Kilclispeen avoids Emma Beag who fell at the second hurdle (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien's Kilclispeen saw off Barrack Street to land the spoils in the two mile seven maiden hurdle at Downpatrick.
Barry Geraghty, in the JP McManus silks, took over from the front-running Ultimate Horseman approaching the second last.
However, Barrack Street moved into second and disputed the lead as the pair came to the last. They were locked together on the uphill run-in but Kilclispeen found extra and edged ahead in the closing stages to win by half a length at 5/2.
The winner was popular in the betting ring as he was backed down from 100/30. Barrack Street was a 5/1 chance.
Barry Geraghty said: "He battled well. He's a grand sort who'll make a good staying type. He'll jump a fence."
This was a step up in trip for Kilclispeen and he was fitted with a tongue strap for the first time.
Former Aidan O'Brien trained three-year-old Cape Clear Island has been sold privately to Hong Kong where he will run under the name of trainer Francis Lui.
Now aged 56, Francis was a relatively low profile jockey between 1975 and 1982, riding 36 winners before setting off on the next path of his career, beginning with an Assistant Trainer position. In 1996/97, Lui decided he was ready to have a good go of training horses in his own name, and some of his pattern winners to this date include Shanxi Fortune and Sunny Power, who both won Hong Kong Group 3's, and Hello Pretty, a winner of the Group 2 Hong Kong Derby Trial.
Cape Clear Island raced nine times under the ownership of the powerful Coolmore operation and Aidan O'Brien at Ballydoyle. He took three attempts to break his maiden duck as a juvenile but eventually got off the mark in a 6f maiden at Fairyhouse in July 2014, then going on to finish fourth of five to Lucida in the Frank Kelly Conditions Stakes.
In 2015, Cape Clear Island's three-year-old season, he started with a win in the Tattersalls Millions Trophy at Newmarket, a race worth a pot of £200,000, beating Godolphin's Greatest Journey by a neck with Ryan Moore doing the steering to claim the £112,000 first prize. He then was known to run a few consistent races in defeat, including in the Sandown Classic Trial when half a length behind Master Apprentice, improving for the step up in trip. After those runs on home soil, two efforts in France followed, beaten a length by Ampere in the Prix Hocquart at Longchamp and then seventh in the Prix Du Jockey Club (French Derby) at Chantilly behind New Bay and Highland Reel. Cape Clear Island's final run came in the Group 3 Tercentenary Stakes at Royal Ascot, beating just one home behind Time Test, but was overall still a decent yardstick.
Cape Clear Island finishes his career in Ireland with a record of two wins and four places from nine starts and career earnings of £166,366 and we wish his connections all the best with him in the future.
Tigris River (right) jumps the last alongside Moonmeister (Healy Racing Photos)
After winning the first two at the Curragh Tigris River provided his trainer Aidan O'Brienwith an across the card treble as he took the Online Ticket Sales at corkracecourse.ie Hurdle.
A convincing winner on his second start over flights at Galway earlier this month, the son of Montjeu was sent off the 2/5 favourite under Barry Geraghty in the colours of his boss JP McManus.
Settled in third he came through to dispute the lead three out and was pushed out on the run-in to see off Moonmeister by a length and a quarter.< Moonmeister was returned a 6/1 chance under Jack Kennedy for Gordon Elliott.
Barry Geraghty said afterwards: "He jumped well and had a lot of speed up the straight. It can be a bit tricky here up the straight in a tactical race but he did it well.
Seamie Heffernan rider of Kind Of Magic (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien completed a quick double at the Curragh as his Kind Of Magic sprang a 14/1 surprise in the Listed Flame Of Tara EBF (Fillies) Stakes.
Fifth on her debut over the course in June she then finished fourth behind Now Or Never at Galway.
Stepped up to a mile for the first time today she was soon sent to the front by Seamie Heffernan and was ridden and headed over two furlongs out.
She battled back gamely to regain the lead inside the final 100 yards, keeping on well to score by half a length.
How High The Moon, who was sent off the 7/4 favourite, had every chance from over a furlong out but she couldn't get by her stable mate and had to settle for second under Joseph O'Brien.
Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "They are two lovely fillies. The winner improved a good bit from her first to second run. She was only running at seven furlongs and we thought stepping up to a mile she would improve.
"The second ran well but was just green. Both of them will be lovely middle distance fillies next year."
Aidan O'Brien trainer of Beacon Rock (Healy Racing Photos)
The Aidan O'Brien trained Beacon Rock got up on the line in what was a thrilling finish to the opener at the Curragh, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
Sixth on his debut over the course and distance earlier this month the son of Galileo went off the well-backed favourite this afternoon.
Available at 11/4 last night he opened on-course at just 11/8 before going off the clear market leader at 5/4.
Settled behind the leaders he came under pressure and was ridden by Joseph O'Brien with three furlongs left to race.
It wasn't until well inside the final furlong that he really got going, sweeping from fourth to first in the last 50 yards, just getting up to win by a short head.
Kalopsia (nearest) swoops for victory (Healy Racing Photos)
Kalopsia swooped on the outer to complete a treble for Aidan O'Brien at Wexford today in impressive fashion in the concluding bumper.
Sarah O'Brien, joined her sister Ana and brother Joseph on the winners board as she produced the Flemensfirth filly to lead over a furlong from home.
The well backed 13/8 shot (9/4 this morning) powered clear in the closing stages to record a four-and-a-quarter length victory over Elusive Ivy.
5/4 favourite Miss Me Now failed to quicken turning for home and only beat one home in sixth.
Kalopsia was supplementing another bumper success at Galway last month.
Joseph O'Brien had partnered Los Barbados to land an earlier maiden while Ana scored aboard Udogo in the first division of the Wexford Handicap. Their other sibling Donnacha had been narrowly denied in the Children's Day At Bettyville Handicap aboard Cocoon.
"It was a bit of sickener for Donnacha to be the only one of us not to have a winner. We will pay for dinner for him on the way home to make it fair!' joked Joseph afterwards.
"The horses are running well and long may it last. We thought she improved a bit from the last day. Willie's looked like she was pretty smart and it was good to win.
"It's brilliant that all of us are riding. We all walked the track before racing and everyone knows what they are doing and we all do our best."
Udogo (far side) beats Mallory Heights (Healy Racing Photos)
The Aidan O'Brien-trained Udogo grabbed victory in the dying strides of the first division of the Wexford Handicap.
Mallory Heights kicked for home entering the straight in the 1m3f contest and looked booked for victory when going a couple of lengths clear before the furlong pole.
Aidan O'Brien got a good tune from Udogo in the closing stages, however, and the 9/2 shot pounced near the post for a head victory.
The Lucky Story gelding had finished runner-up on his last two outings and was stepping up to 1m3f for the first time today.
"He is a tough little horse and he has been running well so I'm delighted he got there today. He stays well so I knew he would keep at it," said the winning rider.
It was a double on the card for the trainer with son Joseph riding Los Barbados to victory in the earlier maiden.
The big gamble of the race, Lifting Me Higher, finished third having been backed from 10/1 in the morning into 3/1 favourite.
Love Triangle makes dream start Coolmore's First Win In New Zealand
29 August 2015, 4:17 p.m.
A trans-Tasman racing partnership has made a perfect start with the debut victory of the regally-bred filly Love Triangle.
As a daughter of Encosta de Lago from the legendary Eight Carat family and with winning trial form, the three-year-old promised much and she duly delivered in Saturday’s NZ Bloodstock Airfreight Maiden.
Love Triangle Photo: Kenton Wright Race Images
Love Triangle was purchased for $400,000 at Karaka in 2014 by Te Akau principal David Ellis and she carries the colours of thoroughbred powerhouse Coolmore Stud.
“It’s the first time they have raced a horse outright in New Zealand,” Ellis said. “John Magnier asked me about 18 months ago to buy them a filly and I chose Love Triangle.
“The boys are going to have a lot of fun with her and as long as she comes through this race well she will probably run in the Gold Trail Stakes at Hawke’s Bay.”
Love Triangle’s long-term aim is the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas at Riccarton in November.
“That’s been the goal since the day I bought her,” Ellis said.
The Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards-trained Love Triangle sat in second spot to the turn and led over the closing 300 metres for a comfortable victory under Matt Cameron.
“Matt thought there was a lot of improvement to come and he is really keen on her,” Ellis said.
Stablemate Scrutinize also raced right up to his pedigree when the son of Savabeel and the multiple Group One winner Legs remained unbeaten after claiming the Harcourts Just Rentals 3YO.
“For a horse I bought to win a Derby to win over 1200 metres was a big bonus,” Ellis said. “He will go to the Hawke’s Bay Guineas, the Canterbury Stakes and then the 2000 Guineas
Los Barbados goes on from The Last Marju (Healy Racing Photos)
Los Barbados bounced back to form to open his account in good style in the 1m3f maiden at Wexford.
Joseph O'Brien produced the 9/4 favourite to claim front-runner The Last Marju over a furlong from home and he powered clear in the closing stages for a 11-length victory.
The Ballydoyle colt had disappointed on his last outing at Naas in May and was fitted with blinkers and a tongue-tie for the first time today.
"He disappointed his last twice you could say but he had plenty of time off," said Joseph O'Brien.
"I didn't expect him to win like that and it was probably an ordinary enough race but I'd imagine he has a future.
"He's a fine big horse, a good old mover and stays well so you'd imagine jumping would possibly be an option for him.
"He handled the ease in the ground. It's not too bad just dead and the track is riding well."
Dubawi: the son of Dubai Millennium is leading the sires' title race
PICTURE: Caroline Norris
Dubawi odds-on to land the sires' championship
BY KATHERINE FIDLER11:08AM 28 AUG 2015
RACEBETS has installed Dubawi as odds-on favourite to claim the European sires’ championship this season – which would end a five-year domination of the title by Galileo and a 25-year run of Coolmore owning the title-holder.
The bookmaker is offering 2-7 about Darley’s flagship sire wresting honours from the reigning champion, and goes 5-2 about Galileo retaining the crown he also earned in 2008.
With Royal Ascot, the Qatar Goodwood Festival and York’s Ebor meeting over for the season, Dubawi is leading the way by prize-money – the criterion by which the championship is traditionally decided – with earnings of £5,013,615, a figure £820,000 ahead of Galileo.
Dubawi has sired ten individual Group/Grade 1 winners worldwide this season, his latest in Europe arriving when Arabian Queen sprang a surprise in the Juddmonte International.
