Long Island Sound Just gets up to Bag the Diamond Stakes at Dundalk

©Healy Racing Photos

"I was third at one stage but once he got his second wind he was away again," revealed Seamie Heffernan after he brought up a Dundalk double in the Group 3 Text Your Bet To Paddy Power on 51465 Diamond Stakes. Heffernan was aboard the Ballydoyle odds-on favourite Long Island Sound.

Half-an-hour earlier Heffernan was a winner on Dont Bother Me for Niall Moran, but the game looked up for him here at stages in the straight aboard the front-running Long Island Sound.

English raider Battalion, and Qatari Hunter shaped as possible winners from the quarter mile pole, but Long Island Song was tough when he needed to be.

Hawke was the 'finisher,' but at the line Long Island Sound triumphed by a neck, half a length and a head from Battalion,p>Hawke and Qatari Hunter.

Heffernan added: "I would have preferred a lead but Aidan's are tough. I wasn't sure there was going to be enough pace so I took a gamble.

"He's a fair horse.

"I'd only be guessing (if there'll be another outing for Long Island Sound this term) but he was finishing well, so usually when they are finishing down past the winning post another run is not out of the question."

Secretariat Stakes runner-up Long Island Sound is now three from three at Dundalk and he was wearing a first-time visor here.

(GC & EM)

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Frankie gets the ride on Order of St George in the Arc by Red

30th September

Frankie Dettori will ride Gold Cup winner Order Of St George for Aidan in the Group 1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly on Sunday.

Frankie, will be seeking a fifth win in the 12-furlong feature, he had been provisionally booked by trainer Dermot Weld for the 2015 Champion Stakes winner Fascinating Rock on Monday, but his intended mount was ruled out 24 hours later.

Order Of St George has run twice since winning the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, winning the Group 3 PALMERSTOWN HOUSE ESTATE IRISH ST LEGER TRIAL STAKES but was surprisingly beaten at odds of 1-7 in the Group 1 PALMERSTOWN HOUSE ESTATE IRISH ST. LEGER . The Galileo colt will be running over a mile and a half for the first time.

Frankie said: "I've picked up the ride on Order Of St George and I'm every bit as thrilled as I was when I rode Camelot for Aidan in the race four years ago. I was getting a bit anxious that I might miss out on an Arc ride after Fascinating Rock failed to make the race so I am delighted that Aidan has asked me to ride for him again. Everyone knows Aidan has had this race in mind for my horse for a while and the record of stayers in the race is good. His best form is probably over further but Marienbard had run in a Gold Cup the year before he went on to win the Arc for me, so I know it can be done. I wouldn't be too worried about the trip. Postponed is clearly the biggest threat. It's difficult to see any flaws in the favourite but my horse is trained by a genius. Now I've had the good news confirmed I can relax a bit and start looking forward to a big run."

Aidan is also set to saddle Found with Ryan Moore and Highland Reel with Seamie Heffernan.

Found is currently 13/2 Highland Reel 16/1 and Order Of St George 20/1 all with Paddy Power.

Ballydoyle Horses in the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training sale in News section

The following Ballydoyle horses have now been Gelded - Bhutan, Cook Islands, Housesofparliament, Immortal Bridge, Rhinestone, Santiago De Cuba, , Sword Fighter, The Major General, Treasure Chest, Tree Of Knowledge, Triplicate, Unicorn.

Dundalk Friday

6.00 Old Time Waltz Heff 7.35 Long Island Sound Heff

Chantilly Sunday Update on Ballydoyle entries

Promise To Be True Marcel Boussac; Utah, Whitecliffsofdover & Peace Envoy in Lagadere, Best In The World in l'Opera, Washington DC in Abbaye Found Highland Reel & Order of st George remain in Arc.

Group 1 winner Dick Whittington heads the Ballydoyle HIT for Tattersalls by Red

29th September

Group 1 winner Dick Whittington heads a bumper catalogue of 1,515 lots set to go under the hammer at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale from the 24th to the 27th October.

The four year old Rip Van Winkle colt is among 31 lots to come from Ballydoyle . Dick Whittington was the Group 1 winner of the KEENELAND PHOENIX STAKES at the Curragh in 2014 and the winner of the Group 3 OLIVER BRADY MEMORIAL SHABRA BALLYCORUS STAKES at Leopardstown in 2016.

He is joined by the sprinter The Happy Prince by Rip Van Winkle , winner of the Group 3 Renaissance Stakes last weekend at the Curragh , last year’s Group 2 Railway Stakes winner Painted Cliffs by Canford Cliffs , and the high class Galileo colt Bravery, who was fourth behind Awtaad in this year's Tattersalls sponsored Group 1 Irish 2000 Guineas.

Alice set for Chariot

September 29

Alice Springs heads a field of nine declared for the Kingdom Of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

Aidan O'Brien's filly will bid to take her Group One haul to three after victories in the Newmarket's Falmouth Stakes and the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown.

She is the only Irish challenger in the nine-strong line-up but there are three French raiders - Ervedya, Siyoushake and Volta - while Smart Call represents South Africa.

Keeping up the British end are Saeed bin Suroor's Always Smile, David Elsworth's Arabian Queen, the Martyn Meade-trained Irish Rookie and Epsom Icon from Mick Channon's stable.

The only withdrawal at the 48-hour final declaration stage was Matron Stakes runner-up Persuasive.

Aidan has won this race once with Halfway to Heaven in 2008

Ballydoyle Big names in Champions day mix

29th September

Minding has multiple options on champions day

Highland Reel US Army Ranger & Minding are all possibles for the Qipco British Champion Stakes as are stablemates Long Island Sound & Hit It A Bomb.

Minding also remains in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes along with stablemates Long Island Sound Hit It A Bomb & Cougar Mountain. Sun Chariot Favorite Alice Springs is also entered.

Minding, Found and Seventh Heaven remain in the QIPCO British Champions Fillies' & Mares' Stakes. Best in the World Pretty Perfect & Even Song also are entered but are expected to run else where.

Order Of St George remains in the Qipco British Long Distance Cup along with Bondi Beach but the later is expected to run in the Melbourne Cup.

Washington DC is Aidan O'Brien's only representive in the Qipco British Champion Sprint

Air Force Blue Tribute Painting by me hope he has a very happy retirement gave us some great memories

Chantilly Sunday Ballydoyle Entries - Hydrangea, Promise to be True, Key to My Heart & Rhododendron Marcel Boussac. - Washington DC Prix Abbaye - Cougar Mountain Prix Foret - Seventh Heaven, Even Song & Best in the World Prix L'Opera - Capri, Whitecliffsofdover, Intelligence Cross, Peace Envoy& Utah Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère Order Of St George Highland Reel & Found Arc

45 Black types for Gleneagles

FOUND a remarkable Filly poster by me - She is one of the most constant horses we have ever seen

AFB To Coolmore America

Air Force Blue conformation web

Last season’s European Champion Two-Year-Old Air Force Blue, described by Aidan O’Brien as the best juvenile he has ever trained, has been retired from racing and will stand at Coolmore America’s Ashford Stud. The son of War Front from W.T. Young’s Grade 1 family of Flanders and Surfside broke his maiden as early as the month of May, despite being a May foal, and went on to record three straight Group 1 successes in the Phoenix Stakes, Vincent O’Brien National Stakes and the Dewhurst Stakes. Timeform and Racing Post were unanimous in rating him 5 lbs superior to the next best colt of his generation.

“With the exception of Frankel who has made such a brilliant start to his stud career, Air Force Blue is Timeform’s highest-rated juvenile in nearly 20 years. In fact, he’s the highest-rated juvenile ever from the Danzig line” said Ashford Stud manager Dermot Ryan.

“Arthur Hancock has bred many very good horses over the years and all of our team loved Air Force Blue when we saw him as a yearling at Keeneland. He was a very racy sort with plenty of size and scope and a great action so he very quickly went on the short list. He proved himself to be a brilliant two-year-old and it’s great to see War Front now heading the Leading 2YO Sires table. Aidan O’Brien already has four Group-winning juveniles by him this year including the 1-2 in last weekend’s Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes. We’re absolutely thrilled his best two-year-old son is coming to Ashford,” Ryan added.

