Aidan O’Brien Stable Tour

The genius that is Aidan O’Brien must have thought he had answered every question that could possibly be thrown at him, but a Covid-19 pandemic stalling the 2020 season for the best part of three months has forced him to put his thinking cap back on.

Routine, as you all know by now, is the buzzword around Ballydoyle, so what happens when the second day of the Flat season comes 77 days after the first?

“It’s been funny,” admits O’Brien. “We were getting them ready to go for early May as we thought racing might be back in the first phase of the Irish recovery. We were revving them up for that, but we had to stop when we found out that we wouldn’t be back for a bit longer.”

“It’s been stop-start. We had to take them down and then try to rev them back up again. But, when you do that, you have to be careful as some of the ones you are trying to rev back up might not be ready.”

If anyone is able to improvise, it is O’Brien. He’s been at the top of the game for the best part of a quarter of a century now and a sixth 1,000 Guineas victory with Love, combined with Wichita’s near miss in the 2,000 Guineas on Saturday, proves that whatever he has been doing during the lockdown has worked. The relentless stream of superstars is showing no signs of slowing down.

He is chasing an eighth Derby win this year, which would make him the winningmost trainer of the world’s most famous Flat race. Mogul and Innisfree are expected to lead the charge on that front, although he admitted it had not been easy preparing his team for Epsom this year.

O’Brien said: “We obviously had no trials at Chester, and we like to use them to educate our Derby horses. We didn’t have runners at Lingfield either, so the waters are a little bit muddy at the moment with regard to our Derby team.“

“Innisfree has had a little setback and, if he makes the race, he’ll be going straight there. Mogul has done well and he’ll probably return in a Derby trial shortly, perhaps at Royal Ascot.”

O’Brien looks sure to unearth some 2021 Classic contenders from a beautifully bred crop of juveniles, while his squad of older horses looks particularly strong.

The master trainer thinks there might be more to come from Juddmonte International winner Japan, last seen finishing fourth to Waldgeist in the Arc, while Magical races on at five after retirement plans were put on hold.

O’Brien is already the most successful trainer in the history of the Gold Cup at Ascot and he has another star stayer in the shape of Kew Gardens, who will be fancied by many to follow in the footsteps of Yeats, Fame And Glory, Leading Light and Order Of St George and hand his trainer an eighth win in the race.

The season might have been delayed, but better late than never. Especially if your name is Aidan O’Brien.

Stable facts

 Yard – Ballydoyle

 Where – Rosegreen, County Tipperary

 Started training -1994 at Ballydoyle (previously trained at Piltown from 1993)

 Horses in yard – 200

 Strike-rate last season –19%

 Total prize-money in Ireland 2019 – €7,837,395

 Assistant trainers/head grooms –Andrew Murphy, Seamus Brady, Jenny O’Meara, Jamie Gillespie, Robbie Manton, John Manton, Damien Kerwick, Matt Gleeson, Oleksandr Movchan, Oleg Gavrylenko, Yvonne Zuercher, Sarmite Loca, Martin Deegan, Maryna Demchuk, Leigh O’Brien, Edmond Kinane, Trevor O’Neill, Hazel Galloway, Padraig Palmer, Kieran O’Brien, Vitaliy Makhynya, Finbarr McCarthy, Derek Hennessey, Paul Webster, Kevin Meaney

 Racing secretary –Chris Armstrong

 Jockeys – Ryan Moore, Seamie Heffernan, Wayne Lordan, Padraig Beggy, Emmet McNamara, Michael Hussey

 Twitter – @ballydoyle

 2019 – 120

 2018 – 154

 2017 – 123

 2016 – 121

 2015 – 108

 2019 – €131.07

 2018 – €18.32

 2017 – €96.59

 2016 – €169.60

 2015 – €72.63

 Four-year-old colt Galileo (sire) – Believe’N’Succeed (dam)

 Owners: Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: 20330-2

 Racing Post Ratings (RPR): 119; Official rating 118

Good ground is important to him and running him on soft ground in the King George after his Derby win last season seemed to upset him, so we’ll try to avoid that with him this year if we can. We were very pleased with his run in the Coronation Cup at Newmarket last Friday and that should set him up nicely for the season. It was nice to see him coming back to form.