Galileo’s representative in the York showpiece, Gleneagles, was withdrawn from the race owing to the ground, but has already contributed £636,401 to his sire’s tally this season and holds entries on both Irish Champions Weekend and British Champions Day.
Both sires have entries in the season’s autumn highlights. AlthoughGalileo is arguably stronger numerically across the board, he has three representatives compared to Dubawi’s four in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, a race worth more than £2 million to the winner.
“This is the first year we have considered betting on the sires’ championship as with Galileo so dominant before, any market would have been largely irrelevant,” said RaceBets spokesman Joseph Burke.
“This year however, with Dubawi holding a clear lead over the perennial champion, we make the Darley stallion 2-7 to wrest the title from Galileo, four years his senior and champion since 2010.”
Aidan O'Brien admits Legatissimo could be a tough nut to crack in the Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes at Leopardstown next month.
The Group One event over a mile is shaping up to be a hot heat with 1000 Guineas and Nassau Stakes winner Legatissimo leading the charge for David Wachman.
O'Brien has a handful of possibles at this stage but identified Found and Fluff as two possible contenders for Ballydoyle.
Found won the Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh last weekend, while Fluff, who is a full-sister to Maybe, has had just one run, winning at Navan in April.
He said: "Found was very impressive at the Curragh at the weekend and we have Fluff who may run in the Matron.
"She has only run once, Navan was a long time ago but she's back in good shape and everything seems good.
"I know Legatissimo is going to be the one everyone has to beat. Hopefully she'll turn up and make it a great race for everybody."
Aidan O'Brien is keeping his fingers crossed the weather will allow Gleneagles to step up to 10 furlongs for the first time in next month's Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
Gleneagles could step up to 10 furlongs in the Irish Champion
The English and Irish 2000 Guineas winner was due to tackle a mile and a quarter for the first time in last week's Juddmonte International at York but easy ground saw that plan ruled out just hours before the race.
Having previously bypassed the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on account of the ground, O'Brien is hoping conditions remain favourable for the September 12 event to allow Gleneagles, who has not run since winning the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, to take his chance.
O'Brien said: "It's obviously going to be weather dependent, but we have some nice horses to run (on Irish Champions Weekend). Gleneagles is the main one. If the ground stays good and fast, we will look forward to seeing him run.
"I think (Leopardstown will suit him). He's a fast horse. Obviously we're not sure about the mile and a quarter.
"The first time he ran, he ran at Leopardstown and he got beat, but it was first time out so we'll learn a lot more.
"I suppose the exciting thing is to see how he handles a mile and a quarter. He's by Galileo out of a full sister to Giant's Causeway and he's very like Giant's Causeway.
"The ground will be important to him to give him a fair shot."
Last year's Irish Champion Stakes was run on good to firm ground with Sea The Stars victory in 2009 coming on the most testing ground in the past six renewals, with conditions still only good to yielding on that occasion.
O'Brien is hoping that weather pattern will come into force again this term.
He said: "The ground is still OK. The rain looks like it could come, but you never know. Last year Leopardstown was good, fast ground so hopefully it could happen again. Usually the couple of weeks after Leopardstown it gets soft and the rain really comes."
Gleneagles is one of a handful of stellar names in contention for the richly-endowed event, with Prince Of Wales's Stakes hero Free Eagle another prominent contender
His trainer Dermot Weld has yet to win the Irish Champion Stakes and Free Eagle is reported in fine condition as he prepares to potentially lock horns with not only Gleneagles, but also Golden Horn and possibly Arabian Queen, who lowered the Investec Derby winner's colours in the Juddmonte International.
"It could turn out to be the race of the year. Everybody seems to be coming to Leopardstown and rightly so," said Weld's son and assistant, Mark.
"We really want to be in the thick of it. We really hope to be fighting it out and we are going to give it a good shot.
"The Irish Champion is the one Group One in the Irish calendar Dad has never won. He really wants to win this race. The horses that can win this race are far and few between and he is a horse that can win this race.
"The likes of Golden Horn and Gleneagles are damned good. They are way above average. I wouldn't be disappointed if one of them happened not to come, but it's going to be a huge race.
"We are going to have to bring our A-plus game to win and hopefully we will be able to do that."
Aidan O'Brien: Order Of St George trainer has won four St Legers
PICTURE: Getty Images
O'Brien's St George a warm order for St Leger
BY ANDREW DIETZ8:37AM 25 AUG 2015
ORDER OF ST GEORGE continued to be popular in the Ladbrokes St Leger market on Monday, with Paddy Power and Betway cutting the Irish St Leger Trial winner into 4-1 joint-favourite (from 5 and 6) for next month's Doncaster Classic.
Order Of St George’s stablemate Bondi Beach, the Voltigeur runner-up, is a general 6-1 chance for the September 12 race.Despite being hardened across the board after his victory at the Curragh, Aidan O’Brien’s colt was popular with punters again even at the shorter prices, and Great Voltigeur winner Storm The Stars now only just shades him for favouritism in most books.
Spokesman Paddy Power said: "Order Of St George pulled away well at the Curragh, has proved to be versatile ground-wise, and we think he might turn out to be Ballydoyle’s number one.
"If Aidan O’Brien runs only one or two you could be looking at the 5-2 favourite, so we’re just taking a view and trying to stay under it."
Punters avoiding favourite
William Hill were offering 5-1 on Tuesday morning, having initially gone 6-1 (from 7) on Monday morning.
"Aidan O’Brien holds the key to the St Leger and Order Of St George is now the most popular of his potential runners," said the firm’s Jon Ivan-Duke.
"Punters are avoiding Storm The Stars like the plague, which is surprising as he won at York."
Betfair went 9-2 (from 7) and spokesman Barry Orr said: "We’ve seen considerable support for Order Of St George.
"We initially cut him to 6-1, but that wasn’t enough and he’s been supported to the exclusion of the other O’Brien entries, with Giovanni Canaletto, Aloft and Wedding Vow all drifting."
David O'Meara: "I have never been approached by anyone at Coolmore"
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
O'Meara quashes Ballydoyle rumours
BY LEE MOTTERSHEAD7:55PM 24 AUG 2015
THE hottest rumour in racing was on Monday night firmly quashed by David O’Meara as one of the sport’s most highly respected and widely admired young trainers poured cold water on intense speculation linking him with a move to Ballydoyle.
The whispers suggesting Aidan O’Brien, the most successful Flat trainer of the modern era, could leave the John Magnier-owned Ballydoyle have become rife in recent days, making their way into the written press, television and social media.
Racecourse gossip during last week’s Ebor meeting culminated in two newspapers, one in Britain and one in Ireland, linking O’Meara with the most coveted post in his profession.
With Coolmore and Ballydoyle sticking to their long-held policy of not commenting on speculation, there remained the possibility for it to continue, but the North Yorkshire-based O’Meara – who has trained more than 500 winners despite taking out his licence only in 2010 – on Monday repudiated the rumours in unequivocal terms.
Speaking to the Racing Post, he said: “I have never been approached by anyone at Coolmore regarding Ballydoyle. There is no substance to the rumour.”
Gleneagles: has not raced since Royal Ascot in June
PICTURE: Martin Lynch (racingpost.com/photos)
O'Brien: Missing races could affect Gleneagles
BY DAVID JENNINGS7:45AM 24 AUG 2015
AIDAN O'BRIEN admitted on Sunday missing three opportunities in the last month could have an adverse effect on star milerGleneagles but stressed the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes is very much the plan, although again with the proviso the ground is no slower than good.
"Gleneagles is grand but it has all been a bit messy. The fact he's been trained for three races and not got to run in them is a worry, and you don't know what effect that will have on him," O'Brien said on Sunday at the Curragh.The dual 2,000 Guineas winner, who worked after racing at the Curragh on Sunday, missed a showdown with Solow in the Sussex Stakes, then the Prix Jacques le Marois, and was a late absentee from the Juddmonte International last Wednesday.
"We'd love to run in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown provided the ground is right for him."
Gleneagles is generally 3-1 for the Irish Champion on September 12, with Golden Horn 2-1 and Free Eagle 5-2.
Classic contender
O'Brien is now responsible for the Qipco 1,000 Guineas favourite after Ballydoyle's victory in the Debutante Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday, and the Moyglare Stakes back at the Curragh is next on her agenda.
"Ballydoyle did it very nicely and Joseph [O'Brien] was very happy with her," said the trainer. "We'll have a look at the Moyglare, and she looks as though she'll get further than seven furlongs. She's a great mover and is very well bred."
Despite finishing only third in the fillies' maiden on Saturday,Coolmore could also be as special as her name, according to O'Brien.
"She was very green," he said. "She was very slow away and when they're that green it's hard.
"Joseph dropped her in and they went very slow. She had a nice introduction and she should come on tons. We've always liked her, and her brother Gleneagles got beaten first time out."
Order Of St George and Seamus Heffernan (Healy Racing Photos)
Order Of St George justified strong market support to win the Group 3 Palmerstown House Estate Irish St Leger Trial Stakes at the Curragh today, providing Champion Trainer Aidan O'Brien and retained jockey Seamie Heffernan with a Group 3 double on the day.
The three year old son of Galileo quickened up to lead a furlong and a half from home and in the end scooted home for an impressive seven and a half lengths win over Australian import Sea Moon.
O'Brien later stated "he handles an ease in the ground well and is maturing lovely. Seamie was very happy with him."
Regarding his yard's St Leger options, he added "Bondi Beach ran well at York on ground he wouldn't like and he wants good ground, while this fella (Order Of St George) handles an ease. The ground will decide where they go but it's quite possible they could both go to Doncaster."<Order Of St George was subsequently cut to 5/1 (from 9/1) with Paddy Power and Ladbrokes, while Boylesports are 7/1 (from 14/1) for the same race.
Jockey Heffernan was earlier successful on Found for O'Brien who at 8st12lbs was below main jockey Joseph O'Brien's riding weight whereasOrder Of St George carried just 8st11lbs.
Champion Trainer Aidan O'Brien is hopeful his Futurity Stakes disappointment Shogun can still make the step up to Group 1 level, blaming today's soft ground for his defeat.
O'Brien stated "Joseph (O'Brien, jockey) knew after two furlongs that he was in trouble on the ground.
"I felt that mentally the run would do him good and, with that run under his belt, he could make the step up to run in a Group 1 on nice ground."
