A win at the second time of asking for Hermosa as the sister of Hydrangea surges late at @Galway_Races for @Ballydoyle:
©Healy Racing Photos
Hydrangea's sister Hermosa delivered at the tasty price of 11/8 favourite in The Colm Quinn BMW Irish EBF Fillies Maiden at Galway.
Newcomer Tarnawa was an eye-catching third for Dermot Weld, but there was the promise of plenty more to come from Ballydoyle's winner Hermosa too, given the manner of victory here.
She looked very promising when fourth on debut at the Curragh 32 days back and once in the clear in the straight here the Galileo filly displayed a lovely change of gear.
At the line Donnacha O'Brien's mount had a length and a half a length in hand over Engles Rock and the aforementioned Tarnawa.
"She's improving away but she's still a bit backward," said the winning rider.
"Once I got a crack into her she picked up well.
"It was a good performance. She was green the first day and she was still a bit green today.
"For an inexperienced two-year-old this is a tough track but once she got in the clear in the straight she was good."
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Klimt & Valor set for Goodwood
July 30th
Spirit Of Valor bids to provide Aidan O’Brien with a first victory in the Qatar Lennox Stakes at Goodwood on Tuesday.
The four-year-old has finished eighth in both the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot and the July Cup at Newmarket on his two most recent starts and steps up to seven furlongs for the first time this season under Ryan Moore.
Gustav Klimt was beaten half a length behind favorite Without Parole in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and will be Ballydoyle's only representative in the Sussex Stakes on Wednesday and will be partnered by Ryan Moore.
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Galileo Year By Year Stats Updated
Leading Sires GB & IRE Tables Updated
British Flat Trainers Championship Updated
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NEW A.P.O'Brien Career Stats Poster - Added Individual classic & group race winners - Awesome CV
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Aidan has 30+ horses in training that have earned over £100,000 in career earnings
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This took an age but nice to have it done - Anthony Van Dyck became Galileo's 181st Group Race Winner here they all are listed alphabetically.
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A to Z of the 337 Individual Group race winners trained by Aidan O'Brien
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Easy for Erin as she sheds her Maiden tag At Gowran Park as Donnacha has strong lead in jockey title
©Healy Racing Photos
Donnacha O'Brien moved seven winners ahead in the Jockeys' Championship at Gowran today as the triple Classic winning jockey landed the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Fillies) Maiden on his father Aidan O'Brien's Erin.
The 72 rated filly was today having her sixth career performance but showed plenty improvement when making most for an easy three and a quarter lengths win over Zarena.
Afterwards jockey O'Brien, who now leads last year's Champion Jockey Colin Keane 58-51, later commented “she had a good run the last day. She's still a big, raw mare and she's improving away. She did it nicely.
“She's straight-forward, uncomplicated, so there was no point getting her in behind them so I kept it simple on her, kept her out on some fresh ground, and she did it nicely.”
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Hydrangea ready to bloom in King George
27th July
Aidan O’Brien believes a step back up in distance can help Hydrangea raise her game for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
The Ballydoyle maestro has saddled four previous winners of the midsummer highlight in Galileo (2001), Dylan Thomas (2007), Duke Of Marmalade (2008) and Highland Reel (2016).
It is fair to say O’Brien’s hand is not as strong as in some years, with the defection of Kew Gardens a significant blow.
However, Hydrangea is already a Group One winner over the course and distance, having landed the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes last October, and O’Brien is hopeful she can bounce back from a disappointing effort over a mile in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot.
He said: “Hydrangea is in good form. She’s had two runs (this season) and she’s back up a mile and a half again.
“She got a mile and a half last year and maybe a mile is a bit tight for her now. We’re looking forward to seeing what happens.”
O’Brien has a second string to his bow in Rostropovich.
The son of Frankel filled the runner-up spot in the King Edward VII Stakes at the Royal meeting before going down by just half a length to Joseph O’Brien’s Latrobe in the Irish Derby.
O’Brien added: “Rostropovich is in good form. He’s a solid horse. He had a very good run in the Irish Derby, gets a mile and a half, handles quick ground and seems to be in good form since the Curragh.
“I think he has improved since stepping up in trip.”
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Sizzling dead heats in Vinnie Roe Listed Stakes + Aidan Interview on bug in yard.
This doesn't happen too often - two dead-heats on the same card! A whirlwind run from Sizzling joins Cimeara on the line in a thrilling Kingdom Of Bahrain Vinnie Roe Stakes at @LeopardstownRC:
For the second time at Leopardstown this evening, a dead-heat was called by the judge, with Cimeara and Sizzling sharing the spoils in the Listed Kingdom Of Bahrain Vinnie Roe Stakes.< Cimeara (5/1), who had beaten Sizzling (8/1) on their previous two meetings, looked set to score when ridden to the front a furlong from home.< Sizzling however threw down a strong late challenge on the outer under Seamie Heffernan, and she powered home to join the aforementioned Jim Bolger trained filly on the line.
Aidan O'Brien was completing a double on the card with Sizzling, while Kevin Manning was aboard Cimera.
The King (9/2) completed the places another length back in third, while the 9/4 favourite (from 4s) Bandua could only manage fifth.
"We were delighted with our filly. She stays well," said O'Brien.
"That's her first stakes win but she's been placed a lot of times.
"She could go to Goodwood for the fillies race or Doncaster for the staying race for fillies."
In reply Bolger said: "You go to Goodwood and I'll go to Doncaster."
To which O'Brien joked: "He's still telling me what to do!"
Bolger added: "I always ask you what you'd like to do."
The Master Of Coolcullen added: "Aidan is going to Goodwood and I'm going to Doncaster but because she's in the stable representing the poor she'll have to earn her keep in the meantime, wherever that will be.
"She's done very well up to now anyway and her first cousin, Turret Rocks, is doing it as well.
"I said coming down the stairs, to Colm O'Rourke, that this could be the second dead-heat of the evening."
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Impressive Anthony Van Dyck wins an 8th Tyros Stakes For Aidan
Impressive - wide-margin winner at @KillarneyRaces last time, Anthony Van Dyck hoses up in the Group 3 Japan Racing Association Tyros Stakes at @LeopardstownRC for @Ballydoyle and Ryan Moore:
Aidan O'Brien recorded his fifth straight win in the Group 3 Japan Racing Association Tyros Stakes, as his Anthony Van Dyck impressively dismissed his four rivals.
Seventh on his debut at the Curragh earlier this month, he came home eight lengths to the good on his second start at Killarney.
Expected to follow-up this evening, the son of Galileo was sent off the 8/11 favourite under Ryan Moore.
Settled in second, the bay victor was pushed along to lead from the furlong pole, and he soon stretched clear, going on to score by four and three parts of a length.
The 7/4 second favourite Bold Approach never managed to land a blow, and he kept on to take second under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger.
"You'd be delighted with that. We always thought he was a horse that was going to get a mile well, and he did in Killarney, and when you see him doing that he's obviously a smart colt," said O'Brien.
"I didn't see Ryan as he was gone when I got down but he said to the lads that he felt like a very nice horse.
"We were happy to make it if we had to. It was decisive enough in the end.
"We thought that he would stay very well but looking at him there he doesn't have to go back to a mile.
"We were very happy and I'd say he'll probably go for something like the Futurity and then the National Stakes.
"I'm sure there will be plenty of them have to go to a mile but looking at him there today you wouldn't say he'd have to. He got it very well in Killarney."
On Goddess, O'Brien added: "She ran ordinary but obviously we have a little bit of a thing around.
"Everything is fine with them, obviously we wouldn't run anything unless they looked to be perfect scopes and bloods, but when that is around some will disappoint.
"That's just the way it is and we have to be prepared.
"We can stop racing horses and stop running all together but then we'd know nothing. Obviously it effects some and doesn't effect others.
"Hopefully she leaves that run behind her. She wasn't distressed or anything but she just didn't turn up today.
"I didn't see the vets report but obviously there's just something a little amiss."
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Aidan takes cautious approach with Ballydoyle squad
26th July
Aidan O’Brien believes factions of his huge team might not be firing on all cylinders.
The Ballydoyle handler is closely monitoring the well-being of his horses, and highlighted Magic Wand’s disappointment in the Irish Oaks on Sunday – she was later found to have had a dirty nose – as a reason to adopt a cautious approach.
O’Brien said: “Our horses are just going through a little bit of a stage – a little bit of a change – and the odd one is not scoping right at the moment.
