Sky Bet introduced him at 20/1 in their 2015 Derby betting and spokesman Michael Shinners said: "Aidan O'Brien's two-year-old debutants nearly always improve on their first run so for this highly-touted son of Montjeu to win with a degree of comfort first time up was impressive.

Ol' Man River (navy) made the perfect start to his career at the Curragh

 PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Ol' Man River cut for Derby after debut win

Report: Curragh, Sunday

Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden1m, 2yo colts & geldings

OL' MAN RIVER, 25-1 for the Derby despite having never seen a racecourse, made the perfect start to his career with a smooth success under Joseph O'Brien.

A €2.85 million purchase, the son of Montjeu, out of dual Classic winner Finsceal Beo, was all the rage in the market and sent off 11-10 favourite despite taking on several rivals with previous experience.As a result of the victory, Betfred sliced Ol' Man River's price to 16-1 (from 25) for next year's Investec Derby, while Coral go 20-1 from the same price. BetVictor inserted him at 14-1 in their betting, while William Hill went 16-1 (from 25) for the Derby and 25-1 (from 50) for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas.

Settled towards the rear by O'Brien, Ol' Man River travelled effortless early before gradually moving into contention up the home straight.

Still on the bridle as he moved into the lead, Ol' Man River was ridden out with hands and heels to defeat Aared and Vilman, who both had the benefit of a previous run.   

As a result of the victory, Betfred sliced Ol' Man River's price to 16-1 (from 25) for next year's Investec Derby, while Coral go 20-1 from the same price.

Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "It was his first day on the track. They went a good strong gallop and he still cruised into the lead. He has plenty of pace and I wouldn't mind dropping him back to seven. He was drawn in the car park as well; it's a long way home from that draw. We'll take our time with him."

The winner holds Group 1 entries in the National Stakes, Dewhurst Stakes and Racing Post Trophy this year, as well as Group 2 possibilities in the Royal Lodge Stakes and Beresford Stakes.

Ol' Man River wins under Joseph O'Brien
(Healy Racing Photos)

Aidan O’Brien’s Ol’ Man River made a winning start to his career as he impressively took the mile maiden for two-year-olds at the Curragh.

The headon footage revealed how easily Joseph O’Brien was travelling on Ol’ Man River in mid-division with a quarter of a mile to go. All the other jockeys were seen at work on their mounts.

The son of Montjeu travelled powerfully into contention in the final furlong and quickened away in the last 200 yards to win by three parts of a length at 11/10. He had been easy to back this morning drifting out from an initial 4/5.

Kevin Prendergast’s Aared stayed on nicely to close in second on the eased down winner. He was returned at 20/1. Mick Halford’s Vilman (22/1) occupied third place.

“You'd have to be delighted with that first time. He's never been away and this was his first day on the track,” Aidan O'Brien said.

“It looked a good solid race and he travelled very strongly. He had to get tired going that gallop first time, but he cruised into the lead. We'll take our time with him and won't be in any panic. We'd rather go gentle and see what's going to happen.

“The good thing about him is he's a strong traveller and seems to have plenty of pace. Looking at today, he wouldn't mind going back to seven furlongs. He was working with plenty of class and showing plenty of pace at home. You are always afraid first time what will happen and he was drawn in the car-park.

“If we had a preference we'd rather go faster than softer ground wise.”

Ol’ Man River fetched 2,850,000 euro at Goffs in October. He holds Group One and Group 2 entries this season. Boylesports cut him from 25/1 to 16/1 for next year’s Derby.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

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Bought for over 2.8 million Euro last October Ol'Man River makes his debut at the Curragh Tomorrow can't wait to see him Joseph booked to ride

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Aidan O'Brien
(Healy Racing Photos)

Aidan O'Brien has five entries left in the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster on September 13.

The Ballydoyle handler saddled his fourth Leger winner with Leading Light in 2013 and can call upon Irish Derbyrunner-up Kingfisher, Adjusted, Blue Hussar, Granddukeoftuscany and Indian Maharaja this time.

Others in the mix include John Oxx's Streetcar To Stars, while John Gosden aims to have three runners as he looks to win the world's oldest Classic for a fifth time

The Newmarket handler is set to call on Derby thirdRomsdal, March Stakes winner Forever Now and alsoMarzocco in a bid to supplement his triumphs on Town Moor with Shantou in 1996, Lucarno (2007), Arctic Cosmos (2010) and Masked Marvel (2011).

"We've got three horses in the race who all belong in it," Gosden said.

"Romsdal ran a great race in the Derby and ran very well at Chester. He didn't run a good race in the King George. He got done on that looser ground and spun his wheels. Hughesie (Richard Hughes) wasn't happy with him so he left him alone. He's a legitimate horse for the race and we've always had the Derby, the King George and then the Leger as his plan.

"Forever Now won very well the other day in the March Stakes, which is a proper trial for the Leger. He stays well, the one-mile-six and 132 yards will not bother him one bit and he's got a grand attitude. He's an immature horse, but he's an improving horse and he belongs in the race.

"Marzocco was staying on again in the Voltigeur. He's a very idle horse, very laid-back and he doesn't seem to wake up until the race is virtually over. The plan for the moment is those three horses will run. They all have legitimate claims."

Gosden took out King Edward VII Stakes scorer Eagle Top and Cloudscape at the latest acceptance stage, after which 21 horses remain.

He respects the claims of ante-post favourite Kingston Hill, but there is no guarantee any horse will stay the extended mile and three-quarters of the Doncaster showpiece.

"Kingston Hill is a very solid horse and won the Racing Post Trophy there. I assume he'll stay. It's not totally guaranteed. You truly don't find out in the Leger until you come to between the two-furlong pole and the one. If he stays, he's a very legitimate favourite, but you never know," Gosden told At The Races.

However, Kingston Hill's rider Andrea Atzeni believes the Roger Varian-trained colt will have enough stamina, saying: "He ran a great race in the Derby and the way he stayed up the hill, he has every chance of staying a mile and six. The way he travels and the way he settles, I think the trip won't be a problem. As long as the ground isn't firm and it's good racing ground, I wouldn't worry about it."

Sir Michael Stoute, who broke his St Leger jinx with Conduit in 2008, is represented by Snow Sky, winner of the Gordon Stakes and runner-up in the Great Voltigeur, and March Stakes third Kings Fete.

Both horses are owned by Khalid Abdullah, whose racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe said: "Snow Sky has come out of York well and the plan is to run in the St Leger.

"He settled very well and got into a nice rhythm in the Great Voltigeur. He joined Postponed two furlongs out but the winner quickened well. We stayed on well to the line and were gaining at the end, so I thought it was quite encouraging.

"We are all going to find out on the day if he will stay but given the type of horse he is and his pedigree, I think he has a pretty good chance of staying a mile and three-quarters.

"Kings Fete has got to settle better if he is going to get the trip. He was a bit silly at Goodwood the other day but has some talent and we won't discount him. At this stage, I would say it is unlikely but it has not been ruled out and we have left him in for good reason.

