He made it. Aidan O’Brien is currently the most successful coach in Royal Ascot history—and how the fitting record was broken by a brilliant new star in the mile class. Paddington is the name and winning group 1 is his game. There may be more to come, too.
Here’s everything we need for St James’s Palace Stakes (G1) on June 20. Winners of the British vs Irish two thousand Guineas (G1), and when Chaldean lead straight into the house with Paddington Ready for his exterior, the stage was set for an intriguing climax.
Then, Ryan Moore continued to strike Paddington between the long and long columns, and within a few steps it was clear he was in a different league.
Duke Leggaghknowing that he had run into an extraordinary pony had yet to become the story of the season.
From a handicap to a listed race and to the Irish Two Thousand Guineas, Paddington has progressed at a rapid pace. But here’s something different; this is a procession; This is a serious pony. The 53-year-old legend who coaches him believes he’s super fun and you just wonder how good he can be over a mile and a half.
O’Brien, the history-maker said: “He’s an incredible horse. He’s very interesting, isn’t he? John (Magnier) told me this horse will go over a mile if you want, no problem.
“The boys will have to think about whether they want to go to Goodwood for the next Sussex Stakes (G1). We’ll let them know his condition in 10 days, and then they’ll decide for themselves. see what they want to do.” But he has all the options, because he has the speed to be a top racer. It’s very interesting.”
Paddington’s path to stardom has been an unusual one, and O’Brien explained why he started his 3-year-old campaign in the Madrid Handicap that day in Naas. “What we try in the spring is to get the horses out, but most of them have ratings that are too high to be acceptable,” he said.
“We follow a path where we can start with those who are not capable and try to start as low as possible. Madrid Handicap is always a good race, if you can get in. England he won his maiden wonderfully, but it wasn’t a brilliant maiden, and then it became clear that he got his mark. He didn’t win by bridle or whatever, he won easily without being too impressed.”
Break record #RoyalAscot win for Aidan O’Brien – 8️⃣3️⃣ wins here, the most of any coach in history
Paddington wins the battle of the Guineas heroes at St James’s Palace Stakes@Ballydoyle pic.twitter.com/5aR87MefOC
– Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 20, 2023
O’Brien was never one to focus too much on achievement. “It’s special, especially taking it over from such a special man as Sir Michael (Stoute),” he said of the 83 royal winners.
He wanted to deflect praise for his team and especially, traveling head Pat Keating and equestrian Ryan Moore. “I always forget people after these races, and the one person I don’t want to forget today is Pat Keating. He’s there morning, noon and night riding.”
Of the great driver Moore, he added: “Ryan gave him a great ride. I think he’s been excellent to him. He’s an incredible racer and a racer. professional. He is getting better every year. He is mature, strong and a pleasure to work for.”
Chaldean couldn’t deal with Paddington, but Frankie Dettori wasn’t too discouraged. Dettori said: “He is a super horse but today found one that was too good. “He’s a good second and it’s a solid run.”
Trainer Andrew Balding added: “He ran well but was beaten by a very good horse. Frankie felt that maybe he did it a little too early, but that may not have affected the result, but he’s just a little weak in the end. They’re two very advanced horses.”
They really are two superior horses, and the winning trainer isn’t that bad either.
More motivated by his achievement, O’Brien replied: “We always look ahead, we don’t look back. When we go to bed tonight, the day will be over.”