Air Force Blue’s fee will be announced at a later date.

Updated Sires Tables

Capri Digital Art Painting by me love this horse think he is underestimated

Alice Springs a possible for the Sun Chariot by Red 26th September

Alice Springs and Persuasive could clash again

Dual Group One winner Alice Springs is one of 10 fillies in contention for Saturday's Group 1 Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket.

Aidan's filly broke her top-level duck with victory in the Falmouth Stakes on the July Course during the summer and while she disappointed on her next start in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville, she bounced back with a superb display in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown.

She could renew rivalries this weekend with the John Gosden-trained Persuasive, who was unbeaten in her first five starts before filling the runner-up spot in the Matron.

This is a race Aidan has won in the past with Halfway to Heaven in 2008.


Qipco Champions series 2016 standings: - Ballydoyle horses


Fillies and Mares-
1st = Minding (IRE)  RATING  120 WIN-2ND-3RD (3-0-0)
2nd = Seventh Heaven (IRE) RATING 119 WIN-2ND-3RD (1-0-0)
3rd = Alice Springs (IRE) RATING 115 WIN-2ND-3RD (1-0-2)
4th =  Found (IRE) RATING 114 WIN-2ND-3RD (0-3-0)

Long Distance - 
1st = Order of St George (IRE) RATING 119 WIN-2ND-3RD (1-0-0) 
4th = Housesofparliament (IRE) RATINg 113 WIN-2ND-3RD (0-0-1)

Middle Distance-
3rd = The Gurkha (IRE) RATING 121 WIN-2ND-3RD (1-2-0)
3rd = Highland Reel (IRE) RATING 121 WIN-2ND-3RD (1-1-0)
4th = Us Army Ranger (IRE) RATING 120 WIN-2ND-3RD (0-1-0)


Mile -
1st = The Gurkha (IRE) RATING 122 WIN-2ND-3RD (1-2-0)

O'Brien trio set for Triomphe

September 26 2016,

Aidan O'Brien looks set to have three leading chances in next weekend's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

The Chantilly showpiece is on the agenda for Gold Cup winner Order Of St George, together with King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes victor Highland Reel and top-class filly Found, who has finished second on her last five outings, all at Group One level.

O'Brien's star three-year-old filly Minding has a number of options at Ascot on Champions Day.

The Ballydoyle trainer said: "Order Of St George, Found and Highland Reel are in the mix at the moment for the Arc.

"Minding may run next at Ascot. She has three options with the Fillies And Mares, Champion Stakes and the QEII.

"Promise To Be True could go for the Boussac (at Chantilly), and we will decide on other plans for France during the week."

Meanwhile, O'Brien reported his Cheveley Park Stakes one-two Brave Anna and Roly Poly to have taken their exertions at Newmarket on Saturday well.

He added: "All the horses have come out of their races well at Newmarket yesterday.

"The two fillies, Brave Anna and Roly Poly, could go to the Breeders' Cup. Fast ground in Santa Anita would suit them."

A.P.O'Brien career Stats Updated

650 & Counting

I Think im right in saying Aidan becomes the first trainer in history to break the £6 million mark

The Group Ones in UK A.P.O'Brien has so far failed to win

Liscanna is a Yummy Mummy

Capri too good in Beresford

September 25th

Capri provided Aidan O'Brien with his sixth successive win in the Juddmonte Beresford Stakes and 16th in all at the Curragh.

The Ballydoyle trainer was responsible for four of the six runners in the one mile Group Two contest and his team duly filled the first three places.

It was the Ryan Moore ridden 8/11 favourite who came out on top, scoring by three quarters of a length from Yucatan.

It was hard work in the testing conditions and third home Exemplar deserves credit having been in the firing line throughout with fellow pacesetter Escape Clause weakening out of contention some way from home.

Moore moved his Galileo colt - the most experienced of the principals - towards the stands' side and he kept on gamely in the testing conditions to follow up last month's Listed win atTipperary.

Encouragement can certainly be taken for the future for Capri, Yucatan, and Exemplar, all sons of the mighty Galileo.

"I was very impressed with all three colts. They went a nice pace and came up the middle so they had to learn," reported O'Brien.

"Capri is a nice moving horse and should prefer better ground. All three should definitely get a mile and a quarter, and if they are good over that they should get a mile and a half. They are all bred for it.

"Ryan was very happy. He kept quickening and was surprised they came with him.

"Next week could be a bit quick for them to run again but we certainly will look at the Racing Post for all three.

"You learn the same as we do when we run them against each other. Sometimes we get surprised and sometimes not."

Paddy Power go 10/1 from 16/1 about Capri for the Derby. Aidan O'Brien is 5/6 to win the big one at Epsom with the same firm.

From a Pawper to a Prince

©Healy Racing Photos

September 25th

The Happy Prince kept on gamely to win the Group Three Renaissance Stakes for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore at the Curragh.

The four-year-old has has been running consistently this season and gained due rewards for his efforts with victory in the Group Three contest.

A runner-up to Breton Rock over seven furlongs at Doncaster last time, he was always prominent under Moore on this drop back to sprinting and his stamina came into play in the closing stages.

The winner edged across to the rail inside the final furlong, forcing the chasing Flight Risk to switch to the outside but neither he, nor closer La Rioja, ever looked like getting on terms with the 11/4 favourite.

The winning margin was three parts of a length with Flight Risk holding British raider La Rioja for minor honours.

Aidan reflected in the aftermath: "He's definitely improving. Ryan said he would have no problem going back to five furlongs as he has plenty of speed.

"He's more straight forward and is really enjoying it now."

Year by Year stats updated

A Great addition to the Breeding Ranks a colt who left you with the feeling there was a lot more to come. He ticks all boxes

1 2 for Ballydoyle as Brave Anna Wins the G1 Cheveley Park Roly Poly 2nd Aidan's first win in the race well done Mrs Evie Stockwell

Anna Stuns Aurelia in Cheveley

Seamie Heffernan and Brave Anna get the better of a battle with Roly Poly to win the Cheveley Park Stakes, with Lady Aurelia (far left) fading into third.

September 24th

Seamie Heffernan and Brave Anna get the better of a battle with Roly Poly to win the Cheveley Park Stakes, with Lady Aurelia (far left) fading into third.

Frankie Dettori sent the odds-on favourite to the front from the start and by halfway she was well more than three lengths clear. But on a windy day, the petrol tank read empty more quickly than Dettori would have hoped and she was a spent force by the furlong-pole.

It was at that point that Roly Poly and Brave Anna sailed past down the outside, but it was Seamie Heffernan aboard the 25/1 outsider who got the best of the photo finish by a short head. Lady Aurelia was back in third, with Queen Kindly a disappointing fourth.

Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien, successful for the first time in the race, said: "It takes a very good filly to win this and we were delighted. When they got together they helped each other.

"Wesley's filly is a very good filly and the wind out there probably didn't help her but our two fillies have been very good fillies all year.

"Seamie gave the winner a great ride and really got her into a flying rhythm.

"I'm not sure what happened in the Moyglare - maybe it was the seven furlongs, or maybe she just got a bit tired, but we always had faith in her.

"We knew there was going to be pace and there was a very strong pace."

On the other side of the winner's enclosure, Lady Aurelia's trainer Wesley Ward was left deflated.

"It's a humbling game," he told Channel 4 Racing. "With expectations come big disappointments.

"When he called on her, it just wasn't there for the last bit, but it's been a tough campaign. I'm not trying to make any excuses or take anything away from the two that beat her. But she's a special filly and we'll take her back and try and get her ready for the Commonwealth Cup at Ascot.

"I expected to win today. I laid it out there on everybody and when you do that... it happens."

Aidan out to lay his Cheveley park ghost to rest by Red

The Connolly's Red Mills Cheveley Park Stakes is one of the few Group 1's missing from Aidan's record of top-level prizes and either Roly Poly or Brave Anna will attempt to right that wrong today.