Aidan O'Brien has his fingers firmly crossed the weather will be kind enough to allow Gleneagles to run in the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown next month.
Gleneagles: Set to run at Leopardstown... if connections are deemed suitable.
Aidan O'Brien has his fingers firmly crossed the weather will be kind enough to allow Gleneagles to run in the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown next month.
The Ballydoyle trainer has already pulled the dual 2000 Guineas hero out of three races because of unsuitable ground, the latest being the Juddmonte International, since he won the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.
O'Brien is now preparing to step Gleneagles up to a mile and quarter if conditions are agreeable.
"It's a bit of a worry that we haven't been able to run him three times now," he said.
"We'll look at Leopardstown and hopefully they will get quick ground. We'll have to wait and see."
O'Brien is looking to the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh on September 13 for Ballyodyle after her impressive win in the Debutante Stakes on Saturday.
"Joseph (son and jockey) was very happy with her, and obviously we'll look at the Moyglare next. It looks like she will get further than seven furlongs. She is very well bred and a good mover," he said.
The trainer also has high hopes for Gleneagles' full sister Coolmore, who showed plenty of promise despite being beaten into third place on her debut in a maiden over a mile on the same card.
"I was very happy with Coolmore considering she was slowly away," said O'Brien.
"She is a lovely individual and should come on a lot from the run. Her brother (Gleneagles) got beaten first time out."
Found and Seamie Heffernan over-take Answered (Healy Racing Photos)
The Aidan O'Brien trained top class filly Found gained an overdue first win of 2015 when readily winning the three runner Group 3 Kilfrush Stud Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh today, under Seamie Heffernan.
The Group 1 winning juvenile had finished second on all three starts this year and while beaten at Group 3 level on debut, filled the runner-up spot in both the Irish 1,000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes subsequently.
Today, Heffernan held the daughter of Galileo up behind leader Answered with outsider Highly Toxic never in contention in last.
Patient Heffernan seemed at pains to hold on to Found, who was contesting her first race over ten furlongs, for as long as possible before allowing her to quicken past Answered inside the final furlong for a cosy win.
Afterwards trainer O'Brien stated "that is the first time she has run beyond a mile, and we always felt she was crying out for it. The plan was always to keep her to a mile until Ascot, and then give a break. We could have a look at the Arc with her.
"You would have to be delighted with that for her first run back. She has plenty of pace, and over a mile she was probably getting there too early. Seamie gave her a lovely ride."
Ladbrokes later introduced Found at 14/1 for the Prix De l'Arc De Triomphe.
Ballydoyle comes home a clear cut winner under Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
4Ballydoyle enhanced her growing reputation as she made all to win the feature at the Curragh this afternoon, the Group Two Breast Cancer Research Debutante Stakes.
The Aidan O'Brien trained daughter of Galileo was well-fancied to win on debut over the course in May but could only manage fourth.
She was again well-fancied in the Chesham at Royal Ascot and just failed to get up there before winning on her next start back in maiden company at Newmarket.
Sent off the 11/8 favourite this afternoon she was sent straight to the front by Joseph O'Brien and was ridden over a furlong out.
She drifted left inside the final furlong but once straightened up she kept on well to win by two lengths.
Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "She's a very nice filly. She jumped and travelled. I made the running and thought I went a nice even gallop. It was never really in doubt.
"She's a big long striding filly. She has a great pedigree, by Galileo like the other two fillies, and is genuine. She ticks all the boxes.
"The Moyglare is the obvious race. She has a lot of pace and could came back to six if she had to but I don't imagine she'll be doing that. She has a big engine."
Paddy Power now have Ballydoyle as the 8/1 favourite (from 12's) for next year's 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Aiden O’Brien should make it three on the trot at the Curragh
Trainer Aidan O’Brien has already won the Galileo Futurity Stakes at Curragh nine times. Photograph: PA.
The Curragh’s Galileo Futurity boasts a roll-of-honour to compare with most races, boasting some of the best through the hands of Jim Bolger and Aidan O’Brien over the years, and Sunday’s Group Two highlight could see Shogun take command of some classic ante-post betting lists.
This brother to the Oaks winner Qualify is already a 25 to 1 second-favourite for next year’s Derby ahead of Sunday’s big rival Herald The Dawn, a 33 to 1 shot for the Derby who boasts his own illustrious relative in Dawn Approach.
That champion didn’t take in the Futurity during his juvenile career but his sire New Approach did, as did two other Bolger-trained stars, Teofilo and St Jovite, back in 1991.
Illustrious names
As well as Shogun, O’Brien also pitches in Air Vice Marshal into a race he hopes to win for a 10th time and which has seen such illustrious names as Giants Causeway, Hawk Wing and the last year’s winner Gleneagles continue their progress towards Group One success.
Shogun looked to learn plenty from his debut when scoring over the course and distance last month and headgear is kept on him, but Herald The Dawn looked a different proposition from his own debut at Naas subsequently when beating London.
The sole filly in the five-runner heat is Now Or Never who looked a world-beater at Galway, to the extent it is noteworthy that she hasn’t been snapped up by some of the big battalions.
Michael O’Callaghan’s daughter or Bushranger is warming up here for the Moyglare in three weeks’ time but will need some rain to show her at her best. The last filly to land the Futurity was Lady Lahar in 2000.
Whatever about mentally, Shogun has looked a physically precious type and can rule the day this time.
Ol’ Man River’s three-year-old career has been a flop to date and his stable companion Found should be able to keep him in his place in a four-runner Group Three Royal Whip. In contrast to the colt, Found’s form in finishing runner-up in an Irish Guineas and a Coronation is top class while still giving the impression there’s more to come.
Order Of St George gets a substantial weight pull from the older horses in the Irish Leger Trial and can use that against his stable companion Kingfisher.
Fields Of Athenry will be sporting unfamiliar colours as he attempts to become the first three-year-old to win the Betfred Ebor since 2001.
Aidan O'Brien saddled Mediterranean to win the race 14 years ago and the Ballydoyle handler is also responsible for Fields Of Athenry, who is a leading fancy for next month's St Leger having won a Listed race and a Group Three on his last two outings.
Those triumphs came in the familiar dark blue of John Magnier, but rider Donnacha O'Brien will be wearing the brown and white quartered silks of Danish owner/breeder Flemming Velin this time.
The rider takes a valuable 5lb off the 9st 8lb Fields Of Athenry is supposed to carry and his trainer has high hopes.
"He's a hardy, tough horse and gets a mile and six well," said O'Brien.
"Seamie (Heffernan) went a good gallop on him at Leopardstown when he won the Ballyroan and he's progressing well."
Aidan O'Brien bids to add to Debutante Stakes dominance
Updated: Friday, 21 Aug 2015 19:23 |
Minding was a comprehensive winner of a Leopardstown maiden on her second start
Aidan O'Brien saddles three in an attempt to win the Breast Cancer Research Debutante Stakes at the Curragh for the 10th time.
His first success in the Group Two came way back in 1994 when Christy Roche partnered Glounthaune Garden to victory, with the likes of Rumplestiltskin, Lillie Langtry and Tapestry subsequently joining the roll of honour.
One of O'Brien's runners, Minding, is a daughter of Lillie Langtry and she has made quite an impact in two starts to date.
She was beaten on her debut by Dermot Weld's Tanaza, who is favourite across the boards for the 1000 Guineas after impressing in the Silver Flash Stakes, before winning a Leopardstown maiden by five and a half lengths
"Minding had a little break after that and is just ready to run," said O'Brien.
"She's a nice filly and probably will come forward for the run."
Ballydoyle made a pleasing debut when not asked many serious questions in May before claiming second place in the Chesham at Royal Ascot.
Another daughter of Galileo, she made no mistake last time out in a Newmarket maiden but this will be a tougher test.
"We were delighted with Ballydoyle at Newmarket and she seems to come out of that well," said O'Brien.
The third runner for the stable is Alice Springs, a debut winner but no match for Tanaza in the Silver Flash last time.
Jim Bolger saddles two, the Kevin Manning-ridden Turret Rocks, third in the Silver Flash after making a winning debut, and debut winner Leafy Shade with Ronan Whelan aboard.
David Wachman's Most Beautiful has progressed with each run, winning a Group Three at the Curragh last time out.
Joe Murphy's Only Mine, second to Most Beautiful at the Curragh before winning a maiden, and Eddie Lynam's Miss Elizabeth complete the field.
Carriganog landed a punt in Kilbeggan when making the best way home in the extended two mile three hurdle race.
Aidan O'Brien's six-year-old gelding won a beginners' chase at this venue last month by seven lengths and punters clearly liked the look of him back over the smaller obstacles.
He got to the front from Kilkishen after the third last and was in charge on the approach to the second last. Mark Walsh, in the JP McManus colours, kept him up to his work and the pair came in by two and a quarter lengths.
The 7/4 favourite was backed down from 5/2 on opening show having been as big as 9/2 in the morning. Kilkishen(8/1) took second. he had four and a half lengths in hand of Hisabaat (6/1).
"That was grand. He jumped away and outstayed them really," said Frank Berry, racing manager for JP McManus.
"There aren't many chases for him to run in at the moment so this looked an opportunity with the conditions of the race. He had won around here before as well.
"I'd say he'll go back over fences now, maybe at Listowel. He seems to handle that good ground well."
This made it two from two at Kilbeggan for Carriganog.
NEW HORSE (Thanks to George Adams for Kindly Sharing the Photo)
2013 B F Smart Strike x Crystal Current by A.P. Indy her name is GARNET she was a 2015 Fasig-Tipton Mid Atlantic 2yo Training Sale Purchase for $1,250,000. To be trained by Simon Callaghan. Makes her debut8/22/2015at Del Mar
2012 Ch C Tapit x Pretty N' Smart has been named DREAM TEAM. To be trained by Bob Baffert
2013 B F Smart Strike x Crystal Current by A.P. Indy her name is GARNET she was a 2015 Fasig-Tipton Mid Atlantic 2yo Training Sale Purchase for $1,250,000. To be trained by Simon Callaghan. Makes her debut8/22/2015at Del Mar
(2013) Ch fby Duke of Marmalade x True Joy Named Real Charm Trainer Unknown
Yesterday Was a terrible day for so many reasons yesterday 1) The weather beating us and costing us race of the century 2) Aloft getting lit up by the blinkers and refusing to settle and ended up pulling up 3) Bondi Beach interference which could well have cost him the win 4) Lieutenant General hated the ground and only beat 2 home in the opener at York 5) Just the anticlimactic feel to the day as a whole
But being a Glass half full kind of guy thought id concentrate on the Positive and Highlight of the day was this Guy JOHANNES VERMEER who was very impressive.