Last season’s Epsom Derby winner Anthont Van Dyke made a strong return to the track with a staying on 3rd in the Coronation Cup

4 c Australia – Sweepstake

 Owner: M Matsushima/M Tabor/D Smith/Mrs Magnier

 Form figures: 2/1146-4

 RPR: 117 OR 117

We were pleased with him in the Coronation Cup and it was nice to have him back in action. He likes good ground and a mile and a half suits him well. He might even stay a bit further than that. He didn’t end up getting a full campaign last year and the Irish Derby didn’t work out well for him, so we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do this season. We’ve always thought he would make up into a better four-year-old.

4 c Galileo – Duntle

 Owner: Flaxman Stables, Mrs Magnier, M Tabor, D Smith

 Form figures: 612714-

 RPR: 119 OR 118

He did really well when we dropped him back to a mile last year. He’s in great form and the plan is to go straight to the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot. He seems to enjoy a strong tempo in his races, so that’s why a mile is his best trip. We’ll try to keep him over a mile.

4 f Zoffany – Azafata

 Owner: Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: 224524-

 RPR: 115 OR 114

She ran some big races last year and was unlucky not to win a Group 1 along the way. She’s back in good form and is ready to start off. The Mooresbridge Stakes [at the Curragh on Friday] is an option for her, or else she could go straight to Royal Ascot. She seems equally as good over a mile and a quarter and a mile and a half. Hopefully she can have another good season.

4 c Galileo – Shastye

 Owner: Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor

 Form figures: 431114-

 RPR: 125 OR 122

He’s very exciting and we’re looking forward to him this season. You saw the way he kept on improving throughout last season, having had a setback early in the campaign, and we’re hopeful he can improve again as a four-year-old. The Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Ascot is the plan, so we’ll probably start off there. He’s comfortable over a mile and a quarter and a mile and a half, so we can vary between those trips. Good ground is always a help to him.

5 h Galileo – Chelsea Rose

 Owner: Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor

 Form figures: 17/2221-

 RPR: 122 OR 119

A classy stayer who’ll go straight to the Gold Cup at Ascot. We would have liked to have got a prep into him, but that hasn’t been possible. We had him ready to run at the Dubai World Cup meeting and that was called off, so he’s well forward. We’ve always thought staying trips might bring the best out of him and we were delighted with the way he won at Ascot on his first try over two miles on Champions Day. The Gold Cup is another bit further but we think he’ll stay.

5 m Galileo – Halfway To Heaven

 Owner: Derrick Smith

 Form figures: 222151-

 RPR: 123 OR 122

Unfortunately the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot is probably going to come a little bit quick for her, so I would imagine the Pretty Polly at the Curragh towards the end of June is where she’ll start off. A mile and a quarter is no problem to her, she’s comfortable over that trip. We won’t rush her and will aim to have her in top order for the autumn. It’s a real pleasure to have a mare as good as her back in training for another year.

Royal Ascot is set to come too soon for the 4 time Group 1 winner Magical

5 m Galileo – Prudenzia

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Sue Magnier

 Form figures: 4012-29

 RPR: 115 OR 115

She loves to travel and has been all over the world for us. She never lets you down. She wants fast ground and a flat track. We’ll put her in all the big races and she’ll slot in as suited depending on where the colts are going. I’d say she’s found life very strange lately as we haven’t asked her to go anywhere for a while! She’s uncomplicated and a pleasure to train.

4 c Galileo – Six Perfections

 Owner: Flaxman Stables, Mrs Magnier, M Tabor, D Smith

 Form figures: 44160-6

 RPR: 112 OR 113

Last year was a messy one for him and we’re still not really sure what his best trip is. I would think we might go back to a mile with him and the Heritage Stakes [on Wednesday] is a possible target for him.

