It’s As Easy As 1-2-3 for Rem-Arc-able O’Brien
Irishman Aidan O’Brien has recorded a number of incredible achievements in a training career which is rapidly assuming legendary status. With 21 English Classics, 32 Irish Classics and Seven Ascot Gold Cups already featuring in his back catalogue, the sight of Aidan leading one into the winners enclosure at the end of a major Group 1 contest has become somewhat familiar over the years. On Sunday at Chantilly O’Brien proved that even against a back drop of such success it is still possible to achieve something truly astonishing.
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is widely viewed as the most prestigious and toughest to win of all the 1m4f contest’s in the world. Each year attracting the best of the English, Irish and French runners as well as top class challengers from further afield, the £5million in total prize money on offer only serves to move this contest further clear at the top of many owners and trainers most wanted lists. The 2016 edition looked well up to scratch with the winners of the English and Irish Derby, King George, Japanese Derby, Ascot Gold Cup and all of the key French trials in the line-up.
Aidan O’Brien sent a three pronged attack to represent the yard- they finished first, second and third. Now this isn’t the first time O’Brien has saddled a 1-2-3 in a major contest – he did so just this season in fact in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket- but given the status of this race as a true international, all age championship event, this must surely rate as the greatest achievement of his career to date.
Found Supreme
The day belonged to his admirable four year old filly, Found. Backers of this one so far this season may have begun to become a little frustrated, with the daughter of Galileo having finished second on each of her five most recent starts heading into the contest. She certainly picked the right day to get her head in front again and in hindsight the signs were certainly there in the form book. Two previous Group 1 wins – including a famous conquering of Golden Horn in the Breeder’s Cup Turf – had each come in October.
With a defence of her Breeder’s Cup crown possibly next on the agenda, we wouldn’t bet against her landing a fourth top level success in what seems to be her favourite month of the year. In finishing second, Highland Reel added another fine performance to his list of globe-trotting efforts. Ascot Gold Cup hero, Order Of St George meanwhile made critics of his ability at this trip eat their words with a mighty run in third. Found, Highland Reel and Order Of St George, had one thing in common other than their trainer. All were sired by the mighty Galileo.
What’s ahead?
Looking ahead to the coming weekend it is the handicappers who take centre stage as Newmarket plays host to the Cesarewitch. Sir Mark Prescott’s, St Michel looks set to go off favourite for this staying contest, with the colt stepping back into handicap company following a fine effort in the Doncaster Cup last time out. The field for the second leg of the Autumn Double looks as competitive as ever though, with a number of live challengers from both the flat and jumping yards.