“We’ve seen it with the filly in the Oaks and we just have to be careful.”
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Threeandfourpence too good at Naas
©Healy Racing Photos
Threeandfourpence rounded off an evening dominated by the O'Brien family at Naas, as he took the concluding Golden Ticket Package Race.
Sent off the 4/9 favourite, the son of War Front came home two and a half lengths to the good over Theobald, completing a four-timer for Donnacha O'Brien, and a double for his father Aidan.
The winning rider was earlier successful aboard North Wind for his father, while also completing a double for his brother Joseph, on Focus Of Attention and National Glory.
Now the clear front-runner in the race to be crowned champion jockey, O'Brien, who recently turned twenty, said: "I'd be lying if I said it wasn't on my mind.
"I'm going to give it a shot and I'm in a good position at the minute. I'll probably need to have the lead that I have towards the later part of the year.
"Colin (Keane) is obviously an unbelievable rider and is going to continuing riding winners out of no-where. so I'll have to keep kicking."
He then added: "Four winners out of five isn't too bad. I had a few very good rides this evening. Obviously Dad's and Joseph's horses are continuing to run well so I'm lucky to sit on them.
"This fellow gave me a great feel, he done a half speed the whole way around, I gave him a squeeze at the two and he quickened up well. He had a little look when he got there then. He has a lot of ability.
"That'll give him a bit of confidence and hopefully he'll be able to make the grade when he steps back up (in class)."
Aidan O’Brien went on to say: "I'm delighted with him. The plan was to come here and give him a little bit of confidence because he's had a few tough ones.
"He's still in the Sussex and we'll see after that. He'll probably get further than a mile too but he travelled very well today.
"He might go to Goodwood. Our horses are just going through a little bit of a stage, a little bit of a change, and the odd one is not scoping right at the moment.
"We seen it with the filly in the Oaks (Magic Wand) and we just have to be careful."
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North Wind off the mark at Naas
After taking the opener on Focus Of Attention, Donnacha O'Brien quickly doubled-up on North Wind in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
Trained by Aidan O'Brien, this son of No Never Nay was last seen setting the pace in the Group 2 July Stakes at Newmarket.
Back in maiden company this evening he was expected to get off the mark, going to post the clear 4/9 favourite.
Sent straight to the front, the bay victor made all. He was pushed along and soon went clear from over a furlong out, keeping on well under pressure inside the final furlong, going on to score by three lengths.
Dragons Call (14/1) kept on to take second under Shane Foley for Johnny Feane, while the Darren Bunyan trained newcomer Pass The Vino (14/1) was a short head away in third.
"He was rated like he should win a maiden and he did thank God. I think he might be progressing," said the winning rider.
"He gave me a nice feel and hopefully he's going the right way. I thought he was more of a five furlong horse but he seemed to get the six well today and we'll see where he goes now.
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Gustav Klimt on course for the Lennox at Goodwood
25.07
Gustav Klimt is one of four potential runners for Aidan O'Brien in the Qatar Lennox Stakes at Goodwood on Tuesday.
The Galileo colt has finished second in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, second in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and third in the Prix Jean Prat at Deauville on his three most recent starts and could bid to provide his trainer with a first victory in this seven-furlong Group Two.
The Ballydoyle handler has also confirmed Intelligence Cross, Spirit Of Valor and Fleet Review.
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Goddess bids for a 7th Silver Flash & Van Dyck bids for a 8th Tyros for AIdan
July 25th
Goddess is the star attraction in the Jockey Club Of Turkey Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown on Thursday.
A daughter of Camelot out of a half-sister to Galileo in Cherry Hinton, Aidan O’Brien’s filly stepped up massively from her Curragh debut when registering a hugely impressive 10-length victory over this course and distance a fortnight ago.
That display saw her promoted to ante-post favouritism with some bookmakers for next season’s 1000 Guineas and her Classic credentials will be given a thorough examination in this Group Three contest.
Aidan also saddles Naas maiden winner Secret Thoughts, while his son Joseph is represented by narrow Fairyhouse victor Vallambrosa.
- Silver Flash Stakes – (6) – Cabaret (2009), Together (2010), Maybe (2011), Wonderfully (2013) Promise to be True (2016), Happily (2017)
Aidan bids to win the Tyros Stakes for the 8th time and is solely represented by Kilarney maiden winner Anthony Van Dyck (Galileo)
- Tyros Stakes – (7) – Rip Van Winkle (2008), Cape Blanco (2009), Zoffany (2010), Gleneagles (2014) Deauville (2015) Churchill (2016), The Pentagon (2017)
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Coolmore & Aidan pick up Longines award
24 July 2018
The Magnier family and trainer Aidan O’Brien, the driving forces behind Coolmore and the Ballydoyle Racing Stable, have been selected as the recipients of the 2018 Longines and IFHA International Award of Merit, which recognizes distinguished horsemen and horsewomen for lifelong contributions to Thoroughbred racing.
They will be honoured on Tuesday 14th August in Dublin at an event to coincide with the launch of the 2018 Longines Irish Champions Weekend, which will take place at Leopardstown Racecourse on Saturday 15th September and the Curragh Racecourse on Sunday 16th September.
Juan-Carlos Capelli, Vice President of Longines and Head of International Marketing; Louis Romanet, Chairman of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA); and Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland, will take part in the ceremony. As the Official Partner and Official Watch of the IFHA, Swiss watchmaker Longines and the IFHA jointly created the Award of Merit in 2013 to honour public figures for their outstanding contribution to the world of horse racing.
Representing the Magnier family, MV Magnier, said, “We are most grateful to Longines and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities for this recognition, and while the award may have the Magnier name on it we know that we are part of a much larger family which includes our partners, the Smiths and the Tabors, along with all the O’Briens at Ballydoyle. A big thanks to all.”
Aidan O’Brien said, “Our thanks to the Magnier family, the Smiths and the Tabors for helping to make Ballydoyle what it is today. We are privileged to be associated with such wonderful people who leave no stone unturned as we try to get the best out of every horse.
“We really appreciate the tremendous and unfailing support of all the team at Ballydoyle, whose commitment is second to none, I would like to thank them all.”
Kavanagh, also a vice-chairman of the IFHA, said, “It is a source of great pride that those we honour today hail from Ireland, yet are recognized the world over. With its origins in County Tipperary, the Magnier family has built an unrivalled global operation that has been responsible for so many of the greatest equine stars the world has seen. In Aidan O’Brien, the Coolmore partners have the best trainer in the world, indeed a world record holder after his exploits last year. Their successes do so much to promote Ireland as a global leader when it comes to breeding and racing, and I wish the Magnier family and Aidan, Annemarie and their family every success for the future.”
Coolmore is a name synonymous with global success at the highest level, both as a breeding and racing entity. The world-renowned operation came together when John Magnier joined forces with Ballydoyle trainer Vincent O’Brien and business magnate Robert Sangster in the 1970s. The partnership’s first major winner was The Minstrel in the 1977 Epsom Derby, and its first major homebred was Sadler’s Wells. A top-class racehorse, upon his retirement Sadler’s Wells rewrote the stud books by becoming the 14-time leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland.
Magnier is married to Vincent O’Brien’s daughter Susan, and they have five children—Tom, Kate, JP, MV and Sammy Jo. He acquired both Ballydoyle and Coolmore after O’Brien’s retirement and Sangster’s death.
Aidan O’Brien (no relation to Vincent) became the trainer at Ballydoyle in 1996. That year, Coolmore’s Desert King provided him with his first Group 1 winner on the Flat in the National Stakes at the Curragh. O’Brien had taken out his trainer’s license in 1993 and got his start with National Hunt horses, most notably the legendary Istabraq, a son of Sadler’s Wells.
Another son of Sadler’s Wells, Coolmore’s Galileo, would give O’Brien his first of six Epsom Derby winners and go on to become one of the premier stallions in history. In 2016, European Horse of the Year Minding, a daughter of Galileo, gave O'Brien his 250th Group/Grade 1 winner on the Flat when taking the Qipco 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket. In 2017, Highland Reel, a son of Galileo, gave O’Brien his 300th Group/Grade 1 winner (Flat and National Hunt combined) by winning the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, which was timed by Longines.