"We tried him in a ring-bit instead of the hood at the weekend. I don't think you want to overburden a horse with too many contraptions otherwise you get too clever, but obviously the ring-bit wasn't quite so successful.''

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John F Kennedy
(Healy Racing Photos)

John F Kennedy could follow in the esteemed hoofprints of Australia following his cool victory at the Curragh earlier in the month.

The much-vaunted Galileo colt banished memories of a subdued display on his debut in July when he pulled nearly five lengths clear in a one-mile maiden on August 10.

Next up for John F Kennedy could be the Group Three Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Trial, won last season by Australia, at Leopardstown on September 13.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "John F Kennedy could run in the race on Champions day that Australia ran in."

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Adjusted makes the best way home
(Healy Racing Photos)

The 9/4 favourite Adjusted showed a good attitude to forge on and win the Curragh’s mile and a quarter maiden, and gave Aidan O’Brien a four-timer on the day.

The Montjeu colt was always prominent and tracked Chicago Girl into the straight. It wasn’t until the final furlong that he opened up and put daylight between himself and the field. This was the first time he raced in blinkers.

Mick Halford’s Sindarban (9/2) saw the race out well to come home second, two and three quarter lengths adrift. This was the third race in-a-row that he has been runner-up. David Wachman’s No Wunder came home the same distance away in third. This was the fourth race in six that he has been placed.

Aidan O’Brien said: “He won well and kept galloping. He stays well. He's a grand staying horse and will make a grand jumper. He's a big solid horse.”

Joseph O'Brien brought up his Curragh treble on Adjusted.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

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Leading Light winning at the Curragh
(Healy Racing Photos)

Ascot Gold Cup hero Leading Light picked up another good pot when putting his four rivals to the sword in the Group 3 Irish St Leger trial at the Curragh.

The classy four-year-old improved his race record to eight from 10 with this success. He was a warm 2/5 favourite and scored by a length and a quarter in this mile and six contest.

Shu Lewis at 33/1 put in a bold show from the front. She was headed at the furlong pole by Leading Light who always looked like winning then. Shu Lewis rallied on the inner, but was nailed on the line for second by a short head by last year’s winner Royal Diamond. The latter responded to Niall McCullagh’s pressure and was nearest at the finish at 5/1.

Aidan O’Brien said: “I'm delighted with that. He's had a good break since Ascot. We let him down well after that and it's nice to get him started back. He came here two weeks ago for a canter to wake him up a bit. He should come on nicely from that as he's giving a good blow.

“The Leger falls lovely in the second half of the season for him. I don't know where he'll go after that but the main thing is the lads would like him back for Ascot next year.”

The other Aidan O'Brien winners on the card were Hall of Mirrors and Gleneagles. Joseph O'Brien was on Gleneagles so he had a double courtesy of Leading Light.Seamie Heffernan rode Hall Of Mirrors.

Additional reporting by 

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Gleneagles strides towards the line
(Healy Racing Photos)

Gleneagles (8/13f) continued his progress through the ranks with an authoritative victory in the Group 2 Futurity Stakes at the Curragh.

Convergence took the five-runner field along, but Gleneagles on his inner started to make good headway at the two pole. He grabbed the lead with a furlong and a half to go and was soon clear under Joseph O’Brien.

Joseph Murphy’s Vert De Grece (8/1) stayed on strongly from last to chase the winner in the final furlong. He closed to within three parts of a length at the line, but Gleneagles was never threatened.

“I'm delighted with that. He quickened up really well but didn't do much in front. He had to move when the gap opened on the rail,” Aidan O’Brien said.

“He could possibly come back here for the National (Stakes) but he has plenty of options. He has plenty of speed. He's a brother to Marvellous and a mile won't a problem. He's able to change gears. He quickened up there and went two or three lengths up easily but then started to idle.”

His last two runs saw him win in maiden and Group 3 company respectively.

Paddy Power and Boylesports both cut Gleneagles to 16/1 from 25/1 for next year's2,000 Guineas.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

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Hall Of Mirrors, left, has them all in trouble
(Healy Racing Photos)

Hall Of Mirrors, the outsider of four, won the Group 3 Kilfrush Stud Royal Whip Stakes under a hands and heels ride from Seamie Heffernan.

The 13/2 shot made all and looked a sitting duck as Kingsbarns loomed up on his outside with a furlong and a half to race. However, Heffernan still had plenty of horse and his mount refused to yield. In fact he found plenty more with 200 yards to go without his jockey having to go for the whip. He beat his better-fancied stablemate by half a length.

Aidan O’Brien said: “That was always liable to happen as the other horse is fit. He has had runs and he ran a very good race at Ascot. “We knew he (Kingsbarns) would get tired today, but he had to run. He came there but got tired.

“The winner is a very good yardstick. He goes a nice pace and he doesn't lie down. He's a tough hardy gelding. Kingsbarns is a horse that's had plenty of things and that's why we've minded him so much. We wanted to get him started and see. It doesn't always go according to the script!”< Kingsbarns had sweated up before the race and on his first track appearance for 144 days. His SP was 9/4. Punters came for Jim Bolger’s Parish Hall as he was backed down to 11/8 favouritism from an opening show of 13/8. He came home third, beaten two lengths and was never nearer than at the finishing line.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

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Found, right, impresses on her debut at the Curragh
(Healy Racing Photos)

Aidan O’Brien ran three in the juvenile fillies maiden over a mile in the Curragh and it was Found and Seamie Heffernan that delivered in very taking fashion.

The Galileo filly was actually a drifter in the market this morning going from 7/1 to 10/1 and she was allowed to go off at 14/1.

She raced in rear before making notable headway through the field with over a quarter of a mile to race. She tanked along just behind the leaders before powering away under hands and heels in the final furlong to win by three parts of a length.

Her well-backed stablemate Together Forever was beaten into second after leading throughout. She was 9/4 this morning and returned the 11/10 favourite. Back On Top came home third at 5/1.

Aidan O'Brien said: "She is a grand big mare and she was just ready to race. They went steady and then sprinted. I saw her early on and she was at the back and they went slow so she shouldn't have really been able to do that unless she was really smart. She had been working nicely at home.”

This looked to be an above average fillies maiden that could produce plenty of winners. Jessica Harrington’s Bocca Baciata (8/1) was backed off the boards before racing from 20/1 to 6/1. She stayed on well to take fourth on the outer underShane Foley. She was a head out of the places.

Boylesports introduced Found at 16/1 for the 1,000 Guineas.

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy

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POWER IN THE BLOOD Monday 9:35pm RTE 1 - Ella provides insight into billion euro Irish Thoroughbred industry (How it became such a success) Coolmore Included in show (Worth a watch for fellow horse racing fans)

For Uk Visitors  Adding Rte to your Sky Box instructions 

Just click services on remote move along to add channels and enter this into 4 lines
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Another from Artist Mel - AUSTRALIA

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Rule The Waves and Seamie Heffernan are clear of their rivals close home

Rule The Waves got off the mark on his fifth career start as he took the opener at Killarney this evening, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Nursery.