You have to experience the bad days to truly enjoy the good ones and tomorrow is always another day.
Aidan O'Brien is leaning towards running Washington DC in the Curragh Stakes on Saturday.
Although the two-year-old holds entries in both the Darley Prix Morny at Deauville and the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Gimcrack Stakes at York, the Ballydoyle trainer has warned he is likely to miss both those engagements in favour of a tilt at the five-furlong Group Three contest.
After running out the winner of the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot, the son of Zoffany took his form to a new level when chasing home stablemate Air Force Blue in the Phoenix Stakes on his first attempt over six furlongs at the Kildare track earlier this month.
He said: "Washington DC is in the Prix Morny on Sunday in Deauville and he's also in the Gimcrack at York on Saturday.
"At the moment it looks like the ground won't be right in either Deauville or York and if that is the case and the ground is right at the Curragh he'll run in the Curragh Stakes on Saturday.
"We'll keep a close eye on the ground and take it from there with him."
O'Brien also revealed he could have up to three runners in the Breast Cancer Research Debutante Stakes as he attempts to capture the Group Two seven-furlong event for a 10th time.
He said: "The most likely at the moment are Alice Springs, who won her maiden nicely at the Curragh, (and) Minding who was second in her maiden first time and she won nicely afterwards. Ballydoyle is also a possible runner."
The chances of O'Brien winning the Group Two E.B.F Galileo Futurity Stakes for a third successive year - and 10th in total - look set to rest with course maiden winner Shogun.
"Kingfisher will run in the Irish St Leger Trial on Sunday with a view to possibly coming back for the St Leger itself later in the year"
Having sent out War Command to take the seven-furlong prize in 2013, O'Brien captured it 12 months ago with subsequent English and Irish 2000 Guineas hero Gleneagles.
He said: "Our main horse at the moment for the Futurity is Shogun and we may run another in that race, possibly Air Vice Marshal."
Kingfisher is to have his first start since chasing home Trip To Paris in the Ascot Gold Cup at the Curragh on Sunday ahead of a potential shot at next month's Palmerstown House Estate Irish St Leger.
He said: "Kingfisher will run in the Irish St Leger Trial on Sunday with a view to possibly coming back for the St Leger itself later in the year."
Irish 1000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes runner-up Found will be stepped up to a mile and a quarter for the Kilfrush Stud Royal Whip Stakes as she looks to get her head in front for the first time this season.
O'Brien said: "Found is likely to run in the Kilfrush Stud Royal Whip Stakes and we could have three in that. We could run Found, Fluff and Ol' Man River in that race."
Emmet McNamara rider of Johannes Vermeer (Healy Racing Photos)
Johannes Vermeer easily accounted for the well-backed Dawenkour in the opening race of the four day Killarney August Festival, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
The Aidan O'Brien trained victor was disappointingly beaten into third on his debut when odds-on at Tipperary last month.
Sent off the 6/4 favourite this evening he soon led under Emmet McNamara. He was pushed along to extend his advantage under two furlongs out and he soon went clear, keeping on well in the final furlong to score by four and a quarter lengths.< Dawenkour (7/2 last night and from 2/1 to 7/4 on-course) finished second under Shane Foley for Mick Halford while newcomer Aridity (12/1) ran a fine race to take third a further three parts of a length back under Billy Lee for Willie McCreery.
Emmet McNamara said afterwards: "He won nicely and had an easy lead to halfway. When we straightened up he quickened all the way and I knew nothing would quicken up the way he did.
"He was raw on debut but is a nice progressive type. That's my first winner for Aidan O'Brien, I've been with him for over a year."
The winner, who cost E300,000 as a yearling, holds entries in the National Stakes, the Racing Post Trophy and the 2016 Epsom Derby.
Gleneagles could head for the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown next month after being declared a non-runner in the Juddmonte International at York due to unsuitable ground.
The dual 2000 Guineas winner had been set to have his first start over 10 furlongs in a clash with unbeaten Derby hero Golden Horn, but persistent rain throughout Tuesday led to a marked softening of ground conditions on the Knavesmire.
After walking the track, trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "He is a very fast horse, we saw at Newmarket what he could do on fast ground. It wouldn't be fair to ask him to run over 10 furlongs for the first time on this ground."
The Ballydoyle handler went on: "I t's soft in places and it wouldn't be fair on him.
"The lads were prepared to run him over 10 furlongs, but only on faster ground.
"W e'll have a look a the Irish Champion (September 12) and if it is good to firm there we'd love to be there, if not he won't be "
Aidan O’Brien is preparing a strong team for the two-day Longines Irish Champions Trials this weekend at the Curragh as he looks to win a 10th Breast Cancer Research Debutante Stakes and take the Galileo EBF Futurity Stakes for a third year in a row.
O’Brien said; “We may have three runners in the Debutante Stakes. The most likely at the moment are Alice Springs, who won her maiden nicely at the Curragh, Minding who was second in her maiden first time and she won nicely afterwards. She had a little break after that and is just ready to run. She's a nice filly and probably will come forward for the run. Ballydoyle is also a possible runner. We were delighted with her at Newmarket and she seems to come out of that well.
“Our main horse at the moment for the Futurity is Shogun and we may run another in that race, possibly Air Vice Marshal. We were very happy with Shogun’s maiden win at the Currragh last month.”
Ascot Gold Cup runner-up Kingfisher is also set to be on the Ballydoyle team for the weekend as he contests the Palmerstown House Estate St Leger Trial on Sunday.
“Kingfisher will run in the Irish St Leger Trial on Sunday with a view to possibly coming back for the St Leger itself later in the year. He has had a good break since Royal Ascot where he ran a stormer and he is just ready to start back from that break. He is going to need the run and you would imagine that whatever he’ll do on Sunday he should come forward a good bit for it,” O’Brien added.
Also on Sunday “Found is likely to run in the Kilfrush Stud Royal Whip Stakes and we could have three in that. We could run Found, Fluff and Ol’ Man River in that race” according to the trainer who will decide later in the week where to send Curragh Stakes entry Washington DC.
“Washington DC is in the Prix Morny on Sunday in Deauville and he’s also in the Gimcrack at York on Saturday. At the moment it looks like the ground won't be right in either Deauville or York and if that is the case and the ground is right at the Curragh he’ll run in the Curragh Stakes on Saturday. We’ll keep a close eye on the ground and take it from there with him.”
A TELEPHONE conversation between Aidan O'Brien and York clerk of the course William Derby on Tuesday night could determine if Gleneagles takes his chance in Wednesday's Juddmonte International Stakes.
The 2,000 Guineas winner, who has also captured the Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes this season, is set to meet Derby hero Golden Horn in one of the most-anticipated races of modern times, but the ground appears to have gone against the star miler.
Derby, also York's chief executive, described the going as good, good to soft in places following 9mm of rain on Tuesday, which is not what O'Brien wanted to hear.
'Things up in the air'
The trainer plans to speak to Derby on Tuesday night, but could wait until his son Joseph, who is due to partner Gleneagles, rides at York on Wednesday and can give his assessment of conditions.
O'Brien, who trains the son of Galileo for the Coolmore partners, said: "Things are up in the air. The ground is obviously not the way we would like it for Gleneagles. We'll wait and see.
"Joseph will be riding in two races early on the card and it's possible we might wait to see what he says."
Joseph's view
O'Brien jnr has yet to ride Gleneagles this season - the injured Ryan Moore has been on board - but hopes the classy colt gets the green light to run.
Taking part in a Q&A with Racing Post readers on Tuesday, the jockey said: "I can't wait and I'm really looking forward to it. Please God the rain will stay away and if we can run him at all we will, we want the horse to run. This is what racing is all about, these great match-ups."
O'Brien, who has won four times on Gleneagles, added: "I'd be very surprised if he ran on ground that was slow. We've always been clear on that but he's still an intended runner at the moment."
THE mouthwatering clash between Gleneagles and Golden Horn in Wednesday's Juddmonte International Stakes at York is under threat after conditions at the track changed to good on Tuesday following 8mm of rain.
Connections of dual-Guineas winner Gleneagles have stressed all season his liking for quick ground and they will not be pleased to hear more rain is forecast before Wednesday's showdown with Derby hero Golden Horn.
York began Tuesday with ground described as good to firm, good in places, but that was changed to good, good to firm in places following rain in the morning, and there has been another tweak in the going description.
Assistant clerk of the course Anthea Morshead said just before 4pm on Tuesday: "We are now good all round following 8mm of rain so far today.
"It's still raining as we speak so it looks like there'll be a few more hours of rain yet. There may be a further update later."
John Magnier: one of four members elected to the US Jockey Club
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker
Magnier elected as US Jockey Club member
BY ZOE VICARAGE5:52PM 17 AUG 2015
THE US Jockey Club has announced the election of four new members including Coolmore's John Magnier.
Magnier presides over Coolmore, which as well as having bases in Ireland, where multiple European champion sire Galileo stands, and Australia, also owns the successful Ashford Stud in Kentucky, which is set to stand Triple Crown hero American Pharoah next year.
Magnier - one of the most influential figures in world breeding - has part-owned or part-bred four of the last five Derby winners.
Joining Magnier is Rosendo 'Ro' Parra, the owner of Millennium Farms and breeder of Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Wilko.
Parra bought his first horse in 1995 and has been represented by 40 stakes winners, including dual Grade 1 scorer Student Council.
Also elected are Thomas S Robbins, executive vice president for racing and industry relations at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, and WB Rogers Beaseley, who serves on several boards including the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council.
The US Jockey Club, founded in 1984, is the breed registry for North American thoroughbreds.
It is a founding member of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.
Adelaide Shortlisted for Victorian Racehorse of the Year Award.
Racing Victoria has unveiled the five finalists for the 2015 racing.com Victorian Racehorse of the Year Award.
Cox Plate hero Adelaide, Newmarket Handicap champ Brazen Beau, multiple Group 1-winnerDissident, Black Caviar Lightning star Lankan Rupee and Melbourne Cup conqueror Protectionisthave been elevated above their peers and remain in the running for the prestigious prize.