In 2017, with 28 Group/Grade 1 victories, O’Brien broke the world record for Group/Grade 1 wins in a calendar year by a trainer, besting Bobby Frankel's mark of 25 set in 2003. He has been crowned champion Irish Flat trainer in terms of prize-money won every season since 1999 and has won Group/Grade 1 races across the globe, including in Australia, Canada, France, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. The majority of O’Brien’s big-race winners have carried the colours of the Coolmore partners to victory.
O’Brien and his wife, Annemarie, have four children—Joseph, Sarah, Ana and Donnacha—and all of them became jockeys. In 2012, O'Brien and Joseph became the first father-son/trainer-jockey pair to win the Epsom Derby with Coolmore’s Camelot. In 2018, Joseph, now a trainer, defeated his father in the Irish Derby with Latrobe. Brother Donnacha was in the irons.
Previous winners of the Longines and IFHA International Award of Merit include Yutaka Take, the Romanet family, Jim Bolger, Alec Head, Seth Hancock, and the late Marcel Zarour Atanacio.
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Kew Gardens could lead Ballydoyle King George Team
23 July
Kew Gardens could lead Aidan O’Brien’s assault on the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.
The son of Galileo has been in a rich vein of form lately, winning the Queen’s Vase at the Royal meeting and the Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp.
While O’Brien has yet to firm up plans for the summer showpiece over a mile and a half, he does have a provisional list.
“At the moment Kew Gardens is a possible, Cliffs Of Moher is a possible, Rostropovich is a possible and so is Nelson,” said the Ballydoyle trainer.
“Kew Gardens is progressing lovely. We were delighted with him in France.
“We’ll see what the lads want to do, but we’ve been happy with him since France.
“That’s the way we are thinking at the moment and we’ll see what this week will bring.”
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Our 12th Rankings/Ratings supplement of the season is here - Timeform Global Rankings European Division Ballydoyle Spotlight & News - A total of 14 Ballydoyle Residents in the rankings.
Huge thanks to Timeform - website
> https://www.timeform.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leading Sires GB & IRE Tables Updated - Galileo away & gone - No Nay Never joined in top 10 by War Command - Camelot clear
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Unbeaten Cliffs brings up Ballydoyle double at the Curragh
Despite sweating up considerably beforehand, Cliffs Of Dooneen made it two from two in the two mile Killashee Handicap, providing Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore with a double on the card.
Successful on debut at Bellewstown earlier this month, the chestnut son of Galileo was expected to follow-up this afternoon, going off the 5/4 favourite.
Having raced mainly in fourth, he was switched to the outer on the approach to the straight, and was ridden to challenge in third with two furlongs left to race.
He edged to the front from the furlong pole, and kept on well from there to score by a length.
She's A Star kept on well to take second under Colin Keane for Noel Meade at 3/1, while Shadagann (20/1) was another three parts of a length back in third.
"He stays well obviously. Ryan felt there was plenty in there. He said from the two he thought he was going to win," said O'Brien.
"He had a few little setbacks, nothing major, and he's a big horse so maybe was a little weak.
"He's a brother to a horse we had Triplicate, he's a well-bred horse.
"Those staying type races will be what we're looking at and he could develop into a cup horse. Anything from mile-and-a-half to two miles is probably for him."
Magic Wand could have had a legitimate excuse for a disappointing effort in the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh on Saturday.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien revealed that the filly, who was sent off the 10-11 favourite following her impressive victory in the Ribblesdale Stakes, was found to be under the weather after finishing fifth to Sea Of Class under Ryan Moore.
“They seem to be fine. Ryan’s filly (Magic Wand) had a little bit of a dirty nose when she came back, so maybe that was a below-par run,” said O’Brien.
“She was a little bit disappointing and maybe there was a little thing on her. All her scopes and bloods were perfect all the way up to the race, but maybe she just ran a little bit below herself.”
However, O’Brien was pleased with the performance of Forever Together, who was only beaten a neck by the winner when ridden by his son, Donnacha.
“Donnacha’s filly seemed fine. She’s a filly that seems to stay very well,” said the Ballydoyle handler.
“I don’t think she needs soft ground, but probably in soft ground stamina comes into it more.
“The winner obviously did very well to win the way she did and to come from where she did.
“We were very afraid of her because she beat our filly Athena in Newbury and we like Athena.”
Thanks to Satie for the Picture
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Stunning comeback for Magical in Kilboy Estate Stakes G2
Magical belatedly opened her account for the season when making all the running in the Group Two Kilboy Estate Stakes at the Curragh.
Winner of the Debutante Stakes at this level on this course last summer, the Aidan O’Brien-trained filly had been well-beaten on heavy ground on her only previous start in 2018, but got back on track with a solid display.
Ryan Moore made his intentions clear from the start by taking Magical to the front from the outset and the 5-4 favourite found extra when tackled by the four-year-old I’m So fancy in the final furlong to score by two and three-quarter lengths.
The winner’s stable companion Broadway was two lengths away in third while September was a big disappointment for the O’Brien team, finishing last on her seasonal debut after being slowly away.
Aidan said "It was nice to get one for the weekend,"
"We had her ready to run in the Oaks (at Epsom), it was the plan to run her, but she just knocked the inside of her joint and then it just took a long time for the swelling to go down and the soreness to go out so she got held up.
"We had her in the Oaks yesterday but we were afraid to run her as we were afraid she wasn't fit enough.
"This was a nice start back for her and hopefully she's okay, she was leaning left a little bit all the way in the straight. Hopefully she'll be okay after it.
"She's a lovely filly, how far she'll stay I'm not sure. We'll see how she is but we could have a look at the Yorkshire Oaks with her.
"Talking to Ryan there he thought she maybe wasn't ready to step up to a mile-and-a-half yet.
"The whole rest of the season is in front of her if she's okay.
"Obviously we were babyingp>September along to try and get her back after her setback in the spring.
"The plan was to drop in and Seamus was always going to look after her if she got tired. There should be an awful lot of improvement in her."
Thanks to Satie for the Pictures
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Magical & September set for Kilboy Clash
21 July
Magical and September both return from enforced lay-offs in the Kilboy Estate Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
Last season’s Debutante Stakes winner Magical has run just once this season, finishing fourth in the Prix de la Grotte at Longchamp in April.
September, who was beaten just a nose by Laurens in the Fillies’ Mile last October, has an even longer absence to overcome, having been sidelined since finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf in November.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien expects both to improve for the outing in this nine-furlong Group Two affair.
“Magical is just back. She ran early and had a break. She had a little setback, so we had to stop and go slow again,” said the Ballydoyle handler.
“She’s just ready to run and we’d be delighted to see her getting started back again.
“September had a setback in the spring and just took a bit of time. We were debating about running her in the (Irish) Oaks, but we didn’t think she was ready for it.
“We think she’s just ready to start off. We’ll be hoping that she just runs a nice race and hopefully progresses a lot from it.”
Ryan Moore partners Magical, with Seamie Heffernan taking the ride on September.
O’Brien also saddles Broadway (Donnacha O’Brien) and Sarrocchi (Wayne Lordan), while his son Joseph runs Damselfly and Ship Of Dreams
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Ballydoyle Trio bid for Irish Oaks Glory
Magic Wand will be tough to beat at the Curragh
19 July
Magic Wand, Forever Together both feature in a field of just seven runners for the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh on Saturday.
Magic Wand comfortably beat stablemate Forever Together at Chester in the spring, but the latter reversed the form in some style when claiming Classic glory in the Investec Oaks at Epsom, with Magic Wand only fourth.
However, Magic Wand is a hot favourite to turn the reassert her superiority this weekend following an impressive victory in last month’s Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Since her Epsom heroics, Forever Together has suffered an odds-on defeat in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien, who bids for his sixth Irish Oaks success, also saddles Bye Bye Baby.
Forever Together, the mount of O'Brien's son Donnacha with Ryan Moore riding Magic Wand and Seamie Heffernan on Bye Bye Baby.
Aidan's Irish Oaks Winers – (5)
Alexandrova (2006), Peeping Fawn (2007), Moonstone (2008), Bracelet (2014), Seventh Heaven (2016)
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Our 11th Rankings/Ratings supplement of the season is here - Timeform Global Rankings European Division Ballydoyle Spotlight & News - A total of 14 Ballydoyle Residents in the rankings.
Huge thanks to Timeform - website
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Aidan has a strong hand in Saturday's Irish Oaks as Ballydoyle handler has 7 of the 15 entries
Forever Together on her way to victory in the Epsom Oaks
July 17th
Impressive Ribblesdale Stakes winner Magic Wand heads 15 confirmations for Saturday’s Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh.