The Aidan O'Brien trained son of War Front ran some good races in defeat in maiden company and he was stepped up to a mile for the first time today.

Sent off an 11/4 chance he was settled towards the rear and improved to take closer order on the outer from over two furlongs out.

He was ridden to lead over a furlong from home and he kept on well from there to score easily by four and three parts of a length.

The Johnny Murtagh trained Yulong Xiongba (drifted from 7/2 to 9/2 on-course) finished second under Ross Coakley while the 9/4 favourite (from 3's on-course)Cruidin was a neck back in third under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger.

Winning rider Seamie Heffernan said afterwards: "He appreciated the staying mile. It was a bit of a funny race as Rory (Rory Cleary on Quick Sketch) ran off the bend and took a few with him. My lad had the experience and it stood to him."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

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The Great War
(Healy Racing Photos)

The Great War has been declared a non-runner for the Irish Thoroughbred MarketingGimcrack Stakes at York on Saturday.

Trainer Aidan O'Brienwill not chance the well-regarded youngster in the Group Two due to concerns about the suitability of the ground on the Knavesmire.

The Great War impressively claimed his first two races, but could carry on the winning run when stepped up in class for the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot and the July Stakes at Newmarket.

The son of War Front is still in line to run on Saturday after he was declared for the Irish Field Curragh Stakes at the County Kildare circuit.

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Leading Light: runs in Irish St Leger Trial on Sunday

 PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

O'Brien heavyweights on show at the Curragh

LEADING LIGHT and Kingsbarns are the two big guns in-form trainer Aidan O'Brien will send to the Curragh on Sunday.

With the Juddmonte International and Yorkshire Oaks already in the bag, Sunday could provide O'Brien with more Group riches.

Gold Cup winner Leading Light is one of six runners for the Group 3 Palmerstown Irish St Leger Trial, with Royal Diamond and Dabadiyan among his rivals.

As an added incentive, the winner of the trial receives free entry to the Irish St Leger itself.

Kingsbarns, who was turned over at odds-on in a Listed race at Leopardstown in April when last seen, makes his return in the Group 3 Kilfrush Stud Royal Whip Stakes.

Stablemate Hall Of Mirrors also runs, along with Parish Hall, Edelmira and Magnolia Beach. The winner of the race receives free entry into the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes.

O'Brien also runs Gleneagles, prominent in the market for next year's Classics, in the Group 2 Galileo EBF Futurity Stakes.

Tigrilla is the sole British-trained runner on the card, the Roger Varian-trained juvenile is due to line up in the Group 2 Debutante Stakes.

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G1 Winner Tapestry 

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       Galileo Just Goes From Strength to Strength 

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Tapestry Stuns York And Taghrooda but i always Knew that was in her. Repaly >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_Q-Ybkgc2c

Taghrooda lost her unbeaten record when beaten by the late thrust of 8/1 chance Tapestry in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks.

Ryan Moore: Timed it right on Tapestry.

The winner of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on her previous start, Taghrooda and Paul Hanagan cruised past Tasaday and the weakening Venus De Milo into the lead effortlessly two furlongs out and everything looked to be going perfectly to plan.

But Ryan Moore was keeping something up his sleeve and pulled his mount out to throw down a challenge to the 1/5 favourite at the furlong-pole.

Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien, back at the track after the success of Australia in the Juddmonte International 24 hours earlier, said: "Things didn't go her way in the 1000 Guineas but ever since then she's stepped up and stepped up as the season has gone on.Taghrooda put up a decent fight and the pair pulled some way clear of the remainder of the field, but Moore's mount got the upper hand inside the final 50 yards and went on to score by half a length.

"She was unlucky in the Irish Oaks. If you watch the replay of the race, you'll know what I mean. Look where the saddle ended up and she had to race like that for the whole of the race. I don't know how the saddle stayed on.

"Ryan has given her a peach today. She had Group One class over seven furlongs as a two-year-old, but she's a big filly and she's really been coming forwards with every run this season. She stays a mile and a half but I think she probably wants fast ground and we were lucky that the rain didn't come any more than it did.

"We'll look at France, we'll look at America, but fast ground is going to be important for her. The world is open to her now."

Moore added: "She looked one of the best two-year-olds last year and it has just taken a while for her to come to hand, but she ran a very good race the last day and has improved again today.

"We had nothing to lose. So it (tracking Taghrooda) seemed the best play we had.

"She had to battle. The other filly had plenty of time to come back if she was good enough. They are two very good fillies - they were seven lengths clear and I think that says it all really."

John Gosden said of Taghrooda: "No excuses, she's just been outstayed on the Knavesmire, which has happened to horses before.

"She was nice and relaxed through the race, he (Hanagan) gave her a lovely ride and it was a great race.

"The winner is just one of those fillies that has come to herself at this time of year. There was a lot of confidence behind her in the Irish Oaks and she had a problem with her tack, I believe.

"They've beaten the rest an awful long way, and she has just been outstayed.

"She's been in great form at home and barely had a race in the King George so there'll be no change to the plan. It will still be the Arc.

"They've always liked the winner, she has always been towards the top of their pecking order."

Saeed bin Suroor said of third-home Tasaday: "She ran a good race, and the softer the ground the better. She has a lot of options open to her over a mile and a half, both here and abroad."

The winner was installed by Sky Bet at 10/1 for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, although it remains to be seen whether she will get the conditions O'Brien thinks she needs. Taghrooda was pushed out by the same firm from 4/1 to 8/1 for the Arc

VENUS 

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Red Rocks Point and Joseph O'Brien pictured on their way to victory
(Healy Racing Photos)

Red Rocks Point rounded off a great day for team Ballydoyle as he took the last at Killarney, the Ladbrokes Race.

Joseph O’Brien, who of course won the Group One Juddmonte International Stakeson Australia at York this afternoon, made the dash across the Irish Sea along with his father Aidan to make it to Killarney this evening.

Red Rocks Point, who is now three from four, was sent off the 4/7 favourite for this mile and three furlong contest.

Having raced in fourth the three-year-old son of Fastnet Rock improved into third turning into the straight and was pushed along from two furlongs out.

He was ridden over a furlong from home and he soon hit the front, going on from there to score by two lengths.

Zafayan finished second under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld at 7/1 while Cosmic Cannonball was a disappointing fourth under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger at 5/2.

Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "He has plenty of ability and it was better riding him that way, taking time with him suits him better.

"We will probably step him up to stakes company somewhere."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

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Australia powers to victory at York 
(Healy Racing Photos)

Aidan O'Brien is keen for Australia to have to his next run in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on September 13th.

The brilliant son of Galileo won his third Group One in-a-row in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York this afternoon and O'Brien reflected upon the success at Killarney this evening.

The champion trainer said: "Today was a relief. I was afraid as he had done so well and really he was only ready for a piece of work. York being York and it being such a big race we took a chance. He'd have either gone there or done a piece of work.

"I trained him hard for the Guineas and the two Derby’s and when he got his break there wasn’t much change in the first three weeks. The more we trained him when he came back the heavier he got and I’d imagine todays run will leave him right.