A daughter of War Front and multiple Group 1 winner Misty For Me, Roly Poly goes into this as the winner of three of her six starts, with two of her victories having come at Group level.

Winner of the Group 3 Grangecon Stud Stakes at the Curragh and the Group 2 Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket, the filly finished second in the Group 2 Lowther Stakes at York behind Queen Kindly whom she meets again today.

Aidan said: "Roly Poly is a hardy, consistent filly. We've been happy with her since York and she's going there in good form."

Brave Anna the War Front fillies last two runs have been disappointing, Aidan believes that dropping down in trip from seven furlongs will suit the Albany Stakes winner. Aidan said: "She had a good break after her Royal Ascot win. We think going seven furlongs might have caught her out and that dropping back in trip will help."

COUGAR MOUNTAIN Storms home in the Joel Stakes

Cougar comes good in Joel Stakes

September 23rd

Aidan O'Brien won the Shadwell Joel Stakes at Newmarket for the first time since 2001 with Cougar Mountain (15/2).

Mick Kinane was the man in the saddle that day but Ryan Moore was doing the steering and told Channel 4 Racing that he always felt he would take the prize.

"It was a funny race but it always felt like he would win today," he said. "It went well for him and he thoroughly deserved it.

"He's run in very good races [this season] and ran in some very good races last year. He's held his form very well."

Gifted Master adopted his usual position at the head of affairs and kicked clear of the pack after being given a breather with favourite Nathra notably struggling at the rear of the field.

Ryan Moore made a shrewd move just before halfway in the mile contest when he moved up from the rear to track the leader and the son of Fastnet Rock picked up strongly for Moore to hit the front a furlong out and he went on to win by three and a quarter lengths.

Nathra finished out of the places but did stay on late in the day to take third.

Kevin Buckley, representing the winning owners, said: "We came here hoping, we knew he'd come out of his race at Doncaster in good form and he likes good to firm ground.

"Personally, I think he's probably better over the mile trip. He's always been knocking on the door, always been there or thereabouts and we're very happy with that.

"He's a bit of a character, a likeable rogue. We're going to have to go in search of that ground again and we might have a look at the QEII on Champions Day if the ground is suitable alternatively we could go over to Santa Anita for the Breeders' Cup Mile."

Aidan sends a strong Quartet to the Beresford by Red

Capri, ridden by Seamie Heffernan, wins at Galway.

Aidan is responsible for four of the seven runners as he bids to enhance his impressive record in Sunday's Group 2 Juddmonte Beresford Stakes at the Curragh.

Aidan has saddled an incredible 15 previous winners of the prestigious juvenile prize, including the last five, and heading this year's assault is the exciting Capri. Runner-up on his Curragh debut in July, the Galileo colt opened his account in some style at the Galway Festival before landing a Listed prize at Tipperary in early August. He steps up to Grade Two level this weekend and is the chosen mount of Ryan Moore.

Aidan is also represented by the impeccably-bred course-and-distance scorer Yucatan with Donnacha O'Brien, Tipperary maiden winner Latin Beat with Colm O'Donoghue and another Galway victor Exemplar the mount of Seamie Heffernan.

Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen team up with dual winner Firey Speech, who was runner-up in a Group Three at Leopardstown a fortnight ago.

Joseph's Eagle Spirit and Jessica Harrington's Escape Clause, supplemented following a debut success at Listowel, complete the field.

Aidan has won this in the past in

1996 Johan Cruyff , 1997 Saratoga Springs 1998 Festival Hall, 1999 Lermontov, 2000 Turnberry Isle , 2001 Castle Gandolfo, 2004 Albert Hall , 2005 Septimus, 2006 Eagle Mountain, 2009 St Nicholas Abbey, 2011 David Livingston , 2012 Battle of Marengo, 2013 Geoffrey Chaucer, 2014 Ol' Man River and 2015 Port Douglas.

Douglas MacArthur & The Anvil in Royal Lodge, Roly Poly & Brave Anna in Cheverley Park & Peace Envoy & Intelligence Cross in Middle Park. Jockey bookings - Ryan rides Dougie Mac, Heff on The Anvil - Ryan on Peace Envoy, Heff on Intelligence Cross - Ryan on Roly Poly, Heff on Brave Anna

Aidan double handed in Royal Lodge

22nd September

O'Brien is double-handed in his bid to win a sixth Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

Royal Kingdom (1999), Mutinyonthebounty (2001), Admiralofthefleet (2006), Joshua Tree (2009) and Daddy Long Legs (2011) are all previous winners of the Group Two contest for the Ballydoyle maestro and his main contender for this year's renewal appears to be Douglas Macarthur.

The Galileo colt looked every inch a top-class prospect when opening his account at Leopardstown in July, but was beaten into third when odds-on for a Group Three at Foxrock a fortnight ago.

O'Brien also saddles The Anvil, who remains a maiden after placed efforts at the Curragh and Doncaster.

The trainer's son Joseph is also represented, with Arcada an interesting contender.

The son of Rip Van Winkle beat the exciting Capri when opening his account at the Curragh during the summer and was not disgraced when third of four runners in the Futurity Stakes on his latest outing.

Godolphin fire a twin assault, with Charlie Appleby's Kempton winner Bay Of Poets joined by the Hugo Palmer-trained Best Of Days, who was narrowly beaten when an odds-on favourite for the Acomb Stakes at York last month.

Mark Johnston runs four-time winner Montataire, while the hat-trick seeking Kings Gift steps up in class for Michael Dods.

Likely outsider Sea Fox, trained by David Evans, completes the eight-strong field.

Super-Bred Hibiscus breaks her maiden tag in style at the Curragh

©Healy Racing Photos

22nd September

The Aidan O’Brien trained regally bred Hibiscus gained a valuable maiden win at the Curragh today, landing the Irish Blue Cross (Fillies) Maiden under jockey Seamie Heffernan.

A daughter of top stallion Galileo and out of disqualified 2010 1,000 Guneas first-past-the-post mare Jacqueline Quest, Hibiscus had finished second twice and third twice on her four previous starts and today scored a length and a half win over Green Or Black.

O’Brien wasn’t present but following the race Heffernan stated “she got bogged down on the heavy ground (at Listowel) last week but came out of the race well. She came home well, and hopefully she can get black type now.”

Aidan Double handed in Cheveley

22nd September

Aidan O'Brien will be represented by Brave Anna and Roly Poly in the Connolly's Red Mills Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday

Brave Anna won the Albany Stakes at the Royal meeting but has since been disappointing, while Roly Poly claimed the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes on the July Course before finding Queen Kindly too strong in the Lowther Stakes at York.

Michael O'Callaghan's Holy Cat also crosses the Irish Sea and t he raiding trio face unbeaten American filly Lady Aurelia in the six-runner event.

After providing trainer Wesley Ward with another Royal Ascot winner after a scintillating performance in the Queen Mary Stakes, the daughter of Scat Daddy returned home before journeying back to Europe to contest the Prix Morny at Deauville.

Tackling six furlongs for the first time, Lady Aurelia was less spectacular in France than in Berkshire, but connections have been in bullish mood ahead of her latest assignment on the Rowley Mile.

Heading the home challenge for the Group One contest is the Richard Fahey-trained Frankel filly Queen Kindly, while David Simcock's Pellucid completes the field.

Aidan O'Brien Yearly Winners

Tomorrows Ballydoyle Runners & Riders at the Curragh & Newmarket

Sugarloaf Mountain set for his debut at Roscommon on Monday the 2 year old half Brother to G1 winner Bracelet and G2 winner Wading

Timeform Global Rankings European Division Ballydoyle Spotlight & News Update 21/9/16

The Gurkha unfulfilled Potential by Red

Galileo's son The Gurkha retires to Coolmore stud for the 2017 season after illness curtails his all too brief racing career.

He underwent colic surgery successfully in early August. He was a winner of 3 of his 6 starts having never ran as a 2 year old due to illness.