Aidan O’Brien’s filly was only fourth behind stablemate Forever Together in the Investec Oaks at Epsom, but looked a different proposition at Royal Ascot.
Forever Together, subsequently beaten in the Pretty Polly Stakes, has also been left in by O’Brien along with the likes of September, who has not been seen since finishing third at the Breeders’ Cup, and Magical, who has only run once this season. Sizzling Easter Lily & Bye Bye Baby are also entered for Ballydoyle
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Aidan O'Brien' Glorious Goodwood Record & Entries:
17 July
Aidan has had 18 victories at the Qatar Goodwood Festival over the years his first winner came courtesy of Orpen in the Richard Baerlein Maiden Stakes on August 1, 1998. Lets hope Aidan can add a few more this year.
A.P.O'Brien Major Glorious Goodwood Race Wins
- Goodwood Cup - (2) - Yeats (2006), Yeats (2008)
- Gordon Stakes - (2) - Yellowstone (2007) Highland Reel (2015)
- King George Stakes - (1) - Dietrich (2001)
- Nassau Stakes (4) - Peeping Fawn (2007), Halfway to Heaven (2008), Minding (2016), Winter - (2017)
- Richmond Stakes - (1) - Pyrus (2000)
- Sussex Stakes - (5) - Giant's Causeway (2000), Rock of Gibraltar (2002), Henrythenavigator - (2008), Rip Van Winkle (2009), The Gurkha (2016)
- Vintage Stakes - (2) - Highland Reel (2014), War Decree (2016)
Entries so far at the 2018 Qatar Goodwood Festival
Tuesday, July 31
3.00pm G2 Qatar Lennox Stakes - Clemmie, Could It Be Love, Fleet Review, Gustav Klimt, Hence, Intelligence Cross, Spirit Of Valor
3.35pm G1 Qatar Goodwood Cup - Cypress Creek, Delano Roosevelt, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Idaho, Kew Gardens, Order Of St George, Southern France
Wednesday, August 1
3.35pm G1 Qatar Sussex Stakes - Clemmie, Deauville, Gustav Klimt, Happily, Hydrangea, Rhododendron, Threeandfourpence
Thursday, August 2
2.25pm G2 Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes - Flattering, Queen Iseult
3.35pm G1 Qatar Nassau Stakes - Athena, Forever Together, Happily, Hydrangea, Magic Wand, Magical, Rhododendron
Friday, August 3
3.35pm G2 King George Qatar Stakes - Actress, Battle Of Jericho, Dali, Declarationofpeace, Different League, Fleet Review, Intelligence Cross, Murillo, Sioux Nation, Washington DC
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Leading Sires GB & IRE Tables Updated - Galileo leads by over a million - No Nay Never's Lead grows - Camelot away and gone - Excelebration still just outside top 10
British Flat Trainers Championship Updated - Aidan Takes the lead
Aidan O'Brien's 78 Multiple G1 winners - US Navy Flag joins his sis on 3
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El Greco holds off rivals to make it 2 on the bounce
July 16th
©Healy Racing Photos
El Greco followed-up on his maiden win at Cork in May, as he made virtually all in the opener at Killarney this evening, the Ladbrokes Irish EBF Race.
Sent off an 11/4 chance, the Aidan O'Brien trained son of Galileo was soon in front.
He was ridden and pressed by the even money favourite Scriobh Rua from two furlongs out, however the bay victor pulled out more inside the final furlong, seeing off the late surge of Mattymolls Gaga by a head.
The runner-up was returned at 9/1 under Declan McDonogh for Gordon Elliott, while the aforementioned market leader was another half a length back in third.
Donnacha O'Brien was aboard El Greco, and he later stated: "He is uncomplicated and he jumps and he travels and when you can do that around here it's a big advantage, you can nick a few lengths. He is genuine and tries.
"He is no Group 1 horse but he jumps and he travels and is uncomplicated and tries hard."
Aidan and Donnacha O'Brien also took the opener at Killarney on Sunday with Anthony Van Dyck.
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Aidan Reveals plans for US Navy Flag, Christmas, Gustav, Rhododendron, Happily, & Clemmie
July 16th
Aidan O'Brien reveals exciting Roscommon winner Christmas will be aimed at the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood Races.
Rhododendron is in the Sussex but looks more likely to run in the Nassau. His main contender for Sussex Stakes at Goodwood will be Gustav Klimt. The trainer says at meeting launch that fast mile and right-hand track will suit him down to the ground,Happily and Clemmie possibles too.
Aidan reveals the Everest Stakes in Australia is the long-term plan for G1 July Cup winner U S Navy Flag. He may have one or two more runs before. undecided whether to give U S Navy Flag a prep in Europe or Australia ahead of his tilt at The Everest.
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Idaho to be sent on Goodwood Cup Mission
15 July
Idaho is set to try two miles for the first time in the Qatar Goodwood Cup on July 31.
The full-brother to Highland Reel won over an extended mile and five furlongs in the Ormonde Stakes at Chester in May.
He was odds-on favourite for the St Leger two years ago, but unseated Seamie Heffernan after stumbling in the straight.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien said: “The plan is to go to the Goodwood Cup with Idaho. We want to try him over the two miles and see. We always felt he would stay further than a mile and a half.
“We went beyond a mile and a half once and that was at Chester and he got that very well.”
Order Of St George will not be seen at Goodwood, with immediate plans likely to be decided by the weather.
O’Brien’s former Gold Cup hero has shown himself to be equally adept at a mile and a half, finishing fourth in last year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and third the year before.
He was last seen when fourth to Stradivarius when attempting to regain his Gold Cup crown at the Royal meeting.
O’Brien said: “You won’t see him at Goodwood. He could appear in the King George if the rain came, but if it didn’t he will be left alone and have a prep for the Irish St Leger.
“He is in good form at home.”
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A Run full of promise from Van Dyck at Kilarney
©Healy Racing Photos
Anthony Van Dyck enjoyed a facile hack around Killarney in the extended mile maiden for juveniles.
Aidan O'Brien's son of Galileo was making his second start after finishing seventh in the Curragh at the start of the month.
He reaped the benefits of that outing though, with a wide-margin victory in Co Kerry.
The 10/11 favourite swept past An Aingeal Dubh in the final quarter of a mile and was soon ridden by Donnacha O'Brien to assert.
He was clear by the furlong pole and stretched right away to score by eight lengths from Yonkers (11/4). Claim The Lady was a neck further back in third at 14/1.
Upon pulling up he went through the winner went through the rail but was unharmed.
Donnacha O'Brien said: "He did it really nicely today. They went a good gallop out in front and around here it's not easy to make up ground so I just wanted to get him rolling early. Once I got a few slaps into him he really picked up.
"He'd give you a similar feel to Kew Gardens [a winner her last year] and I think he's a smart horse.
"There are sharp bends here and there were a few people around in high-vis jackets and with two year olds like that they don't concentrate. He went through the rails before he knew what he was doing, it was just greeness."
Picture from David Betts
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Goddess to be sent on Silver trail
Picture from David Betts
15 July
Aidan O’Brien’s exciting juvenile filly Goddess is likely to be seen next in the Jockey Club of Turkey Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown on July 26.
The Ballydoyle trainer has identified the seven-furlong Group Three contest as the next step for the beautifully-bred daughter of Camelot on the way to the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh in September.
Viewed as an unlucky loser on her racecourse debut at the Curragh, Goddess made no mistake at Leopardstown on Thursday when trouncing her rivals by 10 lengths in a seven-furlong maiden.
Out of a half-sister to Galileo, she heads the market on the Qipco 1000 Guineas with some firms, and O’Brien said: “I was delighted with her. The first day she was just ready to go racing and got locked in on the rails at the Curragh.
“Seamie (Heffernan) said after the race he would have been a very easy winner if she’d got out. The next day she was an easy winner, and I couldn’t be happier with her run.
“She has plenty of options. There is the Silver Flash at Leopardstown, which is a seven-furlong fillies’ race, so she might go back for something like that.
“We will be gentle and see. That is a race towards a build up to the Moyglare.
“She will have to run for experience.”
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Kew Gardens puts the seal on a great day for Aidan
14.07
Kew Gardens is set to run in the King George after capping a red-letter day for the Aidan O’Brien team by winning the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris at ParisLongchamp on Saturday evening.