"I’ll speak to the lads but hopefully he will go to Leopardstown. I’d love him to go there and get him back to Ireland."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

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Kingsbarns Pictures from York Today 

Granddukeoftuscany 

Indian Maharaja

Jamaica

Joey & Dad

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      AUSTRALIA A HORSE OF AIDAN'S LIFETIME 

          Australia Wins the Juddmonte International in Stylish Fashion & the Boss say he was not 100% 

                     Many Congratulations From Us At AOBFS 

Aidan O'Brien's Australia ran out a comfortable winner of 

the Juddmonte International at York on Wednesday.

Australia: Easy winner

The dual Derby winner had a severe test dropping back in trip to 10 furlongs against older rivals for the first time but he answered those questions emphatically with a clinical performance.

Joesph O'Brien had to slim down to his lowest riding weight of 8st12lb to take the ride, and he cruised up on the outside of his rivals going well at the two-furlong pole.

O'Brien pushed the son of Galileo out for a two-length success from Kevin Ryan's The Grey Gatsby, who ran on well for second.

Telescope didn't have the gears of the first two dropping back in trip to 10 furlongs but ran another solid race in third.

Sky Bet went 6/1 from 7/1 about Australia for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown is a more likely port of call and he's 1/2 from evens for that assignment.

Spokesman Michael Shinners said: "Australia proved he had the speed for ten furlongs against some top-notch older rivals there including the Eclipse winner and the King George runner-up.

"His autumn target looks to be Leopardstown and he looks a very strong favourite for that contest while it remains to be seen if connections are tempted by the big prize in Paris."

Australia: added the Juddmonte International to his two Derby wins

 PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Australia flies home to win International

Report: York, Wednesday

Juddmonte International Stakes (British Champions Series) (Group 1) 1m2½f, 3yo+

AUSTRALIA powered through his toughest test to date with brutal ease, adding the Juddmonte International to his expanding seasonal haul of Group 1s in an impressive display of both speed and class.

Settled in last by his fasting jockey Joseph O'Brien, Australiafollowed the field as his stablemate Kingfisher set a fair gallop. Turning for home, pace was injected and as the field straightened up it became quickly apparent the race was Australia's.

The feeling Australia would give him when letting out an inch of rein at this very moment had been one of the reasons O'Brien had committed to making his lowest riding weight for over two years. The way his equine companion responded it is sure to be the one that puts the biggest smile on his face.He travelled comfortably and as O'Brien fanned out to deliver his run he had to take a pull, so instant was the response from his mount. Having wasted his way down to ride at 8st 12lb his jockey could be forgiven for wanting to pause and take in the moment.

It was an emphatic performance, especially from a horse Aidan O'Brien had openly admitted beforehand was not fully wound up. "If he was going to get beaten today it was the trainer's fault," he said. "I thought maybe I let him get too heavy.

"If it was an ordinary race he would probably have gone for a racecourse gallop. But obviously with the prize-money here and the way everything is done at York and being such a prestigious race - the prize-money was so enticing he had to come here rather than go anywhere else."

Australia: rewarded his rider's efforts to make 8st 12lb

 PICTURE: Getty Images

Yet come the line two lengths separated him from his nearest pursuer The Grey Gatsby, himself a Classic winner. Kevin Ryan's French Derby winner, a 12-1 shot, did his bit to further the impression the current generation of three-year-olds is beyond exceptional by putting a further two-and-a-quarter lengths back to Royal Ascot winner and King George runner-up Telescope in third.

Arc favourite Taghrooda managed to put less than that into Sir Michael Stoute's yardstick, yet Betfred and William Hill left O'Brien's colt unchanged at 5-1 for Europe's richest race. Paddy Power however did cut him to 2-7 (from evens) for the Irish Champion Stakes.

The trainer said: "The plan was if he came here then he would go back to Leopardstown, but the boys will decide that. The Arc is a possibility but he is never a horse who needs to go a mile and a half. The lads will decide where he goes but I don't think he has a lot to prove to anybody."

Two Derby wins had failed to take Australia out of the tremendous shadow cast by both his illustrious parents and his trainer's assertions he could be the greatest he'd ever trained. With victory at York he stepped into the light for the first time, and has begun on his own path to greatness

Australia powers away from The Grey Gatsby
(Healy Racing Photos)

Australia stylishly added to his increasingly impressive roll of honour by winning the Juddmonte International Stakes at York.

Aidan O'Brien's dual Derby winner was tackling his elders for the first time but he oozed class throughout under the trainer's son Joseph.

Another of the three-year-olds in the line-up, French Derby winner The Grey Gatsby, gave valiant chase but was beaten by a comfortable two lengths by the 8-13 favourite.

Joseph O'Brien said: "He was a bit fresh, his first run back after a while, but it was never really in doubt."

Kingfisher, Australia's pacemaker, set a generous pace but initially it was not quick enough for Mukhadram or Arod, who both raced keenly. The race hotted up with three furlongs to run as all six horses spread across the track.

Telescope briefly hit the front for Ryan Moore, but Joseph O'Brien, who had sweated down to below 9st for the first time in two years, had yet to ask the son of Galileo and Ouija Board for his main effort. Once he did, the race was over.

The Grey Gatsby further enhanced his reputation by beating some solid older horses, while Telescope finished outside the first two for the first time in his career.

Aidan O'Brien said: "We're delighted. I couldn't be happier. He was ready for a racecourse gallop, that was where he was at. There's such prize-money here and it's such a prestigious race that it's very hard to gallop him at a racecourse rather than bring him here.

"The impressive thing about this horse is that he has a lot of speed, he travels very strong. Joseph nursed him down the straight. The lads will decide what's next, but we had in our head to come here and then Leopardstown (Irish Champion Stakes, September 13) if everything went well."

Kevin Ryan was overjoyed with the runner-up, saying : "It was a fantastic run, Hughesie (Richard Hughes) gave him a fabulous ride. We've no excuses, the winner is a fabulous horse. The way he's finished it looks like he'll get a mile and a half, which opens up plenty of options, but we've no plans at this stage."

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BEST OF LUCK AUSSIE

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Artist Mel Leonard Sent me these via twitter this morning Just Fabulous 

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Australia
(Healy Racing Photos)

Australia tries what connections feel could be his ideal distance of a mile and quarter for the first time in the Juddmonte International at York on Wednesday.

A son of Galileo out of the brilliant race mareOuija Board, Australia has shown he can mix it at the top level over a mile and a mile and a half so far this season.

His close-up third behind Night Of Thunder and the brilliant Kingman in the 2000 Guineas reads well given a mile was always likely to be on the sharp side for him and he did what he was bred to do by winning the Epsom Derby before a similarly dominant display in the Irish equivalent.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien pitches his stable star into all-aged company for the first time on the Knavesmire tomorrow and is keeping his fingers crossed he is fit enough having been off the track since the end of June.

O'Brien said: "Australia had a break after the Curragh and everything has gone well with him since then.

"Obviously, he is a good bit heavier than he was in the Derbys and I suppose that just makes you a little bit more anxious. So, really, he is just ready to go away and obviously we would imagine that he would come on a lot from the run.