The award, which will be presented at the Scobie Breasley Medal on Sunday night, takes into account performances on Victorian tracks only during the 2014-15 racing season, with the honour board featuring names like Black Caviar (three-times), Weekend Hussler and last year’s winnerFiorente.
It’s voted on by a 50-strong group incorporating members of the racing media, Victoria’s five racecallers, the RV handicapping panel and RV’s Chairman of Stewards.
The five finalists, three of which have since been retired for stallion duties, are those which amassed the most votes. Their statistics relate to 2014-15 Victorian performances only:
1. Adelaide - 1 start, 1 win (1 x Group 1);
2. Brazen Beau - 4 starts, 2 wins (2 x Group 1), 1 second;
3. Dissident - 7 starts, 3 wins (3 x Group 1), 1 second, 2 thirds;
4. Lankan Rupee - 6 starts, 2 wins (2 x Group 1), 2 seconds, 1 third; and
5. Protectionist - 4 starts, 1 win (1 x Group 1).
Few horses have made as impressive an impact in just one Victorian start as the Aidan O’Brien-trained Adelaide.
As the first O’Brien-prepared horse to race in Australia since the master trainer’s infamous 2008 visit, Adelaide took to the track in the Group 1 Sportingbet Cox Plate (2040m) with a weight of international expectation.
The handsome bay stallion didn’t disappoint his fans, maintaining a long finishing burst to win Moonee Valley’s weight-for-age classic by the barest of margins for globetrotting hoop Ryan Moore.
Aloft (left) is among the Ballydoyle contingent (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien had been responsible for nine possible runners at the confirmation stage for Wednesday's Great Voltigeur Stakes, but his squad has been whittled down to three.
Aloft, so impressive on his seasonal debut in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot, Curragh Cup winner Bondi Beach and Giovanni Canaletto will fly the flag for Ballydoyle at York.
Storm The Stars is also among a seven-strong cast. William Haggas' Irish Derby runner-up will use the Group Two on the Knavesmire as a potential launchpad for the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster.
The tough Sea The Stars colt is thriving on racing and was far from disgraced when third in the Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp last month.
Tashaar, trained by Richard Hannon, was supplemented last week and unsurprisingly stands his ground after winning his two races to date in the style of an upwardly-mobile animal.
Royal Ascot winner Balios, trained by David Simcock, is another intriguing candidate as he was not far behind Storm The Stars at Longchamp.
Medrano is also involved for Nottinghamshire trainer David Brown.
Derby hero Golden Horn and dual 2000 Guineas winner Gleneagles appear increasingly likely to lock horns at York on Wednesday with track officials expecting no further rain ahead of a mouth-watering renewal of the Juddmonte International Stakes.
Golden Horn and Gleneagles: Set to meet at York.
Having missed the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood and sidestepped this weekend's Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville on account of unsuitable ground, connections of Gleneagles confirmed earlier this week the star three-year-old miler would step up to a mile and a quarter for the first time on the Knavesmire granted a quick surface.
Heavy rain on Friday threatened to deny the sport of a barnstorming battle with the unbeaten Golden Horn, but conditions had dried out to the quick side of good on Sunday morning and there is unlikely to be a break in the weather before Wednesday's feature event.
York's assistant clerk of the course, Anthea Morshead, said: "We had a lovely day here yesterday and it is the same today, so we have changed the going to good, good to firm in places. It has just tightened up a little bit.
"The forecast is looking pretty settled up to and including Wednesday, with temperatures due to get up to around 20C.
"There is a risk of a shower passing through overnight on Wednesday into Thursday, but it's looking like it will be dry up until then."
Seamus Heffernan's belated US debut proved a winning one as Highland Reel made all in a monsoon to win the Secretariat Stakes at Arlington Park on Saturday.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt, second in the French Derby and then the winner of the Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, was sent to the front by his experienced pilot and allowed to dictate easy fractions.
Heffernan had the sense to make the most of the gift and quickened at exactly the right time, poaching lengths around the final bend.
But rather than close in upon the leader in the final stages, Highland Gift simply kept on galloping and passed the winning post well clear of the staying-on Closing Bell, who denied Force The Pass second place in a photograph.
"I didn't see much pace in it. And if there wasn't much pace in it, and you've got a horse like this who gallops and stays and is honest, you know what to do," said Heffernan.
"When it started raining it felt like home! I was never in any doubt. I won easy."
O'Brien, who was winning the race for the second year running after the success of Adelaide 12 months ago, was represented by assistant TJ Comerford, who added: "Aidan was delighted with him, he's a good horse.
"Nobody wanted to make it and if they don't Aidan has no problem with it. Aidan likes the horse and there are plenty of races for him."
Highland Reel and Seamus Heffernan were far too good this evening when absolutely dismanteling the Secretariat Stakes field at Arlington Park by six lengths.
After rearing a little when leaving the gate, Seamus had intentions to go straight off in front with his mount, and that he did, being given a very easy lead by three to four lengths from Crittenden. Coming towards the top of the home straight, the challenges were all on Highland Reel's hammer, but soon as they straightened up he asserted rapidly and stretched right away from his rivals and score with a facile success, winning his first Grade 1.
After the race, the jockey said he always knew what he wanted to do which made things a lot more simpler and added that he never felt any doubt about losing the race.
Options are plenty now for Highland Reel, who could stay in the USA for the Breeders' Cup or come back to Ireland for the Irish Champions Stakes, but the most likely destination will be to head Down Under and attempt to win the Cox Plate, emulating Adelaide from last year and bid to win Aidan his second in consecutive years.
(Article by Kingsbarns, director and journalist for www.aidanobrienfansite.com)
Highland Reel is unlikely to run in the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster next month.
Aidan O'Brien is set to give the final Flat Classic of the English season a miss with the accomplish Gordon Stakes winner, who runs at the weekend in the Secretariat Stakes at Arlington Park.
The Ballydoyle handler said: "It's back to a mile and a quarter, and I would say he's unlikely to be going for the (Doncaster) St Leger.
"We'll see how he gets on, and take it from there."
Unicorn and Joseph O'Brien head Theodorico (partly hidden) over a furlong out (Healy Racing Photos)
Unicorn was heavily-supported when running green on debut at Galway last month but the son of Galileo showed that confidence wasn't misplaced as he justified prohibitive odds in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C & G) Maiden at Leopardstown.
The 4/11 favourite was sent to the front over a furlong out by Joseph O'Brien, and drew clear in the final 100 yards to beat Theodorico by nearly five lengths.
Aloft and Bondi Beach have been confirmed by Aidan O'Brien as likely starters in the Betway Great Voltigeur Stakes.
The Ballydoyle handler is responsible for nine of the 14 possible runners in the Group Two at York next Wednesday, but O'Brien is poised to whittle down his mammoth squad to three runners at the most.
He said: "It looks like Aloft and Bondi Beach will run in the Great Voltigeur and we could have one more in that race."
Aloft, last year's Racing Post Trophy runner-up, looked impressive when winning on his sole start this season in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot.
Bondi Beach was unraced as a juvenile but has won two races from three starts this term, including the Curragh Cup on June 28.
O'Brien can also choose from Bantry Bay, Giovanni Canaletto, John F Kennedy, Ol' Man River, Order Of St George, Outspoken and Fields Of Athenry - though the latter is set to take his chance in the Betfred Ebor on Saturday week.
Cougar Mountain appreciated a drop in class as he returned to winning ways in the Invesco Pension Consultants Desmond Stakes at Leopardstown this evening.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt has been campaigned in top company behind the likes of Golden Horn and Solow this season but claimed the headlines for himself in the Group Three.
Joseph O'Brien tracked leader Convergence in the mile contest before launching his challenge a furlong and a half from home.
The even-money favourite had to work hard to get on top inside the final furlong but asserted close home for a three-parts-of-a-length success.
Raydara just got up to pip the long-time leader for second at the post.
It was the first success forCougar Mountain since he scored on his debut at Naas last June. He had finished fifth in the July Cup on his second start and this was only his second start outside the top level since his maiden success.
"I'm delighted with him as he's lazy and only does the minimum. That will do his confidence good," said Aidan O'Brien.
"He's well entered up, and will not mind travelling as he's hardened and seasoned.
"That's lovely summer ground, and it's rare that we get it. It's a credit to them here."
Aidan O'Brien is responsible for nine of the 13 three-year-olds still in contention for the Betway Great Voltigeur Stakes at York next week.
Giovanni Canaletto (noseband): Could be one of O'Brien's Voltigeur runners
Wednesday's Group Two contest has proved a perfect stepping-stone for St Leger candidates down the years, Lucarno the last to do the double in 2007, while 2015 King George hero Postponed was successful on the Knavesmire 12 months ago.
Among the Ballydoyle battalion are Royal Ascot winner Aloft, Irish Derby third Giovanni Canaletto and the rapidly-improving Fields Of Athenry.
Ol' Man River and John F Kennedy, both major disappointments for the O'Brien team so far this year, could also line up in the mile and a half heat, along with stablemates Bantry Bay, Bondi Beach, Order Of St George and Outspoken.
Leading the home team is the William Haggas-trained Derby third Storm The Stars, who has twice run well in defeat since his Epsom effort behind Golden Horn.
He is Sky Bet's 5/1 favourite for the Leger, while third-favourite Balios (10/1) could also head to York after being left in by David Simcock.
The list of potential runners is completed by David Brown's Medrano and Tashaar from the Richard Hannon stable.
COUGAR MOUNTAIN has not graced a winner's enclosure since he landed a Naas maiden on his debut in June 2014. But having finished third in the Queen Anne Stakes, fourth in the Eclipse and fifth in the Sussex Stakes on his last three starts, he could gain a confidence-boosting victory in the Group 3 Desmond Stakes at Leopardstown today (7.25).
His rivals include the Ger Lyons-trained Convergence, by Golden Horn's sire Cape Cross, and Kevin Prendergast's Tamadhor, who bids to become sophomore sire Arcano's second Group 3 winner.The four-year-old son of Fastnet Rock was bred by trainer Aidan O'Brien and wife Annemarie out of the unraced Nureyev mare Descant, a half-sister to brilliant 2,000 Guineas winner Zafonic.
Leopardstown maiden one to watch
The 6f juvenile fillies' maiden (5.20) that kicks off the Leopardstown card features several debutantes with notable pedigrees.
The pick is perhaps Seventh Heaven, a Galileo half-sister to Middle Park Stakes winner Crusade and Coventry Stakes third Cristoforo Colombo who represents Ballydoyle.