The Gurkha started his career with a 3rd in a Leopardstown maiden and ended his career at Goodwood in the Group 1 Qatar Sussex stakes beating Galileo Gold and Ribchester. He put up an impressive 5 and a half length victory in the Group 1 Poule d'essai des Poulains.

He showed true flashes of brilliance in his all too brief career who knows how high he could have gone.

The Gurkha is a brother to Group 3 placed Queen Nefertiti.

Courage lands the odds and breaks maiden at Naas

Courage Under Fire by David Betts Photography

Courage Under Fire, a 105-rated and Group 1 placed son of War Front, got off the mark at the sixth attempt when victorious in the Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Maiden at Naas.

Donnacha O'Brien rode the Ballydoyle-trained 9/10 chance for his father Aidan, and Courage Under Fire made most for a half a length win over Porto Ferro.

Porto Ferro kept on well in the closing stages without matching Courage Under Fire.

"He was entitled to do that off his rating. He was probably a little bit lazy in front and faster ground would help him," said the winning rider.

"An extra furlong would be no problem at all. Seven probably stretched him in England."

©Healy Racing Photos

Cougar Mountain heads to Newmarket

Image result for cougar mountain horse

September 21st

Trainer Aidan O'Brien relies upon the five-year-old after withdrawing his other entry, Long Island Sound, at the final declaration stage.

Among a field of six is dual Group One winner Amazing Maria, who was supplemented for the Group Two over a mile at the confirmation stage.

Her trainer David O'Meara is also represented by Custom Cut, the winner in 2014 and runner-up to Time Test 12 months ago.

A trio of three-year-olds - Sir Michael Stoute's Forge, the Hugo Palmer-trained Gifted Master and Nathra from John Gosden's stable - make up the sextet.

Tomorrows Runners & Riders for team Ballydoyle at Naas

Aidan has Taj Mahal in the Maiden at 2.00 & Whitecliffsofdover in the Tattersalls Stakes Group 3 at 3.40 on Thursday at Newmarket & Ryan rides both.

Highland Reel, Order Of St George, Sir Isaac Newton the remaining three Coolmore horses in both Caulfield Cup & Cox Plate

Peace Envoy and Intelligence Cross to run in Middle Park.

Check out our Tattersalls Yearling Sales Book One AOBFS Top 20 Shortlist here > http://www.aidanobrienfansite.com/tattersalls-book-one.php .

Aidan chases 16th win in the Berresford

September 20th

Exemplar looks exciting

Aidan O'Brien aims for his 16th win in the Juddmonte Berresford stakes on Sunday.

With 15 wins in the Juddmonte Beresford Stakes, trainer Aidan O'Brien aims to add another victory to his belt

Aidan O’Brien will attempt to win the Juddmonte Beresford Stakes for an incredible 16th time and for a sixth season in a row when racing returns to the Curragh on Sunday.

The Group 2 contest has an elite roll of honour and among the 17 entries that stood their ground on Tuesday is the O’Brien-trained Capri who features prominently in the betting for the 2017 Derby.

O’Brien is responsible for nine of the remaining entries and also included is Douglas Macarthur and Exemplar.

Fresh from saddling his first Group 1 winner on the flat, Joseph O’Brien will be hoping to deny his father, Aidan, once again and has left Curragh maiden winner Arcada in the Beresford Stakes alongside Eagle Spirit.

Caravaggio runs out of time by Red

Aidan confirmed on Monday that the unbeaten Caravaggio, a best-priced 6-1 for the 2,000 Guineas, will not run again this season after being held-up by a muscle problem.

He said: "Caravaggio tweaked a muscle in his ribcage and was on the easy list for a while. He's fine again but we've run out of time with him and we've decided against running him again this season."

Order of St George faces possible Arc tilt by Red

Part-owner Lloyd Williams stressed it was highly unlikely that Order Of St George will run in the Emirates Melbourne Cup.

Aidan's Ascot Gold Cup winner has entered quarantine at his Ballydoyle base, but Williams insists a tilt at the Group 1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly was still the main target.

He said: "He's a 95 per cent chance of not coming to Australia but he has gone into quarantine. He's more than likely to run in the Arc, but he's in quarantine as an insurance as the Arc is being run in Chantilly this year and so we'll keep an eye on the weather and the track."

Order Of St George had won six races on the spin, but suffered a shock defeat on Irish Champions Weekend at the Curragh when Wicklow Brave beat him half a length in the Group 1 Irish St Leger.

The four-year-old colt,who would have to carry top weight in the Melbourne Cup, featured among 58 horses in the hunt for the Caulfield Cup on October 15.

Stablemates Highland Reel and Sir Isaac Newton are still in for the valuable handicap.

Johannes Vermeer is on the comeback trial he has been entered in a conditions race at Dundalk on Friday - Joseph has Ol'Man River entered too

Ballydoyle Entries update by Joe Porter - Brave Anna and Roly Poly among

10 in Cheverley Park Stakes G1 - Capri head the entries for Royal Lodge Aidan

has 9 left in (Capri, Exemplar, Dougie Mac, Latin Beat, Taj Mahl, The Anvil, Utah,

Whitcliffsofdover and Yucatan) - Caravaggio is expected to be finished for the

season and will be taken out of the Middle Park Stakes G1 but Aidan still has

Courage Under Fire, Leo Minor, Peace Envoy, Sportsmanship and Intelligence

Cross left in.

Caravaggio absent from Middle Park at Newmarket

September 19th

O'Brien is responsible for five of the 16 juveniles confirmed for Saturday's Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket - but Caravaggio is not among them.

The master of Ballydoyle is set to bid for a record fifth victory in the six-furlong Group One and Caravaggio would have been his main hope if lining up on the Rowley Mile.

However, O'Brien revealed last month his unbeaten Coventry and Phoenix Stakes hero could miss the rest of the season after suffering a minor setback and he is not among those to stand their ground.

In his absence, the trainer could call on impressive Round Tower Stakes winner Intelligence Cross, as well as Courage Under Fire, Leo Minor, Peace Envoy and Sportsmanship.

Capri heads Ballydoyle Lodge Entries

September 19th

Leading Classic contender Capri leads a nine-strong squad for Aidan O'Brien in the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

The grey colt, a son of the all-conquering Galileo, won his maiden at Galway before progressing to Listed honours in the Canford Cliffs Stakes at Tipperary. He is the current second-favourite for the Investec Derby behind stablemate Churchill.

In line to redeem his reputation in the Group Two contest over a mile is Douglas Macarthur, who was pushing for Derby favouritism before being surprisingly beaten on Irish Champions Weekend.

The beautifully-bred Yucatan - by Galileo out of Six Perfections - is another O'Brien possible.

O'Brien's son Joseph could saddle Arcada, who opened his account at the third attempt when beating Capri over this course and distance at the Curragh in July. He was last seen finishing third to Churchill in the Futurity Stakes last month.

Aidan Double handed in Cheveley

September 19th

Aidan O'Brien has two chances in Saturday's Connolly's Red Mills Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket.

Brave Anna won the Albany Stakes at the Royal meeting for the master of Ballydoyle but has been disappointing since, while her stablemate Roly Poly won the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes on the July Course before finding Queen Kindly too strong in the Lowther Stakes at York.

Michael O'Callaghan's Holy Cat and the Ger Lyons-trained Velveteen are the other Irish possibles.

Queen Kindly is among the potential opposition again, as is Lady Aurelia.

The daughter of Scat Daddy added to American trainer Wesley Ward's Royal Ascot tally with a devastating display in the Queen Mary Stakes and while she was less spectacular in last month's Prix Morny, she still won comfortably to maintain her unbeaten record.

No runners on Saturday here are Sunday's Runners

Great News Atlantic Jewel's first foal to be trained at Ballydoyle in 2017

George given Green Light for Tilt at the Arc

15th September

Order Of St George wins the Ascot Gold Cup

Order Of St George will miss the Melbourne Cup but more than likely run in also run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Lloyd Williams, the majority owner of Order Of St George, has indicated Order Of St George will contest the Arc despite his shock defeat when defending his Irish St Leger crown at the Curragh on Sunday.