4 c Scat Daddy – Orchard Beach

 Owner: Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor

 Form figures: 18/1406-

 RPR: 111 RPR 108

He starts off at Naas on Monday in the sprint. We’ve always thought he was very quick. He’s got lots of pace. We couldn’t get him right every day last year and we lost him a bit after he won at Naas early in the season. He remains a very fast horse.

4 c Camelot – Sparrow

 Owner: Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: 11544-2

 RPR: 117 OR 117

We were reasonably happy with him at Naas and since then. I think we’ll keep him over a mile and a quarter and a mile and a half this season as Donnacha [O’Brien] thought he didn’t get the trip in the St Leger. His work has been very good at home this year.

4 c Galileo – Devoted To You

 Owner: Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: 43/2301-

 RPR: 117 OR 118

He seems in good form, but we’re going along gently with him as the plan is an autumn campaign. He’s done well physically over the winter. He handles soft ground and is very genuine. A mile and a half is what he wants.

Three-year-olds

3 c No Nay Never – Lady Ederle

 Owner: Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: 14325-0

 RPR: 117 OR 116

We were hoping for a good run from him in the 2,000 Guineas as we’ve always thought he’d be a better three-year-old, but he just didn’t seem to fire. He also got a little bit of a bump coming down the hill. Obviously we know that isn’t his form, but he appears to be fine after the race. It’s not decided where we go next but we’ll have a look at Royal Ascot.

3 c Galileo – After

 Owner: Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: 111232-

 RPR: 111 OR 110

The Irish 2,000 Guineas on Friday is the plan. We think he might stay further than a mile, so he has the option of going on to the Derby or the Prix du Jockey Club after the Irish Guineas. We think those longer trips will suit him. The better the ground, the better he will be.

3 c Camelot – Madeira Mist

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier

 Form figures: 2212-

 RPR: 104 OR 107

We’ve always been looking forward to seeing him over a mile and a half as a three-year-old. At the moment we’re thinking of bringing him to Royal Ascot for the King Edward VII or we’ll find him a trial somewhere else. Hopefully he’ll then head on to the Derby after that. He’s done well since you’ve seen him last.

3 c Galileo – Beauty Bright

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier

 Form figures: 17532-

 RPR: 108 OR 106

He’s in good form and runs in the Derrinstown at Leopardstown on Tuesday. He’s ready to start back again.

3 c Galileo – Palace

 Owner: D Smith & Mrs J Magnier & M Tabor & Mrs AM O’Brien

 Form figures: 2112-

 RPR: 110 OR 111

If he makes the Derby, he’ll be going straight there. He won’t be having a prep anywhere as he’s had a little setback which has held us up a bit. He’s back cantering and we’d like to get him to Epsom or the Irish Derby. We always thought he would improve when he stepped up to a mile and a quarter and we’d like to think he would be comfortable over a mile and a half too.

3 c Lope De Vega – Black Dahlia

 Owner: Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor

 Form figures: 12316-

 RPR: 108 OR 107

We’re debating what trip will be his best. We initially thought he’d stay a mile, but we’re not so sure now. He likes a strong tempo in his races and he’s probably more likely to get that over shorter trips than a mile. He’s a big colt and has done well from two to three.

3 f Galileo – Pikaboo

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier

 Form figures: 11513-1

 RPR: 111 OR 111

We were delighted with the way she won the 1,000 Guineas. She’d been working great so it was lovely to see her win the way she did. We’ve always thought she’d stay further and the obvious target for her now is the Oaks, so I’d imagine she will head to Epsom next. She’s a very good mover, so better ground will always be a help to her.