There is also the Michael Halford-trained Indrahar, a Raven's Pass half-sister to Park Stakes winner Viztoria bought by John Ferguson for 140,000gns as a foal at Tattersalls, and David Marnane's Jowana, a Dutch Art half-sister to Group 3 scorer Skins Game bought at the DBS Breeze-up Sale for £40,000.
But they may have their work cut out against Juliette Fair, who finished second to the smart Rockaway Valley on her debut for Dermot Weld.
The daughter of Dark Angel hails from the fine family of G Force, Flotilla and Lethal Force, and was bought by owner Moyglare Stud for €240,000 as a yearling at Goffs.
Unicorn sighting
Unicorn, a brother to leading St Leger fancy Bondi Beach, bids to get off the mark in the 1m juvenile maiden at Leopardstown (6.55).
The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt is by Galileo out of the unraced Danehill mare One Moment In Time, a sister to Fillies' Mile and Falmouth Stakes heroine Simply Perfect.
His older brother Bondi Beach scored in the Group 3 Curragh Cup in June, against older horses and on only his third start.
Aidan O'Brien has his fingers firmly crossed York escapes most of the rain that could hit the Knavesmire later in the week as dual 2000 Guineas hero Gleneagles prepares for the Juddmonte International.
Ground conditions were described as good to firm on Wednesday afternoon but could ease with heavy rain forecast for the area on Friday, although settled weather is due from Saturday onwards.
The presence of Gleneagles has set up a mouthwatering showdown with unbeaten Derby and Eclipse winner Golden Horn - but the crack miler does need a sound surface to show his very best.
O'Brien said: "I'm delighted the lads have agreed to let him take his chance and we'll learn a lot about him.
"Hopefully they won't get too much rain and I'd love to go if it's good to firm."
William Hill reported Gleneagles to be friendless in the ante-post market, pushing him out to 100-30 from an initial 3-1.
Spokesman Jon Ivan-Duke said: "There's been plenty of money in the race, but hardly a penny for Gleneagles so far and perhaps punters are waiting to see how much rain there is at the Knavesmire."
Free Eagle, meanwhile, is increasingly likely to sidestep York and wait for the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
Dermot Weld's four-year-old fought off The Grey Gatsby to make a winning start to his campaign in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot and would add further intrigue to next Wednesday's Group One feature if he were to line up alongside Golden Horn and Gleneagles.
However, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in October remains the primary objective for Free Eagle and connections are minded to give him just one run ahead of his trip to Paris in the Irish Champion Stakes on September 12.
Fiona Craig, breeding advisor for owners Moyglare Stud, said: "I think York is probably looking less likely. I'm not sure it's settled in stone, but he'll probably go straight to Leopardstown.
"He was very tired after he came home from Ascot. As everyone knows it was a bit of a rush to get him there anyway and he ran his heart out on the day.
"He's in good form now again now, though. He worked on the racecourse at the Curragh on Monday morning as they'd had a bit of rain and it was beautiful ground.
"We'd like to get to the Arc and we just think to run at York and then Leopardstown and then go to Longchamp would be a fair bit of racing in a short space of time.
"I think he'll probably stay in the York race at the five-day stage, just in case it cuts up and the likes of Golden Horn and Gleneagles come out, but at the moment it looks like we'll wait for the autumn."
Easter put a run of three third places behind her with a cosy success under Seamie Heffernan in the Listed Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Hurry Harriet Stakes at Gowran Park.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained filly improved with quarter of a mile to run, joining issue with long-time leader Stellar Glow and running on well once asserting to score by two lengths.
John Oxx's My Titania raced freely through the early stages but there was encouragement in the way she kept on for third having looked like she would be swamped at one stage.
Last seen beaten under two lengths by the smart Zannda in the Group Three Give Thanks Stakes, O'Brien said of the 5/1 winner: "The last day at Cork I thought she was coming there to win, maybe the shorter trip suited her and I'd say she's progressing as well.
"We'll look for a Group race now, maybe something like the Dance Design.
"Seamie gave her a lovely ride, and she kept on well."
Seamie Heffernan rider of Easter (Healy Racing Photos)
After finishing third on her last three starts in Listed company Easter (5/1) got a deserved big race win to her name as she took the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Hurry Harriet Stakes.
The Aidan O'Brien (quick double following the promotion of Dancing On Air) trained bay was settled behind the leaders and was sixth at the halfway stage.
She made progress into third from three furlongs out and was ridden to challenge with two furlongs left to race.
She hit the front over a furlong from home and kept on well from there to score by two lengths under Seamie Heffernan.
Aidan O'Brien said in the aftermath: "The last day at Cork I thought she was coming there to win, and maybe the shorter trip suited her and I'd say she's progressing as well.
"We'll look for a Group race now, maybe something like the Dance Design. Seamie gave her a lovely ride, and she kept on well."
Trainer Aidan O’Brien reportedly had a couple of other fillies in mind (Together Forever and Outstanding) at first, but Wedding Vow’s career-best form has earned her the call-up.
You wouldn’t have seen this coming a month ago. The royally bred daughter of Galileo and Oaks (G1) runner-up Remember When (herself a three-quarter sister to Dylan Thomas) was still a maiden trying to live up to her pedigree.
In her sophomore debut, Wedding Vow was collared late in a soft-ground Leopardstown maiden by Zannda. An Aga Khan homebred, Zannda subsequently placed in Newmarket’s Pretty Polly and in the Blue Wind (G3) (to future Irish 1000 Guineas [G1] winner Pleascach) and recently landed the Give Thanks (G3).
Climbing into stakes company thereafter, Wedding Vow was a well-beaten second in the Victor McCalmont Memorial to Legatissimo, who went on to win the 1000 Guineas (G1), miss narrowly in the Oaks (G1) and the Curragh’s Pretty Polly (G1), and impress in the Nassau (G1). Finishing fourth in the McCalmont was older Beverly D. rival Carla Bianca (who was conceding the sophomores 17 pounds).
Off that performance, Wedding Vow was dispatched as the odds-on favorite in a weak Lingfield Oaks Trial, but had to switch out for room and could do no better than third. She looked a bit green, lugging in and taking a while to switch leads:
Ana O'Brien (centre) with her father Aidan and sister Sarah (Healy Racing Photos)
The Aidan O'Brientrained Dancing On Airwas awarded the Join The Gowran Park For E100 Nursery in the Stewards Room after she finished an unlucky second to Bobailin.
Bobailin, for Jim Bolgerand Kevin Manning, led and disputed from the start and he was ridden over two furlongs out, soon going a few lengths clear.
He then drifted left inside the final furlong and impeded Dancing On Air who stayed on strongly after the incident.
Just a head separated them at the line and the Stewards deemed the interference to be sufficient for the result to be changed.
Dancing On Air, who was fitted with cheekpieces for the first time, was returned an 8/1 chance under Aidan O'Brien while Bobailin was returned at 20's also in first time cheekpieces.
Haraz(12/1 in the morning and from 7's to 6's on-course) kept on well to take third, further length and a quarter back underShane FoleyforMick Halford.
DUAL-Guineas winner Gleneagles is set for a mouthwatering clash with Derby hero Golden Horn in York's Juddmonte International Stakes next week after his trainer Aidan O'Brien ruled out travelling to France for Sunday's Jacques le Marois at Deauville.
"We've discussed things this afternoon and if the ground at York is good to firm then we will let him take his chance in the Juddmonte International."O'Brien told the Racing Post: "The plan was for Gleneagles go to Deauville on Sunday but, with the rain that they've had and the forecast, that won't be happening now.
Gleneagles, owned by Coolmore partners Michael Tabor, John Magnier and Derrick Smith, is 5-2 with bet365 for the International, which is run over 1m2½f.
William Hill go 3-1 and have eased Golden Horn to 8-13 (from 4-9).
Sporting gesture
O'Brien added: "I've always considered Gleneagles a true miler but he needs good, fast ground to be seen at his best therefore York will probably be his next race as we are running out of options with him.
"It's a very sporting gesture by his owners."
The duo could take on Royal Ascot winner Time Test and last year's Irish Champion Stakes winner The Grey Gatsby, who finished second in the York feature 12 months ago behind O'Brien's Australia
A tilt at York’s Juddmonte International Stakes over 10 furlongs next week is very much on the cards for Gleneagles as ground conditions at Deauville are likely to deteriorate further in the coming days. 10mm of rain have recently fallen on the French track and the forecast is for potential thunderstorms on Thursday.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien commented “The chances of him running in the Prix Jacques le Marois on Sunday are unfortunately fading with the forecast. I’ve always considered Gleneagles a true miler but he needs good fast ground to be seen at his best therefore York will probably be his next race as we are running out of options with him. It’s a very sporting gesture by his owners.”
With half a mile to negotiate,All The Answers moved into a close second off Where's Me. The latter came under pressure two and a half furlongs from home as Eyes Of A TigerandAll The Answers raced to the fore from Se Mo Laoch.
It was inside the final furlong that 13/8 favouriteAll The Answers and Sarah O'Brienstarted to get on top and the duo maintained the gallop to score by a length from John Monash (9/2). The runner-up stayed on to be a neck in front of Eyes Of A Tiger in third.
Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien said: ""He ran a nice race at Galway the other day and we're delighted with that.
"We weren't sure about the ground but he won nicely and will go for a winners' bumper, possibly at Listowel next."
This improved Sarah O'Brien's record in bumpers this season to 11 from 21.<All The Answers had run once before when fifth in a novice hurdle at Galway won by the smart Bachasson.
Air Force Blue: on his way to winning the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes
PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)
Air Force strikes in Group 1 for War Front
BY ZOE VICARAGE4:16PM 9 AUG 2015
AIR FORCE BLUE cruised to an impressive success in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday and became the ninth Group/Grade 1 winner for War Front.
Purchased for $490,000 by MV Magnier at the 2014 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Air Force Blueis easily the best foal out of the Maria's Mon mare Chatham, who was a winner and Listed-placed in the US.Held up off the pace, the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt showed a smart turn of foot to beat stablemate Washington DC by two lengths.
The Coolmore-owned Air Force Blue shares his page with a host of top US performers, including three-time Grade 1 winner Flanders, who went on to produce multiple top-flight scorer Surfside.
Coolmore have had great success with progeny by War Front, the list headed by the O'Brien-trained Group 1 winners Declaration Of War and War Command, who both stand at stud for the operation.