Postponed heads the Arc betting at around 7-2. Harzand is abest-priced 14-1 with SkyBet, while Order Of St George is generally 25-1.

A.P.O'Brien G1's by nations

Aidan is surely uncatchable now

George handed top-weight in Melbourne Cup

13th September

Order of St George heads the Melbourne Cup weights

Aidan O'Brien's charge suffered a shock reverse in the Irish St Leger last Sunday, but has still heads the weights with Andreas Wohler's 2014 Cup hero Proctectionist.

Racing Victoria chief handicapper Greg Carpenter admits the European-trained pair have been set a stiff task if they line up in the Group One. "There have been 23 original topweights contest the Melbourne Cup since Comic Court's win in 1950 and none have placed, so Order Of St George and Protectionist would rightly earn their place among the Cup's true greats if they were to be successful.

"The handicap presents a challenge to both Order Of St George and Protectionist, however, they have earned their position at the head of the weights based on their performances over the past 12 months."

O'Brien's Great Voltigeur Stakes winner Idaho has been given 53kg (8st 5lb) following his St Leger mishap, with Doncaster third Housesofparliament allotted 50kg (7st 12lb).

Classy Churchill

His Best Ever year

Leading Sires tables Updated - Galileo passes 8 million Power drops out top

5 - Zoffany Headed

11 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes for Aidan O'Brien as Churchill impressively wins at the Curragh

Churchill boosts reputation in National Stakes triumph

11th September

Churchill and Ryan Moore cruised to victory at the Curragh

Churchill further enhanced his already huge reputation with an impressive victory in the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh.

Beaten on his debut before landing the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot, Aidan O'Brien's juvenile had since landed the Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown and the Futurity Stakes over this course and distance.

Sent off the 4-5 favourite for his Group One debut, the Galileo colt was always travelling powerfully in the hands of Ryan Moore as stable companion Lancaster Bomber played a pacemaking role.

Churchill made his move heading inside the last two furlongs and was swiftly followed by the Richard Hannon-trained Mehmas, the mount of Frankie Dettori.

The market principals settled down to fight it out, but it did not take long for Churchill to assert and he passed the post four and a quarter lengths to the good.

Mehmas, winner of the July Stakes at Newmarket and the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood over six furlongs, did not see out the seven furlongs as well, but just held on to second from fellow British challenger Lockheed, trained by William Haggas.

Paddy Power make Churchill their 5-2 favourite (from 6-1) for next year's 2000 Guineas and 6-1 favourite (from 20-1) for the Investec Derby at Epsom. He is 7-2 for the Guineas with William Hill and RaceBets.

Moore said: "He's a very exciting colt. He's done nothing wrong his whole life and I'm sure there'll be plenty more to come from him in the future. He has plenty of pace.

"Mehmas has won two Group Twos over six and when he came to me he found plenty. I think he has a big future."

A.P.O'Brien Career Stats - Top Earning horses in traing 2016 & year By Year Stats Updated

Washington DC a close up 2nd in the Flying Five (G2) at Curragh

Best in the World 2nd at the Curragh

Heff Scan All Clear but Sidelined for a week

11th September

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Seamie Heffernan is reported to be disappointed but unscathed following his dramatic fall in the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster on Saturday.

The leading Irish jockey was partnering odds-on favourite Idaho in the season's final Classic when his mount appeared to take a false step just under four furlongs out, dumping Heffernan on the Town Moor turf.

He was taken to hospital for precautionary checks and was replaced by Frankie Dettori on Irish Champion Stakes runner-up Found later in the evening.

Heffernan will not be in action on the second day of Irish Champions Weekend at the Curragh, but has not suffered any lasting damage.

Kevin Buckley, UK representative for Coolmore, said: "Seamie is absolutely fine. He was fine yesterday to be honest, but the racecourse wanted to be precautionary, in case he had suffered any concussion.

"I went with him in the ambulance to hospital in Sheffield, he had a scan there eventually and it was all clear.

"I think he's disappointed the way things panned out more than anything, and that he won't be able to ride today.

"I'd imagine he has quite a sore nose as he has a nasty cut where the goggles came down.

"He stayed over last night and flew back to Cork this morning. He'll see Dr McGoldrick (Irish Turf Club chief medical officer) when he gets back."

Alice Springs 1 & 2 - US Army Ranger - Minding - Highland Reel from my Friend Jamie Kinnin

Saturday reaction from Aidan

The Big 3

APOB Career stats updated

Year by Year stats updated

Top Earning horses in training 2016

APOB All time top earners

Found 2nd Minding 3rd Highland Reel 7th Sir Isaac Newton 10th in the Irish Champion Stakes the race was won by French Derby Winner Almanzor

Alice Springs Impressively wins the Matron Stakes G1 Galileo's 28th Multiple G1 winner

Alice destroys Matron Rivals

Given the talent at their disposal things were always going to turn right for Ballydoyle after earlier reverses. It all came good in considerable style as Alice Springs came back to her best to blitz the opposition in the Group 1 Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes.

As favourite Qemah (eventually third) did too much too soon, Alice Springs switched off beautifully at the back of the field.

Once asked to quicken down the outer in the straight by Ryan Moore, the successful chestnut displayed a sizzling change of gear to lead and assert inside the final furlong for a three and a quarter length win over Persuasive.

"It was a bit of a disaster in France. She went and it was shifty, patchy ground in Deauville," explained Aidan O'Brien.

"Ryan knew she wasn't going to be involved so he just minded her.

"She's a very good filly. You saw what she did in the Falmouth as well. She has a lot of speed.

"She quickened up very well. She's very pacey.

"There is a chance she could go to the Queen Elizabeth. She might get further someday but she has a lot of speed.

"She's made for the Breeders Cup on fast ground. We'll look at the Breeders Cup mile or something like that. She was a little unlucky in the Breeders Cup last year.

"She's hardy and she could do both but it depends on what the ground is like at Ascot."

On the Doncaster Leger meanwhile he commented: "It's racing - there is no law. There are so many variables and that was one that you couldn't think of happening (Idaho stumbling and unseating).

"He put a foot on a divot and it just went away and it just unbalanced him. It's just amazing. What were the chances of that happening.

"Seamus (Heffernan) is on the way to get scans now but he's grand. I spoke to him on the phone. He said he was cantering."

Housesofparliament finished third Aidan O'Brien said: "It was a little bit unfortunate when it happened as Colm (O'Donoghue) probably had to commit but he ran a good race.

"When that happens in a bunch of them a lot of stuff changes very quickly."

On earlier runners - Us Army Ranger, the Ballydoyle maestro commented: "He ran very well."

Bondi Beach (finished third) to prompt the remark: "He ran a lovely race and he's coming lovely. He might run in the Melbourne Cup next."

Paddy Power go 7/2 favourite from 11/2 about Alice Springs for the Breeders Cup Fillies and Mares Turf.

They go 9/2 Alice Springs for the Breeders Cup Mile.

Alice Springs

Idaho Housesofparliment & Sword Fighter Ready for the Leger

The Happy Prince & Cougar Mountain at Doncaster

Cougar Mountain swishing his tail at Doncaster

Churchill faces six rivals in National test at the Curragh

Friday 09 September 2016

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Churchill, who is already a leading fancy for the 2017 Investec Derby, will take on six rivals in the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.

Third on his debut, he has won his next three races, the Chesham at Royal Ascot, the Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown and the Futurity Stakes last time out at this venue.

His trainer Aidan O'Brien has an incredible record in this Group One with 10 wins next to his name and Churchill is joined by stablemates Lancaster Bomber and Finn McCool this time around.

There is a strong challenge from Britain with Richard Hannon, successful in 2013 with Toormore, sending over the ultra-consistent Mehmas.

First seen out in May, he has danced every dance and bar a reverse over five furlongs at Sandown, the only other horse to beat him has been O'Brien's Guineas favourite Caravaggio.

Joining him on the trip over is t he William Haggas-trained Lockheed, third in the Acomb, who adds further strength to the challenge.

Ger Lyons' Psychedelic Funk is coming back after a break while Tommy Stack's highly-regarded maiden Son Of Rest completes the seven runners.