"We always felt this was his trip. He is a very strong traveller - he has a high cruising pace."

Australia is joined in the six-strong field by fellow Ballydoyle runner Kingfisher, who has made the pace for his esteemed stable companion at both Epsom and the Curragh, even managing to keep going for second in the Irish Derby.

"Kingfisher is in good form. He will be very happy to roll along if nothing else does. He ran in the two Derbys with him (Australia) and is a very tough, sound and genuine horse that doesn't mind bowling along," said O'Brien.

"He is obviously running on his merits - he is a Dee Stakes winner, so he is a very legitimate horse. But like I said, he doesn't mind bowling along - he'd be very happy just to roll along, nice and sensible. And I think that will be good for everybody if that is the case.

"Maybe somebody else will be happy to do it. But he is happy to do it if nobody is. It will just be, hopefully, a nicely-run race."

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Granddukeoftuscany
(Healy Racing Photos)

Aidan O'Brien is hoping Granddukeoftuscany can stake his claim for a place in next month's Ladbrokes St Leger with a bold display in tomorrow's Neptune Investment Management Great Voltigeur Stakes at York.

The Galileo colt was only sixth on his debut at the Curragh in early June, but improved immeasurably from his first run to his second.

Reappearing just over a fortnight later atTipperary, he bolted up by an incredible 19 lengths and is trading at around 12-1 for the Doncaster Classic.

However, there are three horses in the betting for the Classic a shorter odds also running in this Group Two.

"Granddukeoftuscany had a nice run at the Curragh first time. He obviously improved and then he won his maiden very easily. He is a horse that got a mile and a half well the last time, so you would think and hope that he would probably get further in time," said O'Brien.

Asked whether Granddukeoftuscany would come under consideration for next month's St Leger, O'Brien said: "We take one race at a time, but it is a race that could suit him.

"It is a big step up from a maiden to a Group Two, so we'll see how he gets on and discuss plans after that. But obviously we would be hoping he might turn into that type of horse."

O'Brien also runs Indian Maharaja, who won both his starts as a juvenile but was well beaten in a Guineas trial and has not been seen since after a slight setback.

"Indian Maharaja is a horse that won two from two last year. First time out this year in bad ground in Leopardstown, he just pulled a muscle in his back, but he is back ready to run. He has only run at a mile, so this will be new territory for him," said O'Brien.

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Venus De Milo, centre
(Healy Racing Photos)

Aidan O'Brien is set to be double-handed in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York on Thursday.

The Ballydoyle trainer will rely on Venus De Milo and Tapestry in a bid to lower the colours of unbeaten Investec Oaks winner and King George heroine Taghrooda.

O'Brien said: "The plan is to run Venus De Milo and Tapestry in the Yorkshire Oaks."

He went on: "Both of them seem to be in good form since their last run."

Venus De Milo, a daughter of Duke Of Marmalade, returns to a mile and a half after twice being placed in 10-furlongs Group Ones this season, most recently when third to Sultanina in the Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

She was second to The Fugue in this race 12 months ago.

Tapestry, meanwhile, was runner-up to stablemate Bracelet in the Irish Oaks at theCurragh.

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Granddukeoftuscany
(Healy Racing Photos)

Aidan O'Brien will take Granddukeoftuscany and Indian Maharaja across to York for Wednesday's Neptune Investment Management Great Voltigeur Stakes.

Granddukeoftuscany made it second-time lukcy with a bloodless Tipperary romp in June, while his stablemate hasn't been seen since losing his unbeaten record in theLeopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial back in March.

Ryan Moore has been confirmed to ride Kingston Hill in the Voltigeur. Trainer Roger Varian has kept his options open with the Investec Derby runner-up, who was also entered in the Juddmonte International on the same card, having finished fourth in the Coral-Eclipse last time.

His main opponents look to be Hartnell, viewed as a Ladbrokes St Leger candidate by trainer Mark Johnston after victories in the Queen's Vase and Bahrain Trophy, and Sir Michael Stoute's Gordon Stakes winner Snow Sky.

Observational is given another chance to stake a claim by Roger Charlton, having run moderately in the Gordon Stakes, while Postponed is tested further after winning a Hamilton Listed race.

Marzocco, Odeon and Red Galileo complete what is usually regarded as the strongest St Leger trial.

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Adelaide
(Healy Racing Photos)

Saturday's big American winner Adelaide could sign off his career with Aidan O'Brien by heading to Australia.

The Galileo colt has an entry for the Sportingbet Cox Plate at Moonee Valley on October 25 and indications Down Under are that he will then represent trainer Chris Waller.

Adelaide, who was second in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, finished in the same position in the Belmont Derby before making his Grade One breakthrough in the Secretariat Stakes at Arlington.

O'Brien said: "There's a possibility that he'll have a bit of time (off) and go to Australia to be trained for the Cox Plate. He's a lovely horse. He travels well and he quickens well."

Speaking to the Herald Sun, Coolmore's Australian spokesman James Bester said: "He's a legitimate Cox Plate contender on that effort. The race was run over 2000m on what was described as a very firm track. It was a perfect Cox Plate test.

"We had debated the best course of action and one course of action was to have Adelaide quarantine in Newmarket and come out and run for Chris Waller.

"But that did not make as much sense as having him quarantine at Ballydoyle, where he could stay in his normal routine with his normal handlers all the way through to flying out to Werribee.

"Rather than have him trained by remote control in Newmarket, that way he would certainly stay with Aidan and be trained right into the Cox Plate by Aidan."

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Aidan O'Brien's dual Derby hero Australia will face five rivals in the Juddmonte International at York on Wednesday.

Australia: Faces five in the Juddmonte International

Since being narrowly beaten into third by Night Of Thunder and Kingman in the 2000 Guineas, the son of Galileo and Ouija Board has blown away his opponents at Epsom and the Curragh to confirm himself the leading three-year-old over middle distances.

The trainer's son, Joseph, has been ever-present in the saddle during Australia's six-race career and is set to slim down to 8st 12lb to keep the partnership intact as the three-year-old is pitched into all-aged company for the first time.

However, just two older horses have turned up, with the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Telescope and William Haggas' stable star Mukhadram both proven top-notchers, having finished second and third respectively in the King George at Ascot last month.

Mukhadram had previously claimed a first Group One in Sandown's Coral-Eclipse, while Telescope impressed in the Hardwicke Stakes at the Royal meeting.

Kevin Ryan's French Derby winner The Grey Gatsby is an interesting contender, returning to the scene of his victory in the Dante Stakes earlier in the year.

Peter Chapple-Hyam's Arod has ground to make up on Australia on Epsom form, but is expected to be more effective over a mile and a quarter.

Australia's stable companion Kingfisher completes the field.

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Joseph O'Brien believes he can manage the 8st 12lb required to ride Australia in Wednesday's Juddmonte International at York.

Australia is set to run at York

Should the jockey's father Aidan give the Investec Derby winner the go-ahead for the Knavesmire, Australia would be dropping back two furlongs from his most recent appearance in the Irish Derby.