Also on Sunday . . .
MUHAARAR had to dig deep to land his third consecutive Group 1 on Sunday in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville.
Trained by Charlie Hills and owned by Hamdan Al Maktoum, the three-year-old had already notched Group 1 successes earlier this year in the July Cup at Newmarket and the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.
Muhaarar is a son of Juddmonte sire Oasis Dream, who was a top-class sprinter for John Gosden, winning the July Cup and Nunthorpe Stakes.
He has excelled at stud and is capable of producing stock who perform well at a range of distances. Leading sprinters by the sire include this year's King's Stand Stakes winner Goldream and Charming Thought, who landed the Middle Park Stakes last year.
Top-notch middle-distance runners by Oasis Dream are headed by Midday, who won six Group 1s at up to 1m4f.
The fifth foal out of the Linamix mare Tahrir, Muhaarar is a half-brother to the winners Tamaathul and Raasekha, and Listed winner Sajwah. Out of the Listed-winning mare Miss Sacha, Tahrir is a half-sister to stakes winners Mister Sacha and Mister Charm.
Gleneagles: Guineas and Royal Ascot winner is set for French trip
PICTURE: Martin Lynch (racingpost.com/photos)
Guineas hero Gleneagles given Deauville mission
BY TOM KERR5:11PM 9 AUG 2015
DUAL Guineas winner Gleneagles will be aimed at the Prix Jacques le Marois next Sunday, meaning his potential clash with Derby hero Golden Horn at York is off the agenda.
Gleneagles holds an entry for the 1m2f Juddmonte International, for which he was rated a 4-1 chance, but has never been tested at a trip of more than a mile.
"We'll be keeping an eye on the ground situation at Deauville during the week and if it's good, fast ground then the likelihood is that Gleneagles will run in the Jacques le Marois," trainer Aidan O'Brien said.
"If they get rain and the ground is any way slow then we'll have to make other plans."
Gleneagles was withdrawn from the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood last month due to unsuitable ground, therefore missing another hotly-anticipated clash, this time against French star Solow.
O'Brien added: "He's in good form and was ready to go to Goodwood for the Sussex before the ground went against him."
Air Force Blue quickened up impressively to gain revenge on Buratino in the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh this afternoon.
The Godolphin runner had beaten his Ballydoyle rival in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and was a warm order to confirm the form today, backed from 5/2 in the morning and sent off a 11/10 favourite.
Sixth Sense cut out the running in the six-furlong contest but gave way two furlongs from home.
Rockaway Valley gained a narrow lead but was soon strongly pressed on all sides. <Buratino disputed with Washington DC on the far side, over a furlong out, but the pair were soon trumped by Air Force Blue, who swopped on the near side.
The 9/4 shot powered clear in the closing stages to record a two-length success over stable-mate Washington DC with Buratino half-a-length back in third.<Air Force Bluehad been beaten by two-lengths at Ascot on his second outing but turned that form around in no uncertain fashion today.
Aidan O'Brien, who was saddling a double on the card, said afterwards:- "He came forward well from Ascot. He won his maiden here and didn't learn a lot, and was a baby going to Ascot.
"He settled, travelled and quickened up well today, and he was very professional.
"He put it to bed very quick, and he galloped out well. He has a few options now including the Prix Morny.
"It's good to see the form standing up. The second and third were both Ascot winners, and Washington DC has run a good race again. I'm very happy with him."
Paddy Power make the winner their 14/1 favourite for next year's 2,000 Guineas having previously been 16 joint market leader.
Betfair were more impressed and now go 8/1 from 16s for the classic while Boylesports are 10/1 from the same price.
How High The Moon produced an impressive performance on her debut to overcome trouble in running in a dramatic Loder (EBF) Fillies Race at the Curragh.
5/2 favourite Camellia Japonica unshipped her jockey Shane Foley passing the four pole in the seven-furlong contest after appearing to clip heels and stumble.
The regally-bred How High The Moon was then hampered by the loose horse two-and-a-half furlongs out and had to switch and come wide.
She picked up in fine style inside the final furlong to get to the front and was pulling away, under Seamie Heffernan late on, for a length-and-three-quarters success.
The winner is a full-sister to Pretty Polly winner Diamondsandrubies.
"She's a nice filly, and you would have to be happy with that. She will have learned a lot," said Aidan O'Brien.
"She's a full-sister to Diamondsandrubies, who was a bit disappointing as a two-year-old. She can come back here for the Debutante Stakes or she has a number of other options."
Kilimanjaro, as low as 16-1 for the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster on September 12, has been officially scratched from the race by trainer Aidan O'Brien.
Sixth in the Investec Derby, he bettered that by finishing fourth behind Jack Hobbs in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh.
He had earlier won the Lingfield Derby Trial and was fancied to go well over a mile and three-quarters on Town Moor.
However, he was taken out of the Classic by the Ballydoyle handler on Thursday afternoon.
AOBFS Can reveal that Kilimanjaro was Gelded 2 weeks ago and would not be allowed to Run in the St Leger Anyway.
Thursday night belonged to Ballydoyle as Aidan O'Brien trained five winners across the card at Leopardstown, with son Joseph riding four and Seamus Heffernan with the other as Hallmark put the cherry on the top in the finale at 8:30 when running away with the Live At Leopardstown Maiden.
Proceeding on from Lieutenant General (Joseph), The Crewmaster (Joseph), Fields Of Athenry (Seamus Heffernan) and Ivanovich Gorbatov (Joseph), Hallmark was equipped with blinkers and a tongue-strap as he ran away with the 1m5f contest, with Joseph not needing to come off the bridle.
Reflecting on from the race, Joseph O'Brien told the media: "We thought we had a few good chances this evening but usually it doesn't turn out the way you think it might. It's been a good evening. The horses are in good form. They are running well and are very fit. He's been working okay at home and we thought he'd win a maiden somewhere along the road but didn't think he'd win like that. Christy Geoghegan rides him out. I was waiting for him to blow up in my hands but sure he won on the bridle and hopefully he can do it again."
(Article by Kingsbarns, director and journalist for www.aidanobrienfansite.com)
Five up for the Ballydoyle team (Healy Racing Photos)
The evening belonged to the Ballydoyle team at Leopardstown - Aidan O'Brien (five winners) and his son Joseph (four), as their accumulator checked in at odds of 68/1 with impressive newcomer Hallmark putting the cherry on top in the concluding Live At Leopardstown Maiden.
Anyone with any concerns on that score, needn't have had, as Hallmark didn't need to come off the bridle to see off Kennady by two and a quarter lengths.
"We thought we had a few good chances this evening but usually it doesn't turn out the way you think it might. It's been a good evening," reflected Joseph O'Brien.
"The horses are in good form. They are running well and are very fit.
"He's been working okay at home and we thought he'd win a maiden somewhere along the road but didn't think he'd win like that. Christy Geoghegan rides him out.
"I was waiting for him to blow up in my hands but sure he won on the bridle and hopefully he can do it again."
Ivanovich Gorbatov and Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Ivanovich Gorbatov was popular in the betting from early in the day for the Racecourse Of The Year Handicap at Leopardstown and he credited Aidan O'Brien with his fourth winner of the evening as his son Joseph made it three.
The three-year-old, contesting his first handicap and also with blinkers added, went off as the 11/4 market-leader and if you were 'on'Ivanovich Gorbatov the most concern may have been at the start.
He was unruly in the stalls and a bit slowly away but he stamped his authority on proceedings in the straight and came home two lengths to the good from Venezia.
"He travelled well and they probably didn't go mad," said Joseph O'Brien.
"He got a little upset beforehand in the stalls but he always travelled like the winner and quickened up well. He surprised me a bit.
"He works nicely at home. Life is probably over for him now in handicaps. Hopefully he'll progress with racing.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Hurricane Sky, trained by Charles O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
L.F. Roche, rider of Caesar's Song trained by Anthony McCann, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not act on the ground.
Fields Of Athenry and Seamie Heffernan (Healy Racing Photos)
Fields Of Athenry proved too hot to handle for his rivals as he completed a treble for Ballydoyle in the featured Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown tonight.
Seamie Heffernan was keen to get to the lead on the 8/15 shot in the Group 3 contest and set a stiff pace in the early stages.
The Galileo colt had plenty left in the closing stages of the mile-and-a-half contest, however, as he stayed on stoutly to score by a length-and-three-quarters from Edelpour.
The winner was making it three wins from four starts this term and was following up victory in the Listed Challenge Stakes at the course last month.
Joseph O'Brien was representing his father Aidan afterwards and he said:-
"He's a lovely horse and stays well.
"Dad was saying that he'll more than likely go to York for either the Ebor or Voltigeur on his way to the Leger.
"He's done nothing but improve all year in fairness to him. He's a nice horse with a big engine."
Heffernan added:- "I would have been disappointed if he had been beat. An extra two furlongs might play up to his strengths again.
"I wanted to wait to get well into the straight before going for him and had hoped something would be at my boot but I didn't want to wait too long.
Joseph O'Brien completed a quick short-priced double in the colours of John Magnier when The Crewmaster landed the Bulmers Live At Leopardstown Maiden.
The Mastercraftsman colt was sent off a 4/6 shot in the ten furlong contest after a promising runner-up effort on his debut at Galway.
He was asked to quicken into the lead a furlong-and-a-half from home and kept on well in the closing stages for a three-and-a-quarter length success.
"He had a nice run first time when he finished well up the hill. He came on from it and won well today," said Joseph O'Brien.
"The slow pace probably helped me as I was probably in a better position than some.
"He has a good attitude and hopefully the handicapper won't kill him. He's a big horse and took a bit of time to get to the track. I liked him."
O'Brien had also partnered Lieutenant General to success in the preceding juvenile maiden at odds of 4/5.
Lieutenant General successfully dropped back from the Group 3 company he'd been keeping last time, to justify odds of 4/5 in the Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Maiden at Leopardstown.
Joseph O'Brien rode the O'Brien's home-bred, and fitted with a tongue-strap for the first time he was never far away before leading from two furlongs out, on the way to an easy two and three parts of a length victory over the nicely-backed second favourite Star Of Kings.
"He's a lovely horse. He had a very good run the first day and then ran a bit free with me in Naas when he got beaten," said the successful pilot.
"He had a good run the last day again in a Group race. He was entitled to win and did - he won easily.