Rhododendron aiming to blossom again in Moyglare run at the Curragh

Friday 09 September 2016

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Last year's renewal of the Moyglare Stud Stakes produced the first three home in this season's 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and Aidan O'Brien saddles four very promising fillies at the Curragh on Sunday.

His team is headed by Rhododendron, who claimed the Debutante Stakes last time at the expense of reopposing stablemate Hydrangea.

The unbeaten Promise To Be True and Royal Ascot winner Brave Anna complete the Ballydoyle challenge.

O'Brien's son Joseph fields Intricately on the back of his fleeting return to the saddle in the Leger Legends race at Doncaster on Wednesday.

A hugely-exciting newcomer taking them on is Jim Bolger's Dawn Of A New Era, who is a full-sister to Dawn Approach.

Mick Halford's Rehana completes the seven-runner field.

George leads select six-in Leger

Friday 09 September 2016

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Order Of St George will face just five opponents when he bids to extend his winning spree in the Palmerstown House Estate Irish St Leger at the Curragh on Sunday.

Aidan O'Brien's charge completed his rise to the top of the staying ranks with a brilliant victory in this Group One event 12 months ago and is long odds-on to successfully defend his crown having continued his dominance this season.

A comeback victory in the Saval Beg Stakes at Leopardstown was followed by a clear-cut verdict in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and he made a successful return from a break in the Irish St Leger Trial over this course and distance three weeks ago.

The Ballydoyle maestro also saddles outsiders Unicorn and Kellstorm.

Aidan O'Brien anticipating bold show from St Leger favourite Idaho

Friday 09 September 2016

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Aidan O'Brien feels Idaho has all the credentials to provide him with a fifth victory in Saturday's Ladbrokes St Leger.

Since breaking his duck in the world's oldest Classic with Milan in 2001, the master of Ballydoyle has struck gold with Brian Boru (2003), Scorpion (2005) and Leading Light (2013).

The O'Brien-trained Bondi Beach was controversially awarded the race by the stewards 12 months ago, but first-past-the-post Simple Verse subsequently regained victory on appeal.

"I think Idaho is in the same category as my four previous winners. He has a very high level of form over 10 and 12 furlongs and is an uncomplicated horse," said the trainer.

"Everything has gone well and we have been looking forward to the Leger with him."

Idaho is odds-on across the board having mixed it with the best of his generation all year, most notably placing in both the Derby at Epsom and the Irish Derby at the Curragh.

He secured the big-race victory his consistency deserved in last month's Great Voltigeur at York and now tackles a mile and three-quarters for the first time.

O'Brien said: "He won his maiden very nicely at the Curragh and we've always liked him.

"He was then probably a bit green when he ran in the Group One (Criterium de Saint-Cloud), but he still ran very well in it.

"We were very happy with his first run (of the season) in the Ballysax and he ran very well in the Derrinstown, then he went to Epsom and ran very well there.

"He ran another good race at the Curragh and had a little break, then won the Volitgeur.

"That was the plan, to take time with him (in the Voltigeur). Seamus (Heffernan) was very happy with him and he quickened well.

"He seems to relax, he is a full-brother to Highland Reel and he gets a mile and a half well."

Idaho is one of three runners for O'Brien, with Sword Fighter and Housesofparliament also in the mix.

Sword Fighter won the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot and the Curragh Cup before finishing fifth in the Goodwood Cup, while Housesofparliament landed Newmarket's Bahrain Trophy before beating all bar Idaho in the Great Voltigeur.

"Sword Fighter stays well. He won well at Ascot and he won nicely at the Curragh and he ran well at Goodwood," said O'Brien.

" It was a big step up for him at Goodwood, but he would have learnt a lot from that.

"Housesofparliament i s a very straightforward horse. He ran very well in the Voltigeur and won a nice race at Newmarket and he stays very well.

"The Leger is a very important race. The three-year-olds have categories - milers, mile-and-a-quarter horses and mile-and-a-half horses. The Leger is the last category to be filled in for the three-year-old stayers, so it's very important."

Ranger set for Enterprise challenge

Friday 09 September 2016

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Investec Derby runner-up US Army Ranger returns to action at Leopardstown in the KPMG Enterprise Stakes.

The Chester Vase winner was favourite to provide Aidan O'Brien with his sixth victory in the Epsom showpiece at the start of June and while he ultimately came up just short, he ran an excellent race in defeat behind the Dermot Weld-trained Harzand.

The latter has since completed the English-Irish Derby double and stars in the Irish Champion Stakes on the same card, while US Army Ranger has enjoyed a midsummer break and is looking to build on his comeback fourth in the Royal Whip at the Curragh last month.

O'Brien said: "It was probably a little bit unfair to ask him to run in the Derby. He went to Epsom and was a little bit raw and green.

"He did make serious progression from his first run to his second run. He learnt a lot in Chester and ran a great race in Epsom.

"He's a very good colt and we were happy with his comeback run.

"He'd had a good break, it got a bit messy coming off the bend but he still ran a very good race."

Among the four rivals taking on US Army Ranger is the Jim Bolger-trained Stellar Mass, who was third to Harzand in the Irish Derby and is on a hat-trick after wins at Down Royal and, most recently, at this track.

O'Brien also runs last year's Ladbrokes St Leger runner-up Bondi Beach, who was third to Stellar Mass in the Ballyroan Stakes when attempting to give him a stone, and Tree Of Knowledge.

Pretty Perfect just pipped on the line

Friday 09 September 2016

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Pretty Perfect was nailed on the line by Simple Verse in the DFS Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster.

Ralph Beckett's winner was controversially demoted after the passing the post in front in the St Leger 12 months ago, but was later reinstated on appeal.

Having rounded off last season with another Group One success on Champions Day at Ascot, she made a promising start to the current campaign with solid efforts in the Jockey Club Stakes and the Coronation Cup, but failed to fire in the Hardwicke Stakes.

With the Aidan O'Brien-trained Pretty Perfect and Mill Springs setting a scorching gallop, the field was strung out from an early stage and Oisin Murphy was content to bide his time aboard Simple Verse.

The pack closed up on the leaders early in the home straight but while Simple Verse travelled powerfully, she was caught in a pocket and Pretty Perfect found another gear and looked to have flown.

However, once in the clear, Simple Verse started to make rapid inroads and the post did not come in time for Pretty Perfect, with Beckett's 3-1 chance getting up by a neck.

Coolmore's UK representative Kevin Buckley said of Pretty Perfect: "She ran an absolute blinder. We were going into the unknown, stepping up to a mile and six and a strong headwind.

"She was beaten by a Classic winner. Seamie (Heffernan) was happy with her. This has opened up a few more avenues for her now. They will be discussed when we get her back home."

English St Leger - Idaho - Heff - Sword Fighter - Don - Housesofparliment - Colm

Ballydoyle Irish Champion Stakes - Minding - Ryan - Highland Reel - Colm - Found - Heff - Sir Isaac Newton - Don

& Below are the rest of Irish Champions Weekend Saturday Leopardstown Runners

Wonderful effort by Pretty Perfect in the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster she just got picked up right on the line she is all heart.

O'Brien Trio ready for Leger Clash

8th September

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O'Brien, who has taken the St Leger four times previously with Milan (2001), Brian Boru (2003), Scorpion (2005) and Leading Light (2013), has an undoubtedly strong hand in the nine-runner contest.

Idaho has been the long-time ante-post favourite and heads Sky Bet's updated market at 8/11, having been placed in the Investec Derby and Dubai Duty Free-sponsored Irish Derby before pouncing from off the pace to land the Betway Great Voltigeur Stakes at York last month at the main expense of Housesofparliament.

Sword Fighter won the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot and the Curragh Cup before being unable to land a blow at Goodwood.

Oaks and Derby winners Minding and Harzand set to clash in Irish Champion Stakes

8th September

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The clash between Oaks and Derby winners Minding and Harzand in the Irish Champion Stakes is on - but Fascinating Rock was taken out of the Qipco-backed contest at the final declaration stage.