Successful over a mile and three-quarters in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot, Kew Gardens boosted his claims for further middle-distance honours with a solid success returned to a mile and a half.
After being held up in the rear of the field by Ryan Moore in the early stages, Kew Gardens had to knuckle down when challenged strongly by Neufbosc in the final furlong.
Kew Gardens kept on strongly in the closing stages, to give O’Brien and Moore a Group One double following US Navy Flag’s triumph in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket earlier in the day.
Betfair cut the Galileo colt to 6-1 for the King George and 7-2 for the St Leger.
O’Brien told At The Races: “We’re delighted with him, the plan was to come here and then maybe if everything went well we may have a look at the King George.
“We wanted to come back to a mile and a half before we went to the King George, obviously he won over a mile and six in Ascot.
“You couldn’t be happier with him. Ryan took his time on him and rode him for pace. He quickened up well and was brave at the end.
“He’s a very progressive colt, he’s progressed lovely since his last run.”
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Double for Aidan O’Brien & @hussey_mick! Fire Opal wins the Lynn Lodge Stud Maiden by a neck to View The Bay. @Ballydoyle @aobrienfansite @coolmorestud
©Healy Racing Photos
After winning the opener with Fantasy, Michael Hussey and Aidan O'Brien completed a 29/1 double at Navan, as Fire Opal got the better of View The Bay in the Lynn Lodge Stud Maiden.
Twelfth and fourth on her first two starts over a mile at Naas, the daughter of War Front was sent off an easy to back 4/1 chance today, dropping back to five furlongs.
Prominent on the outer, the bay victor was pushed along to challenge the 4/7 favourite View The Bay from over a furlong out.
She gained a marginal lead inside the final furlong, and kept on well to maintain that advantage, prevailing by a neck.
The aforementioned market leader had to settle for second under Ben Coen for Andy Slattery, while Goneinsixtyseconds (12s to 10s) was another six lengths back in third.
The winning rider said afterwards: "The drop back in trip suited her and she loved the ground. She was a bit idle when she got there but she ground it out well. She has plenty of size and she'll progress after that."
Of course O'Brien was recording his third success of the day, having won the July Cup at Newmarket with US Navy Flag.
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US Navy Flag storms home in the July Cup
US Navy Flag bounced back to his very best form when dropped down to six furlongs for the Darley July Cup at Newmarket.
A dual Group One winner as a two-year-old, US Navy Flag had taken in the English and Irish 2000 Guineas, finishing second in the latter, without gracing the winner's enclosure this season.
But reverted to sprinting, the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt showed his class on his first start against older horses.
Ryan Moore had US Navy Flag (8/1) in front from the start and the son of War Front kept up the gallop to land a convincing success, in the process giving the jockey his first July Cup win.
Brando, who delayed the start as he had to be re-plated, went one place better than 12 months ago ins second, with Fleet Review third for the O'Brien team.
O'Brien said: "He won a Middle Park very impressively last year, then we ran him in the Dewhurst and he was able to do that making the running, so we gave him the mile option this year.
"He had tough races in the Classics and had a very tough race in the Curragh. We thought it might leave his mark.
"He went to Ascot and Ryan said to come back in distance with him. We've seen what's happened. He's a very good horse, to be able to do it that as a three-year-old.
"The plan with him was to come here and if it went well we would give him a rest and train him for the Everest in Australia.
"In all fairness to the horse, he deserves a break. He's had a tough time."
Moore said: "He loves Newmarket and ran a mighty race in the Irish Guineas. He's just a very fast horse and loves a fight - he found plenty when the second came to him.
"I was never worried about the trip, he just needs to have fast ground."
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Fantasy off the mark at the fifth attempt to deny Navan rivals
Fantasy wins our opener, the @IrishEBF_ Maiden for Aidan O’Brien & @hussey_mick. @Ballydoyle @aobrienfansite
©Healy Racing Photos
Fantasy reversed the form with Rita Levi, as she made all in the opener at Navan this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
Fifth over the course and distance last month, with Rita Levi in second, the Aidan O'Brien trained victor was since second at Naas, before finishing a respectable fifth in a Listed contest at Tipperary on her last start.
Sent off at 5/1 today, the daughter of Invincible Spirit made all, and was ridden from over a furlong out, keeping on well from there to score by a length and three parts under Michael Hussey.
Rita Levi, who was sent off the 4/9 favourite, had no excuses in second, with Colin Keane aboard this one for Ger Lyons.
The John McConnell trained Rockview Spirit (25/1) was another half a length back in third.
"She broke well and kept going well. Aidan just said to bounce her out and bowl along and she's made every post a winning post," said Hussey.
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Clemmie (Pictured in the parade ring below) was 3rd in the 3.35 Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes (Group 1) at Newmarket
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Gossamer Wings (Pictured in the parade ring below) was 4th in the 2.25 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2) at Newmarket
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Guineas runner up Love sent on York Mission
©Healy Racing Photos
Irish 1,000 Guineas runner-up Could It Be Love travels to York in a bid to belatedly open her account at Pattern level in Friday's William Hill Summer Stakes.
Aidan O'Brien's filly ran a fantastic race to beat all bar Alpha Centauri in the Curragh Classic at the end of May, before
placing third against the boys in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.
She was narrowly beaten when odds-on for the Brownstown Stakes at Fairyhouse last Sunday and is sent back into action just five days later for this Group Three assignment.
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Lucius Tiberius completes Ballydoyle treble at Leopardstown
©Healy Racing Photos
The Aidan O’Brien-trained three-year-old quickened up nicely inside the final furlong and, in a tremendous three-way photo-finish, just got up on the line.
The Keane-ridden Mawaany was beaten just a short-head, with Aussie Valentine the same distance back in third.
Donnacha O’Brien said, “He has a bit of pace and I planned on being a bit more forward than that but they went a good gallop so I just took my time on him. When I brought him out he quickened up really smartly and just had a little look when he got there.
“They were after going a good gallop and I didn’t want to force him early, and it was either going to open up for me or it wasn’t. I got the gap at the right time and he had a good turn of foot.
“I think he’s not a bad horse at all, and a mile and a quarter suits him. He has a bit of boot, and is improving like a lot of Camelot’s are this time of year. He’s one to look forward to.”
He was fined 200 euro for missing an earlier ride at Leopardstown after a quick dash by road from Dundalk and explained, “It was a bit of a struggle getting from Dundalk and a few crashes and a concert (Bruno Mars in Marlay Park) didn’t help.”
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Gorgeous Goddess dismantles Maiden rivals at Leopardstown
Wow! Well-named and bred in the purple - Goddess streaks clear to win for Aidan O'Brien at @LeopardstownRC. This one a daughter of Camelot, a full sister to Group 1 Athena and related to Galileo and Sea The Stars!
Goddess wins the @IrishEBF_ Fillies Maiden by 10 lengths with ease for Seamie Heffernan and Aidan O’Brien #LiveAtLeopardstown
The Ballydoyle trained Goddess was the wide margin winner of the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Fillies) Maiden at Leopardstown today, as the Seamie Heffernan partnered filly bolted up to provide stallion Camelot with another very noteworthy winner.
Stallion Camelot's first three year old runners are on the track this year and has already produced two Group 1 winners in the past fortnight, with Latrobe in the Irish Derby and, crucially for today's race, with her Goddess' full sister Athena in Saturday's Belmont Oaks in America.< Goddess had herself experienced every bit of misfortune in-running on her recent debut run at the Curragh but today made all and bounded clear of her inferior rivals in the home straight for a ten length win over Munees Gemini.
Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien wasn't present and afterwards Heffernan said “she should have won at the Curragh. It was a typical Irish race, they were all boxed watching one another. I just let her jump and stride along today.
"I'm not sure how good a race it was but she's way better than average. I'd say she's better than September (won her maiden here last year and subsequently won at Royal Ascot and Group 1 placed)."
©Healy Racing Photos
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Indianapolis chins 100 rated rival at Dundalk
©Healy Racing Photos
Fair effort this - by Galileo and out of 2003 @BreedersCup Distaff winner Adoration, Aidan O'Brien's Indianapolis beats the 100-rated Would Be King to get off the mark at @DundalkStadium:
The Murdock Building Supplies Maiden at Dundalk today was a Jockeys' Championship 'six-pointer' with eventual winner Indianapolis (7/2) defeating 1/4 favourite Would Be King to help leader Donnacha O'Brien extend his narrow lead over Colin Keane, rider of the beaten 'jolly'.< Indianapolis wore down Would Be King in the closing stages when scoring his half-length win, which moved jockey O'Brien to the 46 winner mark for the season, two clear of current Champion Jockey Keane.