After winning on Qualify at Dundalk, when he put up 1lb overweight on a horse scheduled to carry 9st, the jockey was asked about Australia.Two years ago, O'Brien jnr had to miss the ride on Camelot in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe because he could not manage 8st 11lb.

He said: "I can do the weight."

Australia hasn't raced since winning the second of his two Derbys at the Curragh in June when he was chased home by stablemate and Dee Stakes winner Kingfisher but he is on target to run at York.

"The plan is [Australia] will be declared if the ground looks okay in the morning and if everything is okay with him then he will be declared to run," the trainer revealed on At The Races.

"He has done very well in his mid-season break and he is ready to go. I would imagine that he will come on for it. Kingfisher might run too. He's a solid horse and if Australia runs he might run with him."

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Qualify (Joseph O'Brien) easily winning the fillies maiden
(Healy Racing Photos)

Joseph O’Brien made the overnight trip back from the States worthwhile when partnering Qualify to a facile success in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden at Dundalk.

The daughter of Fastnet Rock showed plenty of promise on her opening two outings, notably when third in the Group 3 Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown, and readily justified odds of 4/5 in this seven-furlong event.

O’Brien’s mount made all the running, and was in total control from over a furlong out to score by over five lengths.

Foolish Ways filled the runner-up berth, with Blue Fragrance another two lengths back in third.

Joseph O’Brien said, "She's a lovely filly and she won easy. She's well entitled to a step up in grade."

O’Brien put up 1lb overweight at 9st1lb here but still insisted that he can do the weight of 8st12lb on Australia in the Juddmonte International at York on Wednesday.

The champion jockey finished second on Magician in the Arlington Million last night, and commented, “He ran a blinder. I got back this morning."

(AM & MG)

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Magician Chined Late in Million But Gave Everything In Gallant defeat 

Magician ran a huge race but may have just hit the front too soon as he was ran down by The Winner Hardest Core It was a great night for Ballydoyle Adelaide Won The Secretariat Stakes Magician 2nd and Eye Of The storm ran with credit in 5th in the American St Leger. 

Magician & Joseph Get Ready to run in the Million

Magician being taken to the saddling area.

Ryan Moore pictured with Aidan O'Brien
(Healy Racing Photos)

Magician was denied a second major win in America as Hardest Core recorded a surprise success in the Arlington Million, while elsewhere on the card Ryan Moore partnered a double including the victory of Adelaide in the Secretariat Stakes.

Given a positive ride by Joseph O'Brien in the Chicago showpiece, Breeders' Cuphero Magician was run down in the closing stages by the Eddie Graham-trained Hardest Core, who scored by a length under Erilius Vaz.

Once a possible for a jumping career, Graham said: "We jumped him a couple times, he's a pure, natural jumper, but we just messed with him, always (with) intentions of Flat racing because he was doing so well."

Explaining the gelding had come close to losing his life, Graham told www.bloodhorse.com: "He had a hernia up high and when they cut it, his intestines came out.

"We had to cut 15-18 feet (of his intestines), we didn't think he was going to make it. We finally got him up to New Bolton and two days later, he was in his feed tub again. He's tough."

Owner Gregory Bentley said: "It was a factor to enter here because it's all about believing for us in our team and - we thought if we can win any of the races, perhaps we can win the Million and then go on to the Breeders' Cup.

"Who doesn't want to think like that with a small-time horse owner?"

Ballydoyle had better luck earlier on the card as the Ryan Moore-ridden Adelaide claimed the Secretariat Stakes.

Second to Eagle Top at Royal Ascot, the Galileo colt led early in the straight and stayed on well despite edging to his right, beating Tourist by a length and a half.

Moore said: "The horse on the lead was getting a bit of a soft hand, so I didn't want to move up too early. Adelaide just had more class than the field and got the job done. He's run in France, Ireland, England, America, and America again."

On a great night for Moore, the former champion also struck on Marco Botti's Euro Charline in the Beverly D. Stakes, getting home by half a length from Frankie Dettoriand favourite Stephanie's Kitten.

Moore said: "She travelled real sweet and kicked on nicely like a good filly would."

Stephanie's Kitten missed the break and had plenty of ground to make up before finishing well.

Dettori said: "I weaved my way through, but the winner got a dream run for free on me and it's over. Bye bye. I warmed her up good, but age is telling now and the young ones are more spring chickens."

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GALILEO'S EMPIRE UPDATE #JUSTAWESOME

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Brilliant ADELAIDE Wins the Group One Secretariat Stakes 

Adelaide ran out a gritty winner of the Secretariat Stakes at Arlington to score for Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien.

Adelaide: won the Secretariat

The Galileo colt had not been seen since finishing second in the Belmont Derby in early July but ensured that his American adventure ended on a high note with victory in the prestigious Grade One turf contest.

Sent off a short-priced favourite, he was settled in third by Moore before being wound up by his jockey on the approach to the home straight.

In company with General Jack, he clawed back the advantage of the front-running Tourist to take up the lead inside the final furlong and Adelaide ran on strongly under a strong Moore drive to prevail by a length and a half.

"He's the best horse in the race going into it, just thought we would keep it simple," Moore told www.bloodhorse.com. 

"The horse on the lead was getting a bit of a soft hand, so didn't want to move up to early. Adelaide just had more class than the field and got the job done. He's run in France, Ireland, England, America, and America again."

Tourist held on for second with Sheldon in third and the former's jockey, Joel Rosario, was delighted with the run.

"He ran well," Rosario said. "I had to move a little early and the horse that won the race (Adelaide) was there with me and he got me.

"It was his first time going a mile and a quarter and he did well. I'd love to ride him back, for sure."

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Joseph O'Brien feels Magician has plenty going for him as he seeks a second major success in America on Saturday night.

Magician is set for Chicago

The Aidan O'Brien-trained four-year-old enjoyed his finest hour to date when collaring The Fugue to claim the Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita in November.

The Arlington Million in Chicago is now the race connections turn to after a disappointing run in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, where he was only sixth to Taghrooda.

"The ground is good and quick out there and it's a mile and a quarter, so we're hoping for a good run," O'Brien told At The Races.

"Quick ground is essential to him really and he hasn't had that this year. The ground was gone for him (in the King George) and I knew after a furlong I wasn't comfortable. We're hoping he can come back to that (Breeders' Cup) sort of form."

MAGICIAN - Arlington Park Today

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Tapestry
(Healy Racing Photos)

Aidan O'Brien has declared Venus De Miloand Tapestry as he prepares to take on the mighty Taghrooda in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York on Thursday.

Venus De Milo finished second to The Fugue in last season's running of the Group One contest and though she was well beaten in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood on her last appearance, the return to 12 furlongs is expected to be much more to her liking.

Tapestry leads the three-year-old challenge after her fast-finishing second in theIrish Oaks, in which she had Luca Cumani's Volume just behind. The pair could renew rivalry as both are among nine fillies remaining in the Knavesmire race.

Taghrooda's progression this season has been startling, from winning a Listed race on her reappearance via Classic glory in the Investec Oaks.