Harzand provided trainer Dermot Weld with his first victory in the Investec Derby at Epsom in early June and followed up three weeks later in the Irish Derby at the Curragh.

Weld also saddles likely pacemaker Ebediyin.

Minding has won four of her five starts at Group One level this season, including Classic triumphs in the 1000 Guineas and the Oaks at Epsom.

Aidan O'Brien's filly, the mount of Ryan Moore, is pitched in against colts for the first time in this mouth-watering contest.

The master of Ballydoyle has a formidable hand, with King George hero Highland Reel (Colm O'Donoghue), top-class filly Found (Seamie Heffernan) and Sir Isaac Newton (Donnacha O'Brien) also in contention.

Jean-Claude Rouget's French Derby winner Almanzor is one of two Gallic raiders along with the Andre Fabre-trained New Bay.

The three British-trained runners are Clive Cox's Prince of Wales's Stakes winner My Dream Boat, Kevin Ryan's 2014 Irish Champion victor The Grey Gatsby and Godolphin's Coral-Eclipse hero Hawkbill, trained by Charlie Appleby.

Ken Condon's Success Days and Moonlight Magic from Jim Bolger's stable complete the stellar line-up.

Weighing up the reasons for Ryan Moore shock call to miss the St Leger.

8th September By Paul Rhodes

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Ryan Moore is to miss the final English Classic of the season the shock news came late last night that Ryan would ride in Ireland exclusively on Saturday.

Early Leoapardstown races maybe Moore Important to the lads.

If Ryan was to ride in the St Leger he would miss the ride on the extremely highly regarded colt Douglas MacArthur who is the ante post favorite for next years Derby MacArthur runs in the Juvenile Stakes the same race won by Australia in 2013.

He would also miss the opportunity to Partner this years Derby 2nd US Army Ranger who runs in the Enterprise Stakes as he bids to rebuild his career after a below average showing on his comeback from a setback.

Added to that he would miss the chance to ride Group One winner Alice Springs in the Matron Stakes & Breeders Cup Hero Hit it a Bomb in the Boomerang Stakes.

When you weigh all that up you can kind of understand why the lads want Ryan in Ireland even though it would have been a tough Call for Ryan.

Idaho, red-hot 8-11 favourite for Saturday’s Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster, will now be ridden by Seamus Heffernan. Heff was on board when Idaho won the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York last month.

Bookmakers reported that its one way traffic in terms of betting the Leger they only want one horse and that Idaho.

Aidan Statement on Saturday's racing

"we decided that Ryan will concentrate on Leopardstown on Saturday and that

Seamus will ride Idaho at Doncaster Somehow, is out of the Group 1 Matron Stakes

Somehow has tweaked a muscle and won't be running in the Matron. Ryan will ride

Alice Springs in the race. If Ryan was to ride Idaho in the St Leger he wouldn't make it

back to Leopardstown in time for the Matron Stakes. We discussed the situation and it

was agreed to have Ryan at Leopardstown and that Seamus would ride Idaho. In

addition to riding Minding and Alice Springs Ryan's other rides will include Douglas

Macarthur in the Group 3 Willis Towers Watson Champions Juvenile Stakes and US

Army Ranger in the Group 3 KPMG Enterprise Stakes We'll decide in the morning how

many we'll declare for the St Leger. Seamus, Colm (O'Donoghue) and Donnacha

(O'Brien) will be involved at Doncaster and will make it back in time for the later races

at Leopardstown including the Champion Stakes."

Aidan O’Brien keeps stars in race after first acceptances for Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate

September 7th

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The chances of Aidan O’Brien sending a big contingent to Melbourne is still on the cards after first acceptances were taken for this year’s Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Cox Plate (2040m).

Racing Victoria on Tuesday received 15 international first acceptors for the Caulfield Cup and 11 for the Cox Plate.

O’Brien has 16 horses in these races including Caulfield Cup topweight Order Of St George.

Well-performed internationals Trip To Paris, Highland Reel and Erupt all remain in the Caulfield Cup field. In total there were 108 first acceptors for the Caulfield Cup and 87 for the Cox Plate.

Minding left in the Matron Stakes

September 7th

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The six-times Group One winner, trained by Aidan O'Brien, has also stood her ground in the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes on the same card.

Connections are leaning towards taking on the colts in the mile-and-a quarter showpiece, but are keeping their options open.

O'Brien has two other possibles for the Matron in Alice Springs and Somehow after 12 remained in the mile contest for fillies and mares.

Jet Setting, who defeated Minding in the Irish 1000 Guineas, could bid for more Group One success while the French are well represented with Jean-Claude Rouget's Coronation Stakes winner Qemah and Francis Graffard's Volta.

The extremely progressive Persuasive, trained by John Gosden, could get her chance at the top level after going through the ranks in style with a perfect record of five out of five.

Kevin Ryan's Ashadihan and Hawksmoor, trained by Hugo Palmer, are the two other British-trained representatives.

The dozen confirmations are made up by Creggs Pipes, Devonshire and Now Or Never.

George ready to roar in Irish leger

September 7th

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Aidan O'Brien's Ascot Gold Cup winner was one of 17 to stand their ground at the confirmation stage, and like last year has taken the trial for the race on the way.

He could be joined by his stable companion Bondi Beach and the Willie Mullins-trained pair of Clondaw Warrior and Wicklow Brave, who was third 12 months ago.

The O'Brien-trained Churchill is the star name in the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes on the same card, with the unbeaten Promise To Be True headlining seven for Ballydoyle in the Moyglare Stud Stakes.

Douggie Mac Follows Australia's Path in Juvenile Stakes

September 7th

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His trainer Aidan O'Brien has dominated the Group Three mile contest, winning the last six renewals, including with subsequent Derby hero Australia in 2013.

Douglas Macarthur, a son of Galileo, came forward markedly from his racecourse bow to impress in winning over the course and distance in July.

He shares favouritism for Epsom with some firms alongside stablemate Capri, who also features in the possible 11-strong field. Another Galileo colt, he has won two of his three starts, most recently in the Listed Canford Cliffs Stakes at Tipperary.

This year's Derby runner-up US Army Ranger features for O'Brien in 12 for the KPMG Enterprise Stakes, while Awtaad headlines 19 possibles for the Clipper Logistics Boomerang Stakes.

Sir Isaac Newton was supplemented yesterday for the QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes.

Entries Update from Joe Porter On Thursday Pretty Perfect runs in Park Hill but no jockey booked as she carries only 8-7. - Aidan has no runner in the sales race - Ryan rides The Anvil in the maiden on thursday. - Seventh Heaven is entered for the Vermeille - Ryan booked to ride The Happy Prince in Portland and Cougar Mountain in Park Stakes.

Minding already among the greats

Full entries for the G1 races on Irish Champions Weekend

Ballydoyle Seven remain in Cox Plate

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6th September

Aidan O'Brien has seven horses in contention for Australia's Group 1 Cox Plate after the first round of acceptors.

O'Brien trained the winner of the prestigious contest in 2014 when Adelaide was successful in the hands of Ryan Moore and last year the Ballydoyle representative Highland Reel finished a gallant third.

Highland Reel is again in the mix along with stablemates Oder Of St George, Bondi Beach, Hit It A Bomb, Idaho, Long Island Sound and Sir Isaac Newton.

The Aus$3million 2016 William Hill sponsored Cox Plate takes place on Saturday 22nd Oct at Moonee Valley racetrack in Victoria

Pretty Perfect only Irish Raider in Park Hill

6th September

Pretty Perfect steps up in distance for the DFS Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster on Thursday.

The daughter of Galileo ran away with the Munster Oaks but struggled in the Irish Oaks before finishing an honourable fourth in the Yorkshire Oaks.

Aidan O'Brien's filly is the only Irish challenger as Joseph O'Brien's Arya Tara and Toe The Line from John Kiely's stable were taken out at the 48-hour final declaration stage.

Last year's St Leger heroine Simple Verse is the star name among the 14 Park Hill runners.