"I would be disappointed if he didn't pick up a group race on the way, and he could be more. I think he will progress.
"He has the pace for six and I think he will get a mile. He quickened up really well there.
"I probably should have waited a bit longer but when I gave him a squeeze the race was all over." (GC & EM)
Exactoris (left) beating Star Foot in the bumper (Healy Racing Photos)
Sarah and Aidan O'Brien kept up their good strike rate in bumpers this season asExactoris took the Boyle INH Flat Race at Roscommon.
The Shantou gelding had finished over 15 lengths behind Hurricane Fly's half-sisterAvichi when making his debut at Killarney last month but left that form well behind here.< Avichi again set the pace but the 5/4 favourite was a spent force as Exactoriswas driven to the front just over a furlong out.
The 5/2 chance was kept up to his work to beat Star Foot by three quarters of a length, with the favourite another two and a quarter lengths further away in third.
Aidan O'Brien said, "He improved a lot from the first day when he was very very green, unusually green. He didn't even know what the tape was then.
“He pulled out there when the others joined him and was very genuine. He's a big genuine galloper. I'd imagine he'll go for another bumper but I'll have to talk to Frank (Berry, J P McManus' racing manager) and Joseph.â€
The Aidan O'Brien trained and J.P. McManus owned Mentor sprang a 16/1 surprise in the Mallow Hospital Maiden Hurdle at Cork today, winning for jockey Mark Walsh.
McManus' retained rider Barry Geraghty had, seemingly, sided with 5/4 favouriteRoconga over Mentor but the 'jolly' failed to fire, finishing fourth. Mentor raced prominently throughout and in the end proved three and a half lengths too strong for Catalunian Fields.
Neither O'Brien or McManus' racing manager Frank Berry were present for the win.
Highland Reel Outstanding & Together Forever set for Raid on America
HIGHLAND REEL EXPECTED FOR SECRETARIAT
Three-time Secretariat Stakes-winning trainer Aidan O’Brien is expected to enter Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier and Michael Tabor’s Highland Reel (above) in the 2015 edition of the Grade I $450,000 1¼-miles grass event for top sophomores. A son of Coolmore’s top stallon Galileo, the bay colt exits a win in the Grade III $156,000 Nepture Investment Management Stakes at the Glorious Goodwood meeting in England.
Bred in Ireland, the talented charge was fifth in the Group I $1,396,000 Irish Derby on June 27 at The Curragh. One race prior to that – and arguably the Ballydoyle pupil’s best performance – Highland Reel was a game second in the Group I $1,649,000 Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) on May 31 at 1 5/16 miles – the closest he has come to running the Secretariat distance, losing by 1½ lengths to New Bay.
In seven lifetime starts, Highland Reel has three victories and a pair of runner-up finishes. As a juvenile, he won the Group II $136,000 Vintage Stakes to close out his 2-year-old season.
O’Brien won the Secretariat in 2000 with Ciro, 2011 with Treasure Beach and last year with Adelaide.
BALLYDOYLE HAS BEVERLY D. DUO
Trainer Aiden O’Brien and the Ballydoyle-based Coolmore team has two possibles for the Grade I $700,000 Beverly D. on Aug. 15, according to the International Racing Bureau. Outstanding and Together Forever, both 3-year-old fillies by Galileo, are being aimed toward the race and both exit game finishes in Grade/Group I company.
Outstanding, a full-sister to 2013 Grade I $3,000,000 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner and 2014 Grade I $1,000,000 Arlington Million runner-up Magician, won two minor races in Ireland at Naas before venturing to Belmont Park on July 4 to finish a respectable third in the Grade I $1,000,000 Belmont Oaks Invitational behind Lady Eli and Itsonlyactingdad. In five starts, she has a lone stakes victory in the $61,000 Naas Oaks Trial on June 24.
Slightly more seasoned, nine-time starter Together Forever was fourth last out – beaten just over four lengths – in the Group I $433,000 Irish Oaks on July 18. A Group I winner as a juvenile when taking the $378,000 Fillies Mile at Newmarket last October, she has started three times in 2015, with her best finish being a photo-finish loss in the Group III $157,000 Musidora Stakes at York on May 13. Sandwiched between that effort and the Irish Oaks was a seventh-place finish (of 11) in the Group I $691,000 English Oaks at Epsom.
Beneteau: high on the freshman sires' lists by winners and earnings
PICTURE: Getty Images
Super season for Fastnet Rock and sons
BY BY ZOE VICARAGE AND KATHERINE FIDLER1:23PM 1 AUG 2015
FASTNET ROCK was crowned champion Australian sire by earnings for the 2014-15 season - while his sons Rothesay and Hinchinbrook cleaned up in the freshman standings.
Fastnet Rock, a son of Danehill, posted progeny earnings of $10,303,516 (£4.8m/€6.8m) and had 217 winners from 146 runners. He was represented by 15 stakes winners including Surround Stakes winner First Seal and Queensland Derby hero Magicool.
Having previously been champion sire in 2011-12, the Coolmore resident's three-year-olds were extremely successful on the track and have contributed A$4.7m (£2.1m/€3.1m) in prize money to his overall total.
The reverse shuttle sire is also in the midst of a stellar European season, with his daughters Qualify and Diamondsandrubies both scoring at the highest level.
Exceed And Excel, who stands at Darley's base in New South Wales, finished second with earnings of A$9,020,801 (£4.2m/€6m) and 112 winners from 226 runners. Notable progeny include Group 1 winner Flamberge and Jabali, who landed the Queensland Guineas.
Criterion's victory in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes ensured Sebring claimed third place in the table and finished with a prize-money total of A$8,684,657 (£4.1/€5.8). With 88 winners from 200 runners, his other leading progeny include Group 1 winner Dissident and Group 2 scorer Bring Me The Maid.
Late sire Street Cry finished seventh on the table with 83 winners from 127 runners and 11 stakes winners, which included dual Group 1 winner Pride Of Dubai and Winx, the winner of four Group races this season.
Fastnet Rock's stellar season continued through his stallion sons, with Rothesay crowned champion first-season sire by winners and Hinchinbrook leading the freshmen by total earnings.
Rothesay, out of the Woodman mare Schiaparelli, retired to Glenlogan Park in Queensland following four wins on track including the Group 2 BRC Queensland Guineas and Group 3 Lord Mayor's Cup.
The nine-year-old, who will stand 2015 season for a fee of just A$10,000 (£4,673/€6,647), sired 16 winners in 2014-15, 14 of whom struck in Australia. His leading performers are the hat-trick scorers Legal Procedure, a A$21,000 yearling trained by Lyle Rowe, and David Murphy's Shotacross The Bow.
Smart juvenile Beneteau, winner of the Group 3 Prelude Stakes and third in the top-flight Blue Diamond Stakes, claimed second in the freshman rankings with 12 individual winners to his name, headed by the Inglis Classic scorer Lady Jivago. The son of Redoute's Choice stands at Arrowfield Stud.
Third place in the title by winners went to Exceed And Excel stallionReward For Effort, the sire of nine individual winners.
Hinchinbrook, fourth in the table on numbers, claimed the prize-money title with total earnings of A$1,057,035 (£493,944/€702,622). The Yarraman Park resident's eight winners included leading earner Press Statement, who landed the Group 1 BMW J.J. Atkins Stakes for trainer Chris Waller.
Beneteau claimed the runner-up spot for a second time, with Starcraft stallion Star Witness, sire of stakes winners The Barrister and Pearl Star, in third.
Landofhopeandglory and Joseph O'Brien (centre, navy colours) (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien completed a double at Galway today when his well supported newcomer Landofhopeandglory (11/8) won the 'This Is The Ladbrokes Life' European Breeders Fund Maiden under the Champion Flat Trainer's son Joseph O'Brien.
The son of High Chapparal had been backed from 2/1 this morning and moved past favourite Kitten Loves Roses early in the home straight before staying on well to beat fast finishing Alaskan Son by a neck.
O'Brien junior later commented "he's a lovely big horse and was quite green.
"I was conscious of getting there a bit too soon and wanted to wait as long as I could. When he got there he looked around and I nearly won on the bridle.
"I really like him, he's a huge big imposing horse and to go around this track first time and win is not easily done.
"I think he has a bright future and could go back to seven or stay at a mile.
"He's a very big horse and I'd imagine whatever he does this year is a bonus."
Trainer O'Brien was recording his third winner of the Festival, having already had a winner today when Tigris River won the opening maiden hurdle.
Regarding the horse's name, a 2006 survey conducted by the BBC suggested that 55% of the English public would rather have "Land of Hope and Glory" than "God Save the Queen" as their national anthem.
Tigris River (right) and Barry Geraghty beat Zafayan (Healy Racing Photos)
Jockey Barry Geraghty gained an overdue first win at this year's Galway Festival when steering the Aidan O'Brien trained/J.P. McManus owned well backed even money favourite Tigirs River to win the opening Ladbrokes Mobile Maiden Hurdle.
The son of Montjeu, backed from 9/4 this morning, was produced by Geraghty to lead after the last and stayed on well for a comfortable win over the Dermot Weld trained Zafayan.
Afterwards Geraghty, whose final flight fall on Thomas Edison in Thursday's Galway Hurdle provided the one of the main talking points of the week, quipped “I wasn't knocking on the door, I was knocking on the floor!
He added “it was nice to get one and he (Tigirs River) did it well.â€
Joseph O'Brien, representing his father Aidan O'Brien added “it looked a match on paper and possibly Mr Weld's horse was coming back quick enough (from a run on Monday).
“It's nice to get a win with him and we'll see where we go no. His jumping needs to improve but hopefully he'll come on a bit and the experience will help.
“He jumped well the last time and possibly not quite as well today but it's only his second run over hurdles.
“He's versatile ground wise as long as it isn't bottomless. He's a grand horse, has a good attitude and I'd say there are plenty of good days in him.â€
DIAMONDSANDRUBIES in Pre Race Parade ring - Today did not go her way they think the ground may have been too qucik for her but stablemate WEDDING VOW Ran a great race
DIAMONDSANDRUBIES has arrived and looks a picture at Goodwood
Records continue to tumble for AIDANOBRIENFANSITE Another record Breaking month thanks to all of our visitors & the great team that work with me on the site.
Australia - Fastnet Rock is Champion Sire for 2nd time & 3-Y-O sire Champion & Danehill is Broodmare Champion Sire Congratulations Coolmore Stud HOME OF CHAMPIONS