Connections were then rewarded for taking the bold decision to skip the Irish Oaks in favour of taking on the older colts in the King George And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, where she was ultra-impressive.

She is likely to be a very warm order to maintain her unbeaten record.

Last year's Oaks victor Talent, without a win since Epsom, is one of two entries for Ralph Beckett, who has also left in Secret Gesture.

Godolphin's Tasaday, smart for Andre Fabre last year, has been left in by Saeed bin Suroor after she won her first race in England at Listed level last month.

Richard Hannon's Lustrous and Tony Coyle's Lily Rules complete the list.

Aidan O'Brien's American import Verrazano has been retired to stand at Ashford Stud in his homeland after suffering injury on his most recent appearance in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.

Verrazano: Retired to stud

The four-year-old was a multiple Group One winner for leading American trainer Todd Pletcher, enjoying his finest hour when running out a devastating winner of the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park in July of last year.

He joined O'Brien at the start of the current campaign and although he failed to get his head in front, he was placed in both the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury and the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot before finishing last of nine runners in the Eclipse.

O'Brien told www.coolmore.com: "Verrazano was found to be lame after the Eclipse and although it is not a significant injury, time would not permit us to have him ready for the Breeders' Cup so the decision has been made to retire him.

"It's very disappointing as he ran two lovely races on his first two starts for us and we had been looking forward to a great season with him."

Pletcher said: "Verrazano is a striking individual to a look at - a really gorgeous horse.

"He always impressed me, both in the mornings and in the afternoons.

"His run in the Haskell was a monstrous effort. He just blew them away that day."

Verrazano retires to Ashford 

Brilliant Haskell winner Verrazano has been retired from racing and will stand at Ashford Stud next season. “Verrazano was found to be lame after the Eclipse and although it is not a significant injury, time would not permit us to have him ready for the Breeders’ Cup so the decision has been made to retire him,” said Aidan O’Brien. “It’s very disappointing as he ran two lovely races on his first two starts for us and we had been looking forward to a great season with him.”

By far the best son of More Than Ready, Verrazano burst on the scene with an impressive maiden win over 6½ furlongs on his debut at Gulfstream Park in January of last year. He went on to land six of his first seven starts by an average of 7¾ lengths including the G1 Wood Memorial Stakes and the G1 Haskell Invitational Stakes by a record 9¼ lengths where he recorded a Beyer Speed Figure of 116.

“Verrazano is a striking individual to a look at: a really gorgeous horse,” commented his former trainer Todd Pletcher. “He always impressed me, both in the mornings and in the afternoons. His run in the Haskell was a monstrous effort. He just blew them away that day.”

Aidan O'Brien's dual-Derby winner Australia heads 11 entries for the Juddmonte International at York next Wednesday.

Australia: Heads York entriest

The impressive Epsom hero will drop back in trip to 10 furlongs for the first time if taking his chance, though he will have a new jockey as Joseph O'Brien can't get down to ride off 8-12.

Three of his stablemates also have entries; Hall Of Mirrors, Kingsbarns and Kingfisher.

Heading the opposition is William Haggas' Coral-Eclipse winner Mukhadram, while John Gosden's sole entry is King George fourth Eagle Top.

French Derby winner The Grey Gatsby could return to the scene of his Dante win earlier in the season, while last year's Great Voltigeur winner Telescope could also bid for his second win on the Knavesmire.

Jim Bolger's Trading Leather, Peter Chapple-Hyam's Arod and Roger Varian's Kingston Hill complete the entries.

Magician
(Healy Racing Photos)

Magician has been drawn in stall three for the Arlington Million in Chicago on Saturday night.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt is no stranger to big-race success in America, having claimed the Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita in November.

Four runs this season have seen the son of Galileo claim the Mooresbridge Stakes, before finishing second to Noble Mission in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh and then to The Fugue in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.

His most recent outing was when sixth to Taghrooda in the King George at Ascot.

Joseph O'Brien takes the mount for his father.

Ryan Moore was on board when Magician won at the Breeders' Cup but is in opposition this time as he partners course and distance winner Finnegans Wake(drawn four) for Dale Romans.

British raider Side Glance was an excellent third to Real Solution for Andrew Baldingin this race 12 month ago and tries again, this time from stall seven in the hands ofJamie Spencer.

The Chad Brown-trained Real Solution (drawn six) bids for a famous back-to-back success.

Jockeys booked for Ballydoyle runners at The Arlington Million at the weekend.

Arlington Million (Grade 1):

Magician (Galileo x Absolutelyfabulous)
Jockey: Joseph O'Brien
Owner: Tabor, Smith, Magnier
Stall Draw: 3

Secretariat Stakes (Grade 1):

Belisarius (Montjeu x Lasting Chance)
Jockey: Colm O'Donoghue
Owner: Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable and Brous Stable
Stall Draw: 3

Adelaide (Galileo x Elletelle)
Jockey: Ryan Moore
Owner: Smith, Magnier, Tabor
Stall Draw: 6

American St Leger (Listed)

Eye Of The Storm (Galileo x Mohican Princess) 
Jockey: Ryan Moore
Owner: Tabor, Smith, Magnier
Stall Draw: 9

My Hard work with Bookmakers this morning has paid off as I get 5 Aidan O'Brien fillies added to the Epsom Oaks Market All on our HTFL 2014/15

Royal Ascot
(Healy Racing Photos)

A new Group One sprint for three-year-olds at Royal Ascot has been unveiled by the European Pattern Committee.

The six-furlong heat, which will be introduced from next season, is one of a number of changes to the European sprint programme which attempts to address the current lack of opportunities for high-class three-year-old sprinters.

Several races in Europe have also been upgraded, including Ascot's British Champions Sprint, which will be a Group One from next season.

Brian Kavanagh, chairman of the EPC, said: " The strategic objective in reviewing the sprint programme was to implement measures that will have a long-term, positive impact, delivering meaningful benefits both for European racing and for the European horse population.

"For horses performing at every distance other than sprinting, the European Pattern provides a three-year-old-only programme until mid summer, when the Classic generation is considered ready to take on the older horses.

"We acknowledge the steps we have taken are bold, some may consider them radical.

"However, the committee believes they are warranted and that they will be of considerable benefit to European horseracing and breeding.

"As is the case for any race granted Group status or an upgrade in exceptional circumstances, the performance of the races in question will be reviewed by the EPC after three years."

Ascot chief executive Charles Barnett said: "We are very pleased to be able to stage what we hope will now become a significant new option for three-year-old sprinters at Royal Ascot before they go on to compete against their elders in the Darley July Cup and beyond.

"It is remarkable to think that in 2001, there were just four Group One races at Royal Ascot, none of which were sprint races and we now have eight Group Ones at the meeting. Three of them are for sprinters and the two established races are now major targets for international horses.

"I would like to thank Brian Kavanagh, chairman of the EPC, for leading on these exciting developments and all the racing authorities around Europe for demonstrating such confidence in British racing and Ascot to deliver on the focal points of the new sprinting Pattern which has been announced today."