Leading Sires tables updated - Galileo Winner - Power 4th - Zoffany leads

Exemplar looked a hot prospect at Galway

5th September

The Aidan O'Brien trained Exemplar justified odds-on favouritism in the opener at Galway, the Donnelly's Of Barna EBF Maiden.

A good second on his debut at the Curragh last month, the son of Galileo was expected to go one place better today, as he went off the 8/13 favourite.

Having raced mainly in fourth under Seamie Heffernan, the successful bay colt was pushed along to challenge on the outer with over a furlong to race.

He soon got to the front and stretched clear in the closing stages, going on to score by five lengths.

Newcomer Itsalonglongroad finished a good second under Gary Carroll for John McConnell. The son of Lawman was available at 20's this morning and went as short as 8's, before going off a 10/1 chance.

There was drama inside the final furlong, with forced through the rail, after Tang Dynasty veered into him.

Seamie Heffernan said afterwards: "He had a very good run at the Curragh but he is a bit lazy and is still learning. He won easily and feels like he could have a bit of class."

The winner is of course a half-brother to three time Group 1 winner Blue Bunting, while he holds plenty of big race entries.

Odds on Idaho, one of seven entries for Ballydoyle in St Leger

Idaho: St Leger favourite

5th September

The final Classic of the season, run at Doncaster on Saturday, looks set to contain a very short-priced favourite in the shape of Idaho, who is currently 10/11 with the sponsors.

A winner of the Great Voltigeur at York last time, Idaho was also third in the Investec Derby at Epsom and second in the Irish Derby at the Curragh.

Housesofparliament, Sword Fighter, The Major General, Unicorn, Kellstorm and Triplicate are Ballydoyle's other possibles,

Cenotaph in a different league to rivals on comeback

September 4th

Cenotaph proved a different class to his rivals as he cruised to success in the DLK Quality Fuels Apprentice Maiden at Dundalk.

The Ballydoyle colt was sent off a well-supported even-money favourite for the seven-furlong contest and his backers never had a moments worry.

Donnacha O'Brien sat mid-division on the War Front colt before making ground up passing the two pole.

He hit the front with over a furlong to run and didn't have to come off the bridle to record a two-and-three-quarter-length success over Flowerhill Nova.

The winner was making his first start since finishing third in a Curragh maiden last June.

“I don’t think it was the greatest race but he’s won nicely. Hopefully the handicapper won’t be too hard on him,” said the winning jockey afterwards.

Our new race Previewers Patrick O'Connor's Ballydoyle runners Dundalk Previews Sunday 4th September 2016

3.00: Total Produce Rated Race 7f

De Coronado Jockey: Donnacha O’Brien (3)

This 3 year old son of Street Cry broke his maiden last time out at Dundalk over 1m where he won by ½ length. He is half-brother to the great Zenyatta and multiple Grade 1 winner Balance. He is a horse that will improve with racing and I think he will be better suited to further, perhaps 1m2f in time. He is still learning but will go close.

3.30: DLK Quality Fuels Apprentice Maiden 7f

Cenotaph Jockey: Donnacha O’Brien (3)

This 4 year old son of War Front is bidding to break his maiden at the fifth time of asking. Owned by Mrs Doreen Tabor, he has been a beaten favourite on no less than 3 out of his 4 career starts. He has been off the track for 434 days, but I think he will go close today. The uber consistent Flowerhill Nova is the big danger.

15th Time Lucky for Prince

3rd September

The Aidan O’Brien trained The Happy Prince ended a 14 race losing run at Navan today when landing the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race under jockey Seamus Heffernan.

The son of Rip Van Winkle’s losing record is atypical of a Ballydoyle trained horse but the gelding had previously won twice in 2015, and was today beating Shergar Cup Dash winner In Salutem into second place, having made all the running for his length and three parts win.

O’Brien wasn’t present but Heffernan later explained “we thought plenty of him but he has been a bit disappointing.

“His last two runs have been good and he has come out of them well and hopefully he's going to show now what we think of him.”

Aidan O'Brien - Irish Champion Stakes Options Audio interview

Our new race Previewers Patrick O'Connor's Previews of the Ballydoyle runners at Navan tomorrow.

2.50: Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Race 5f182yd

The Happy Prince. Jockey: Seamie Heffernhan

This 4 year old Son of Rip Van Winkle has had 2 wins from 18 career starts and 6 places. Inconsistency has plagued his career, but has shown more promise in his last two starts (at Dundalk and Tipperary). The form of those races is filled with Group Performers such as Moviesta and Gordon Lord Byron. Has a competitive weight, but faces proven rivals. E/W claims

3.20: Come Racing 24th September Handicap 5f182yd

Californiadreaming Jockey: Ana O’Brien (5)

This 3 year old Daughter of Fastnet Rock and full sister to Cougar Mountain has had 1 win from 16 career starts, 13 of which have been this season- she is this years “Iron Horse”. Although her soundness is admirable, she has failed to produce anything of note on the racetrack to give you confidence going into todays race. Ana’s 5 pound claim will come in useful. Best watched

4.20: New Kilberry Restaurant Handicap 1m5f

Crocodile Shoes Jockey: Donnacha O’Brien (3)

This 3 year old son of Galileo broke his maiden at the third time of asking last time out at Roscommon where he won by 4 lengths. He looks like a staying type for the future and the more racing experience he has the better. Should go close.

Special thanks to Patrick and welcome to the team.

Doncaster Next Week Ballydoyle - Pretty Perfect in the G2 Park Hill on Thursday - Butterflies in the G2 May Hill - Peace Envoy, Courage Under Fire, Intelligence Cross and Sportsmanship in the £300,000 sales race - Diodorus, Exemplar, Finn McCool, San Remo, Tang Dynasty and The Anvil all in the maiden on Thursday.

Butterflies set for May Hill at Doncaster

2nd September

Andy Holding's Sunday Horse Racing Tips

Aidan O'Brien has yet to saddle the winner of this race and could bid to put that right with Butterflies. The daughter of Galileo has won over the distance and was third to Sea Of Grace and Eziyra in the Flame Of Tara Stakes at the Curragh on her latest start.

O'Brien's son Joseph is represented by Intricately, who was a fine third to Rhododendron in the Debutante Stakes last time out.

Churchill for the National Stakes.

By Red 1st September

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Churchill is being prepared for the Group One Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh, on 11th September at 4.15

The Galileo colt has been progressing with every run since being beaten into 3rd on his debut, having won the Listed Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot , the Group Three Japan Racing Association Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown and the Group Two Galileo EBF Futurity Stakes at the Curragh. The step up in class should not present a problem to him.

Aidan said "We're looking forward to the National Stakes with him. We think it will suit him well and physically he's doing very well, We've thought he would be a Guineas horse. He's a horse with a lot of speed. He's a big powerful individual. He's built like a big miler so I'm no sure how much more he'll stay. We think he might get the mile and a quarter but you wouldn't be sure about the mile and a half. We're very happy with him."

This is a race Aidan has won 10 times in the past with Desert King, King of Kings, Beckett, Hawkwing, One Cool Cat, George Washington, Mastercrafstman, Power, Gleneagles and Air Force Blue.

Minding a possible for the Champion

By Red 1st September

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Aidan has revealed there is a good chance that his impressive filly Minding will take on the colts and older horses in the Group one Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on 10th September at 6.45.

The daughter of Galileo has proved to be the best of the three-year-old fillies this season, chalking up four Group One victories from a mile to a mile and a half.

She also holds an entry in the Group 1 Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes, for fillies and mares, on the same card, but the Champion Stakes could be tempting , she could take on dual Derby winner Harzand and French Derby winner Almanzor.

Aidan said "She'll run in either the Matron or the Champion Stakes. The lads (owners) will make the decision closer the time, but it's very possible she'll go to the Champion Stakes, We're very happy with her. She's had a nice bit of time since her last run. Her work is very good and physically she's doing very well."

Aidan has won th Irish Champion stakes in the past with Giant's Causeway, High Chaparral,Oratorio, Dylan Thomas x 2, Cape Blanco and So You Think.

Aidan has won the Matron stakes with Lillie Langtry.