Champion Trainer Aidan O'Brien sent out Indianapolis to win, and afterwards his son and this year's English 2,000 Guineas, English Oaks and Irish Derby winning jockey Donnacha O'Brien said "he had an OK run the last day so he has obviously learned plenty from then. The step back in trip obviously didn't pose too much of a problem.
"Yes I think so (could go back up in trip) - Galileo should have put a bit of stamina into him so I'm thinking the step up in trip would suit him again.
"It's nice to get a win into him."
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Ballydoyle duo target Bahrain Trophy glory
11 July
Giuseppe Garibaldi is one of two runners for Aidan O'Brien in the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket on Thursday.
The Ballydoyle handler has won the recognised St Leger trial twice before, with Moon Dragon in 1999 and Housesofparliament two years ago.
Giuseppe Garibaldi brings strong claims to the table after finishing third in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot and second in the Curragh Cup on his two most recent outings.
O’Brien also saddles Curragh Cup fourth Victory Salute.
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Conclusion brings up Ballydoyle double at Roscommon
©Healy Racing Photos
Donnacha O’Brien edged one ahead (45-44) of Colin Keane in the jockeys title race when completing a double aboard Conclusion in the Roscommon Herald Handicap.
The son of Deep Impact needed plenty of encouragement throughout this mile and a quarter event and looked in trouble as Raphael threw down a strong challenge inside the final furlong.
However the 4/1 chance found plenty close home to complete a double on the evening for both O’Brien and his father Aidan, who were also on the mark earlier with Christmas. Raphael was eventually beaten three quarters of a length, with Mazzuri another length and a quarter back in third.
Donnacha O’Brien said, “He wasn’t doing a stroke the whole way around but when something came to me he found plenty. He has plenty of ability.”
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Aidan On July Cup Team & Saxon Warrior Targets
09 July
Aidan on the July Cup
"We’re looking at dropping US Navy Flag back in trip for the July Cup. That’s been the plan for him. He could be joined at Newmarket by a couple of others – a lot of those horses who ran at the Curragh on Derby weekend would be possibles for the race as well. The likes of Fleet Review and Intelligence Cross could join him. We’ll make a decision later in the week."
AIdan on Saxon Warrior
“He seems to be in good form. He obviously hasn’t done much since Saturday. We’ll give him a little bit of time now and we're looking forward to training him for the Juddmonte International at York and then the Irish Champions Stakes.”
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It's Christmas Day at Roscommon
©Healy Racing Photos
With some fancied runners on the card, it's a winning start for Aidan O'Brien as National Stakes entry, Christmas lands the opener in fine style at @RoscommonRaces:
Christmas looked a gift for punters in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Roscommon and so it proved as the son of Galileo justified prohibitive odds.
The well-backed 4/11 favourite, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by his son Donnacha, made all in this seven-furlong event and was just pushed out inside the final furlong to record a comfortable victory.
The winning margin was three and a half lengths over Mofakker, with Always Ruuning a further two and three quarter lengths adrift in third.
Donnacha O’Brien said, “He had a good run the last day and is learning the whole time. I think he’s a good horse.
“He had the experience and around Gowran helped him at a track like this with some sharp right-handed bends. I like his attitude, so hopefully he’s a horse that will keep improving. He stays well.”
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Ballydoyle July Festival Entries Newmarket 12th to 14th July
Thursday
Bahrain Trophy Stakes (Group 3)
Cliffs Of Dooneen, Cypress Creek, Easter Lily, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Southern France, Victory Salute
Arqana July Stakes (Group 2)
Land Force, North Wind, Sergei Prokofiev, The Irish Rover, Van Beethoven.
Sir Henry Cecil Stakes (Listed)
Bond Street
Friday
Princess of Wales's Stakes (Group 2)
Lucius Tiberius
Duchess of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2)
Coral Beach, Gossamer Wings, So Perfect, Fairyland, Just Wonderful.
Bet365 Handicap Friday
Lucius Tiberius
Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes
Hydrangea, Rhododendron, Could It Be Love, Clemmie, Happily, Broadway, Hence, Most Gifted
Saturday
British Ebf Maiden Stakes
Mount Tabora, Anthony Van Dyck, Sydney Opera House, Mount Everest, Broome.
Summer Stakes (Group 3)
Hence, Could It Be Love,
Superlative Stakes (Group 2)
Land Force, Mount Tabora, Sergei Prokofiev, Van Beethoven, Cardini, Cape of Good Hope, Christmas, Mohawk.
Ebf Maiden Fillies' Stakes
Tracing, Zagitova, Mona Lisa's Smile, Hermosa, Goddess
Darley July Cup (Group 1)
Intelligence Cross, Spirit Of Valor, Washington DC, Battle Of Jericho, Declarationofpeace, Fleet Review, Sioux Nation, US Navy Flag, Actress and Different League.
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Warrior has plenty of options going forward
09 July
Donnacha O’Brien believes there are plenty of opportunities for Saxon Warrior following his fine effort in defeat in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.
Running just seven days after finishing third in the Irish Derby, Saxon Warrior showed no sign of fatigue as he squared up to Roaring Lion and only went down by a neck in a dramatic and controversial finish.
The drop down to a mile and a quarter seemed to suit the son of Deep Impact, who had been beaten in both English and Irish Derbys over a mile and a half since winning the 2000 Guineas in impressive fashion.
“He ran a cracker. A week after having a tough race in the Irish Derby he’s run a blinder,” the jockey told At The Races.
“I didn’t have any excuses but at the same time he did back up quickly and I think it’s massive for him to run so well.
“He travels well, he has pace enough for a mile and a mile and a quarter. We have plenty of options for him, now.”
Saxon Warrior holds entries over various distances in races such as the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the Sussex Stakes, the Juddmonte International and the Irish Champion Stakes.
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Galileo Year By Year Stats Updated
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Leading Sires GB & IRE Tables Updated - Galileo Strengthens his lead - No Nay Never remains well clear - Camelot Builds huge lead - Excelebration still outside top 10
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British Flat Trainers Championship Updated
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Athena Swoops late to win The Belmont Oaks
Athena, under jockey Ryan Moore, surged from near the back of the pack to win easily on the inner turf -- and that's despite a jam-packed schedule of late.
Athena was competing in her third race in 17 days after running at England's Royal Ascot, then just last weekend at the Curragh Racecourse. She looked no worse for the wear while completing the 1 mile 2 furlongs in 1:58.71.
In a blanket finish behind Athena, ThewayIam edged Chipolata for second.
Odds of the Top 3 finishers were 10-1, 11-1 and 36-1, respectively. The 50-cent trifecta returned 1,225.25.
La Signare broke on top to set the early fractions, which appeared to set up best for Significant Form as she stormed up the rail. Attention quickly turned then to Athena as she rolled outside, in the clear and all alone on the late lead.
Four starts back, the filly, a daughter of Camelot, broke her maiden at seventh asking. That set up a fourth-place run in Ascot's Ribblesdale Stakes (G2) and third in the Curragh's Pretty Polly Stakes (G1) before Athena took a major step forward Saturday.
Athena & Ryan Pre Race Thanks to Robert Funaro
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Most Gifted bags her 2nd win of the season in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race at Naas
Last year’s Investec Derby winning rider Padraig Beggy enjoyed a welcome success when partnering Most Gifted to land the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race at Naas.
Aidan O’Brien supplied two of the three runners in this six-furlong event, and punters were unable to separate them as both were sent off the evens joint favourites.
Full Moon set the pace under Emmet McNamara but stable-companion Most Gifted was travelling ominously well when challenging over a furlong out.
The War Front filly asserted inside the final furlong for a comfortable length and a quarter victory, with Gasta all of eight lengths further adrift in third.
Beggy, recording his second winner of the campaign, said “She’s done it well. Emmet’s is a fair horse and I followed him along comfortably. We kept quickening up and I finished off best.”
©Healy Racing Photos
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So delighted to see this fella get off the mark last night special thanks to Red & Breandán for the pictures that went into the poster
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Mendelssohn out to make amends
6th June
Mendelssohn will look to recapture the form that led to his 18 1/2-length win in the Group 2 UAE Derby, taking aim at a seven-horse field in the 101st running of the Grade 3, $300,000 Dwyer for 3-year-olds on Saturday, Stars & Stripes Day, at Belmont Park.