 Timeform Global Rankings European Division Ballydoyle Spotlight & News 

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John F Kennedy won the maiden at the Curragh and is now 12/1 for the Derby and 16s for the Guineas with Sky Bet. Are those quotes justified? Where would your money be in both markets at this early stage?

Jonathan Simpson (Sky Bet):  John F Kennedy was very impressive and 12s and 16s are about the correct prices at the moment. I would like to see what he’s does next as it was only an average maiden he won at the weekend. The two I’ve had my money on are Highland Reel and Faydhan. Highland Reel was mighty impressive at Goodwood last week and reminded me of St Nicholas Abbey as a two-year-old. A really good looking colt with the world at his feet, I’ll be keen to know what route Aiden O’Brien plots with this son of Galieo. Faydhan has only won a maiden at Haydock but it was the manner and confidence beforehand that was striking. He beat a subsequent Goodwood winner in Dutch Connection by six lengths and should be given the utmost respect wherever he goes next.

Matt Brocklebank: Very much justified as the well-bred O’Brien inmate thrashed his rivals despite not yet looking the finished article by some way. It’s interesting comparing him with the likes of Ivawood, who already has Group-winning form in the book and has seemingly done most of his growing already. He looks more of a Derby prospect to me and I think he should be a tad shorter than current jolly Highland Reel.

Ben Coley: JFK – we’re calling him that, I take it? – was extremely impressive but time will only tell how strong a maiden it was. Certainly, the newcomers from top yards didn’t appear to carry a great deal of confidence and Jim Bolger’s horse was taking a hike in trip following a debut run that was no more than mildly encouraging. Clearly, his next race tells us more as he steps up into Pattern company so for now I’ll boringly reserve judgement. One thing I would say is that the stock reaction to antepost moves such as that which sees him share Derby favouritism is ‘too short’, but with Camelot going off at 8/13 and Australia 11/8, trying to pin down the right one at Ballydoyle is probably a challenge worth tackling. JFK might just be it, but taking a combined 11/2 about him and stablemate Highland Reel is not as daft a strategy as it may sound.

Will Hayler: A special name is usually only given to a special horse at Ballydoyle and although they don’t always get it right in this respect, it raised an eyebrow right from the start to see a well-bred horse (but aren’t they all?!) named after a man so hallowed in Ireland. I was really impressed with John F Kennedy and I certainly don’t think he is unbackable for next year’s Derby by any means.

Roundup Of Interesting news 

Special Thanks To Researcher Chris Palmer

Joseph O'Brien after winning on Falkirk 
(Healy Racing Photos)

Backers of short-priced Falkirk had more than a few moments of concern as the three-year-old colt was off the bridle over four furlongs out before coming through to win the mile and a quarter maiden at Ballinrobe.

The 5/4 favourite, with Joseph O’Brien in the plate, tracked Pat Smullen and Pirate Cove throughout. O’Brien started to push him to get closer with over half a mile to go and the colt was soon ridden to mount his challenge.

He looked to be toiling, but a furlong and a half out made his move to the front and grabbed the rail. Smullen was forced to snatch up on Pirate Cove as they were relegated to second. Falkirk kept on well to record a length and a half success fromDancingwithangels (5/1) who was the only other horse able to go with the front two. He stayed on to beat Pirate Cove (7/4) into third by the same margin.

Joseph O’Brien said: “He raced quite green and raw and a little bit silly. He was a bit disappointing in Galway but it probably stretched him. He had two okay runs before that and it is nice to win a maiden with him.

“The new part of the track rode nicely. Obviously my horse was a bit raw, but the bit of rain made it nice safe ground.”

A visor was tried on Falkirk this evening by trainer Aidan O'Brien.

Tonight was the first time there has been flat racing at Ballinrobe since track alterations took place.

Joseph O'Brien picked up a one-day suspension for careless riding on the winner Falkirk.

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Adelaide: set to run in Saturday's Secretariat Stakes

 PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Adelaide set for 
Australia after US trip

THE Aidan O'Brien-trained Adelaide, who will form part of a strong European challenge for Saturday's big day at Arlington Park in Chicago, could be set for a prolonged spell abroad after clients of Australian trainer Chris Waller reportedly bought into the son of Galileo.

The Coolmore-owned colt, last seen finishing second in the Belmont Derby, is one of four Ballydoyle contenders due to arrive in the States on Tuesday evening for Arlington Park's star-studded Grade 1 card.

Aidan O'Brien: trains Adelaide 
for the Coolmore parners

 PICTURE: Getty Images

He is also among O'Brien's nominated horses for Melbourne's Spring Racing Carnival with connections eyeing a run in the A$3 million Sportingbet Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in October, after which he could stay in Australia with Sydney's champion trainer Waller.

Speaking to racingnetwork.com.au, Coolmore's James Bester revealed a 50 per cent share in Adelaide had been sold to owners with Waller.

"Should the horse remain in Australia after the Cox Plate then that's where he would go," Bester said.

"Whether he remains in Australia after the Cox Plate is the question. We are hoping he runs well in America, we're hoping that justifies a trip to the Cox Plate and then depending on what unfolds there's a possibility he may remain in Australia."

Adelaide and stablemate Belisarius are set to run in Saturday's Secretariat Stakes, a race O'Brien has won twice, while Magician and Eye Of The Storm will contest the Arlington Million and American St Leger.

      Perfect welcome home present as John F Kennedy Impresses in his 2nd                                   attempt to break his maiden at The Curragh

       DICK WHITTINGTON Juvenile G1 Winner for Rip Van Winkle's 1st crop 

 Darwin plan

Darwin seen here beating Russian Soul at Fairyhouse
(Healy Racing Photos)

Darwin could return to Goodwood later this month for the Molson Coors Celebration Mile following his fine effort in defeat in the Sussex Stakes.

Aidan O'Brien's charge cut out the early pace in Wednesday's four-runner Group One before eventually finishing third behind Kingman and Toronado.

Beaten just over a length in a tactical race, Darwin's performance gave O'Brien plenty of encouragement and he is now eyeing a crack at the Group Two on August 23.

The Ballydoyle handler said: "He loves fast ground. This is the first time he's ever got that ground. I couldn't be happier with him. We always thought he was a smart horse.

"He could go back for something like the Celebration Mile, something like that."

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Venus shoots for Nassau Victory

Aidan O'Brien has expressed a slight concern about the 10-furlong trip Venus De Milo will face in Saturday's Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.

The four-year-old has run over a mile and a quarter just twice in her nine-race career, winning a Listed race at Naas on her second start and on her most recent outing when second to Thistle Bird in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh.

Runner up in the Irish Oaks last July, she ran over a mile and three-quarters on her comeback this season behind Missunited in the Savel Beg Stakes.

"She'll love the fast ground. A mile and a quarter is as short as she'd want to go, but she's in good form and she could run here and then go to York (Yorkshire Oaks)," said O'Brien.

"She's in good form. We have to keep her busy as she's a difficult horse to keep fit. It (the trip) is probably as tight as she wants to go, but we think the track will suit her well."

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