Carded as Race 6 with an approximate post time of 4:36 p.m., the Dwyer, contested at one mile, will be shown live on NBC, which will air coverage from 4:30-6 p.m. followed by Belmont Park Live from 6-7 p.m.
Owned by Michael Tabor, Mrs. John Magnier's and Derrick Smith, Mendelssohn will look to rebound off a disappointing last-place effort in the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby on May 5, where he was bumped at the start and again banged around in traffic before being eased to the wire.
But trainer Aidan O'Brien will try and coax the Scat Daddy colt back to his previous performances, which include a one-length win over Untamed Domain to win the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf on November 3 at Del Mar, a win in the 32red Patton on March 9 at Dundalk in Ireland and a demolishing of the UAE Derby Field on March 31 at Meydan, which helped make Mendelssohn exceed a million dollars in earnings.
Internationally acclaimed jockey Ryan Moore, a nine-time Breeders' Cup winner who rode Mendelssohn to victory in both the Breeders' Cup and UAE Derby, as well as in the Kentucky Derby, will have the return call from post 6.
His stablemate, Seahenge, ran fifth in the UAE Derby before finishing seventh in his first U.S. appearance in the Grade 3 Pat Day Mile on May 5 at Churchill Downs. Hall of Famer Javier Castellano will leave from the rail.
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Land Force given July Stakes entry after Tipperary win
©Healy Racing Photos
6 June
Thursday evening’s Tipperary scorer Land Force is one of five possible runners for Aidan O’Brien in the Arqana July Stakes at Newmarket on Thursday.
Having been beaten just half a length into third place in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, Land Force bounced back to winning ways in the Coolmore Pride Of Dubai Tipperary Stakes and O’Brien immediately nominated next week’s July Stakes as a potential target.
The Ballydoyle handler has also entered North Wind, Sergei Prokofiev, The Irish Rover and Van Beethoven.
The six-furlong contest has attracted 21 juveniles in total.
Thursday’s Newmarket card gets under way with the Group Three Bahrain Trophy, which has long been considered a leading trial for the St Leger.
O’Brien is again mob-handed, with a six-strong Ballydoyle squad headed by Giuseppe Garibaldi.
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Flattering bids to give Aidan a Maiden win in Lancashire Oaks
6 June
Flattering bids to provide Aidan O’Brien with a first victory in the bet365 Lancashire Oaks at Haydock on Saturday.
The Galileo filly may have had her limitations exposed when fifth to stablemate Forever Together in the Investec Oaks at Epsom, but she bounced back when taking the Munster Oaks at Cork last time.
“She’s in good form. Obviously she won in Cork last time and we’ve been happy with her since then,” said O’Brien.
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Land force storms to victory in Tipperary Stakes
Back to winning ways - Third in the Norfolk at @Ascot last time out, Land Force wins the Listed Coolmore Pride Of Dubai Tipperary Stakes in fine style...
Land Force provided Aidan O'Brien with his third success of the evening, as he came home a comfortable winner of the Listed Coolmore Pride Of Dubai Tipperary Stakes.
Successful in a maiden at the Curragh in May, the son of No Nay Never since finished third in the Marble Hill Stakes and the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Sent off the 8/13 favourite this evening, the bay victor raced in second under Donnacha O'Brien (completing a double).
He was pushed along to lead a furlong and a half from home, and kept on well from there to score by two lengths.
Mintd (5/1) finished second under Billy Lee for Willie McCreery, while Ursa was a length and three parts back in third, with Shane Foley aboard this 12/1 chance for Ken Condon.
Land Force back to winning ways Many thanks to Breandán @bohual
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©Healy Racing Photos
Aidan O’Brien’s newcomer Cliffs Of Dooneen is welcomed back into the parade ring after winning the @Europcar Drogheda Maiden under @waynemlordan. @Ballydoyle @aobrienfansite
After winning the opener at Tipperary, Aidan O'Brien doubled-up in the third at Bellewstown, as his Cliffs Of Dooneen took the one mile six furlong Europcar Drogheda Maiden.
Making his debut this evening, the son of Galileo was sent off a 7/2 chance with Wayne Lordan in the saddle.
Having raced in third, he was ridden and looked in trouble from two furlongs out, as True Self travelled strongly in front.
However the chestnut victor responded well to pressure and gradually reeled-in the leader, getting to the front inside the final 100 yards, going on to score by a length and a quarter.
The aforementioned True Self (7/4) had to settle for second under Danny Mullins, while the 11/10 favourite Baliyad was another four and a half lengths back in third.
Lordan said afterwards: "He did it well. It's a hard thing to come here first time out against experienced opposition but he quickened up and did it well and he stays well.
"He'll improve plenty."
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Reelers Bro off the mark at Tipperary
Cape Of Good Hope, who is a full-brother to Highland Reel and Idaho, made all to take the opener at Tipperary this evening, the Glenvale Stud Race.
Seventh and fourth on his first two starts, the Aidan O'Brien trained colt finished behind Copia Verborum on his most recent outing at the Curragh.
That one re-opposed today, with Cape Of Good Hope easily reversing the form, coming home a length to the good under Donnacha O'Brien.
The Andy Slattery trained Decisive Action (14/1) finished second, with the aforementioned Copia Verborum another two and three parts of a length back in third.
Returned the 7/4 favourite, the winning son of Galileo was ridden a furlong out, and kept on well from there.
Donnacha O'Brien said afterwards: "He was a horse who always worked really nice and we always thought he was a smart horse. His first two runs were a bit disappointing really and it just took him a while to get it together mentally and he's doing it now.
"He did it nicely and is a gorgeous horse and when he matures and fills out physically he'll be better again."
Cape Of Good Hope Number (4) & South Pacific (Number 5) at Tipperary races Many thanks to Breandán @bohual
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Baby Pink pictured above finished 4th in the 6.20 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden At Tipperary Many thanks to Breandán @bohual
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Aidan Happy for Saxon to take his chance in Eclipse
5th July
It has been confirmed that Saxon Warrior will go to Sandown for a tilt at the Coral Eclipse Aidan Saying “Obviously he only ran last week, so we haven’t done much, but he seems to be in good form.
“Obviously we’re observing him very closely because he only ran last week. If there was anything negative we’d flag it up straight away.
“We’re taking a bit of a chance running him back so close, but we’re happy with him.
“We never thought that dropping back in trip would be a problem to him.”
Saxon Warrior will be joined by stablemates Cliffs Of Moher who ran twice at Royal Ascot in The Prince Of Wales's Stakes and Hardwicke Stakes and Happily who was last seen finishing an unlucky 4th in the Prix Diane there will be eight-runners.
Donnacha O'Brien will partner the 2000 Guineas winner with retained jockey Ryan Moore heading stateside for rides on Athena (Oaks) Hunting Horn (Derby) & Mendelssohn (Dwyer) all at Belmont Park on Saturday night. Seamie Heffernan will partner Cliffs of Moher & Wayne Lordan will be on Happily.
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Adan reveals UK USA & France weekend Plans
4th July
Saxon now likely to run in Eclipse on Saturday.
Aidan - It's possible that Saxon Warrior will run in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown on Saturday. He ran a very big race in the Irish Derby less than a week ago, and while he's come out of that very well we're going to leave it until the last minute before making up our minds about whether he'll run.
Happily is more possible than not to run in the Eclipse, while Cliffs Of Moher is very possible also. No definite plan has been made just yet but that's how we are all thinking right now about the three horses."
Ballydoyle Quartet arrive Stateside.
"Mendelssohn and Seahenge run in the Dwyer Stakes. We also run Athena in the Belmont Oaks. She ran well at the Curragh when third in the Pretty Polly and we think coming back to a mile and two furlongs won't be a problem to her.
"We were very happy with Hunting Horn at Ascot and he also goes for the Belmont Derby. Threeandfourpence doesn't run."
Ryan Moore will partner 3 of the Ballydoyle Quartet at Belmont on Saturday - Athena Hunting Horn & Mendelssohn Javier Castellano will be on Seahenge in the Dwyer Stakes
Gustav has French Mission in Sights.
"Gustav Klimt could run in the Prix Jean Prat on Sunday. He came out of Ascot well and we're very happy with him.
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UPDATE - 17 former Ballydoyle or Owning Hill Residents now in training with Liam Howley for Team Williams - 9 of them have just had their registrations go through in Australia - Looking forward to seeing them all in action
Our 10th Rankings/Ratings supplement of the season is here - Timeform Global Rankings European Division Ballydoyle Spotlight & News - A total of 14 Ballydoyle Residents in the rankings including joint highest rated 3YO
Huge thanks to Timeform - website
Galileo v Dubawi Tale of the Tape updated
This has taken the best part of a day to put together but love how it turned out - Galileo's 38 Multiple G1 Winners
Leading Sires GB & IRE Tables Updated- Galileo Leads the way Camelot Bursts into top 10 - No Nay Never clear - Camelot a mile clear in 2nd season sires - Excelebration just outside top 10
So the Camelot Dynasty begins - Leading Second Season Sire in Europe - 4th in the overall Flat leading Sires Championship - overall 2nd Leading Sires of 3yos in Europe 2018 - A Phenomenal start to his career
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Capri on way back but won't run until the autumn
July 2nd
Capri is set to tackle the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes en route to a possible second attempt at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in October.
Last year’s St Leger hero made a successful start to the current campaign when winning the Alleged Stakes at Naas in April, but subsequently suffered a shoulder injury.
O’Brien is now looking towards the 10-furlong Irish Champion Stakes on September 15 as a first major objective, with a trip to Longchamp for the autumn showpiece an option after Capri beat only one horse home in the Arc last year.
The trainer said: “Capri is on the way back but won’t be there until the autumn. He’ll have a run or two before Leopardstown, I’d imagine, with the Arc in mind.”
Saxon Warrior could also contest the Irish Champion Stakes after having to settle for third in Saturday’s Irish Derby at the Curragh.
Winner of the 2000 Guineas, Saxon Warrior is set to drop back in trip having also finished fourth in the Derby at Epsom.
O’Brien added: “He’s good, not a bother on him. He’ll have a little rest now and he’ll come back and be trained for the mile and a quarter races at York (Juddmonte International) and Leopardstown. That’s the plan.”
Ryan Moore believes the decision to switch back to 10 furlongs will play to Saxon Warrior’s strengths following his three-quarter-length defeat at the Curragh.
He told At The Races: “I’d have to say it was an improved run on Epsom.
“He ran very well. Obviously it was disappointing he got beat, but it was a messy sort of a race really.
“It’s disappointing he’s been beat twice since the Guineas, where he was so good, but I’d like to think he’ll be be better when he comes down in trip.
“He’s had a couple of tough races, so hopefully we’ll get him back to the way he was in the Guineas and get him back on track.”
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Muddy Waters on who represents Ballydoyle in The Eclipse but Happily could Run.
July 2nd
Aidan O’Brien could let top-class filly Happily take on the boys in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday.
The daughter of Galileo won twice at Group One level as a juvenile and although she has failed to add to her tally so far this season, she finished third in both the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh.
She was last seen finishing a half-length fourth behind the Karl Burke-trained Laurens in the Prix de Diane at Chantilly and O’Brien confirmed an appearance in next weekend’s Sandown feature is under serious consideration.
Speaking at the Curragh on Sunday, the trainer said: “I have to talk to Ryan (Moore).
“I was speaking to John (Magnier of Coolmore) and he was saying we might go there (Sandown) with Happily.
“Happily also has an option of going to America on Saturday for a fillies’ race at Belmont (Belmont Oaks Invitational).
“Hunting Horn might go for the three-year-old race in Belmont (Belmont Derby Invitational). He was in the Eclipse as well, but they can’t all go and have to split up somewhere.
“It’s possible he’ll go to America, instead of the Eclipse, and take on the three-year-old colts.
“I think some of the older fillies (Rhododendron & Hydrangea) are in the Eclipse as well but I’m not sure yet about them.”
One Ballydoyle inmate who will not be heading to Sandown is Gustav Klimt, who was last seen finishing second to Without Parole in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
O’Brien added: “Gustav Klimt is going to go to the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.”
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Flag Of Honour leads home Giuseppe Garibaldi in Ballydoyle 1 2 in Curragh Cup
Flag Of Honour flies highest in the Group 2 Comer Group International Curragh Cup for @Ballydoyle. NINE winners at the Irish Derby Festival for Ryan Moore! @curraghrace
Flag Of Honour revelled in the step up in trip when claiming the Comer Group International Curragh Cup this afternoon.
The Ballydoyle colt failed to make much impression in the French Derby last time but proved a cut above his rivals in today's Group 2 contest.
Ryan Moore bounced out in front on the Galileo colt and he saw out the mile-six trip well.
He was asked to assert passing the two pole and stayed on stoutly to hold stable-mate Giuseppe Garibaldi by a length-and-a-half.
“Ryan thought that the trip was no problem for him and he said he handles an ease as well as fast ground,” said Aidan O'Brien.
“He said he could be a Leger horse and could turn into a Melbourne Cup horse. Rekindling won that race last year. They are the possibilities.
“When we were doing the jockey bookings I didn't know which one to put Ryan on because Giuseppe has improved and improved and doesn't do much at home so it's hard to work him out.
“This horse would have run in a Derby if we had had him in it. It was good to find out that he gets this trip.
“Wayne's horse (Victory Salute - finished fourth) ran a lovely race and he'll progress on. He's only a maiden and was green.”
Thanks to @bohual for the pictures
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Impressive Yucatan wins a 6th International Stakes for Aidan
Denied in the Irish Derby, but quite a meeting at @curraghrace for @Ballydoyle - it's now seven up for Aidan O'Brien as Yucatan lands the Group 3 @Volvo_Finlay International Stakes:
Yucatan bounced back to form when running out a gutsy all-the-way winner of the Finlay Volvo International Stakes at the Curragh.
Ryan Moore was soon in front on the 2/1 favourite and asked him for an effort passing the two pole in the Group 3 contest.
The Galileo colt answered every call and went on to record a length victory over Stellar Mass.<Yucatan was shown significant improvement on his last outing having never shown when last of 16 in the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot.
“He was just a bit slow away in Ascot he he never really got going. You'd be delighted with that,” said O'Brien.
“We'll look for another Group 3 for him. He might get a mile-and-a-half. No doubt he likes a bit of nice ground as he's a very good mover.
“Ryan was happy with him, he just said he's very lazy. The blinkers seemed to help him there. In Ascot he had cheekpieces so I'd say the blinkers were probably a help to him.”
It was a quick double for Moore and O'Brien with So Perfect having landed the previous race.
Thanks to @bohual for the pictures
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So Perfect digs deep to win the Grangecon Stud Stakes Group 3
The fourth @Ballydoyle winner at the Irish Derby Festival backing up from Royal Ascot - beaten under a length in the Queen Mary, So Perfect gets up in the Group 3 Grangecon Stud Stakes under Ryan Moore at @curraghrace:
Aidan O’Brien’s filly was the 6-4 favourite for the Group Three contest, turning out just 11 days after finishing a close-up fourth in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The Ballydoyle handler fielded three of the eight runners, with son Joseph saddling two, and it was Aidan O’Brien’s Fleeting who took the field along for much of the six-furlong journey.
With the pacesetter fading tamely, Joseph O’Brien’s Cava and the Patrick Prendergast-trained Skitter Scatter engaged in a battle for the lead over a furlong out before So Perfect and Ryan Moore lunged late to beat them both.
Skitter Scatter was half a length away in second, with Cava the same distance further back in third.
“I'm delighted with her. She had a lovely run in Ascot. She just got drawn a little bit out by herself at Ascot but that was lovely and she was able to get a little bit of cover today,” said Aidan O'Brien.
“Ryan was delighted with her. He said she's not there yet and there is plenty more to come from her.
“She is a fine big strong filly. Ryan said going out that he wasn't going to get there too early.
“She might got to the Cherry Hinton as could Gossamer Wings.
“I think she'll stay further. She's a big strong filly and she'd have to be a bit weak still because she's so big.
“I think Joseph liked his filly and the second filly had a very good run with Sergei (Prokofiev). She's a Scat Daddy so I'd say she'd like fast ground.”
Thanks to @bohual for the pictures
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No Joy for Ballydoyle in Curragh opener but here are pictures of the trio from @bohual special thanks to Brendan
Anthony Van Dyck
Mount Everest
Norway
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