It’s Epsom next for the brilliant 1000 Guineas winner Love

3 c Galileo – Shastye

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier

 Form figures: 2114-

 RPR: 109 OR 110

He’s done well and will return in a Derby trial shortly. We’re thinking of getting him going in the King Edward VII at Royal Ascot. He’s a big, powerful horse and he’ll probably need his first run. Physically, he’s made more like a miler, but we always thought he’d stay a mile and a quarter and hoped he’ll stay a mile and a half. A mile at Newcastle was probably just a bit sharp for him on his final start last year. That said, it was important to run him there to get more experience into him and travel him for the first time. All that will stand him in good stead this year and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do as a three-year-old.

3 c American Pharoah – Up

 Owner: PM Brant & Mrs J Magnier & M Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: 12285-

 RPR: 113 OR 111

We’ve always thought he’s better than he has shown on the track so far. It’ll be the Jersey or the Irish Guineas for him. We think he’s got plenty of speed and we haven’t given up on him yet.

3 c Camelot – Inchmina

 Owner: Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: 6143-

 RPR: 103 OR 106

He’s a nice Camelot colt and ran a lovely race along with Arthur’s Kingdom in France last October. We think he has the makings of a nice three-year-old and we’ll probably go to a Derby trial with him, perhaps the King Edward VII.

3 c Galileo – Hveger

 Owner: Coolmore, Moffitt & Meduri Syndicate

 Form figures: 921-

 RPR: 85 OR 88

He’s a brother to Highland Reel and bigger than him too. He’ll stay a mile and a half and could even get further. We’ll start him off somewhere in a Derby trial and he could be another for the King Edward VII at Ascot.

3 f Galileo – Missvinski

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier

 Form figures: 912-

 RPR: 101 OR 100

She’ll either run in the Irish 1,000 Guineas or the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. We could step her up in trip after that. We’re looking forward to her this season as we loved the way she tried so hard at Newmarket despite not handling the ground. It’ll be interesting to see how high she can climb this season.

3 f Gleneagles – Tarbela

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier

 Form figures: 246810-

 RPR: 104 OR 98

She’s in good order, although we’re not sure how far she’ll stay. We wouldn’t be surprised if she turned out to be a six-furlong filly. She has pace.

3 c Gleneagles – Bridal Dance

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier

 Form figures: 37151-0

 RPR: 112 OR 110

He beat Kameko to win the Royal Lodge last year but just didn’t fire at all behind that horse at all in the 2,000 Guineas. It was a long time since he ran and I suppose the pace was strong and he never really got into it. We think he can leave that run behind him.

3 c Gleneagles – Gotlandia

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier

 Form figures: 1713-

 RPR: 112 OR 111

He had a small setback after the Phoenix Stakes last season, so we decided not to rush him back for a run at the backend. The Irish 2,000 Guineas and the St James’s Palace Stakes are the options to start back. He hasn’t raced beyond six furlongs and we’ll have to find out whether he stays a mile.

Royal Lytham will be aiming for Group 1 success this year

3 c Gleneagles – Remember You

 Owner: Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: 521-

 RPR: 101 OR 101

He starts back on Monday in the Committed Stakes at Naas and we’re looking forward to seeing how he gets on. He had a setback after his win at Royal Ascot last season, so we didn’t look to rush him back from that. We’ll have a look at the Commonwealth Cup or the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot once we see how Naas goes. He has plenty of speed and we wouldn’t be sure he’d stay further than five furlongs. Even though his sire Gleneagles is by Galileo, he had a lot of fast-twitch muscles, he was a quick thinker and quick in everything he did, so it isn’t a surprise that he has sired a sprinter like this lad.

3 f No Nay Never – Idle Chatter

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier

 Form figures: 667418-

 RPR: 106 OR 104

She’s a grand filly who’s back in full work and nearly ready to run. She was consistent last year and she might go to Leopardstown on Tuesday.

3 c Galileo – You’resothrilling

 Owner: Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: 51-

 RPR: 88 OR 93

He’s been working well but he’s just not quite there yet. He might be ready to run in the Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh. He should stay a little bit further than a mile, but we won’t be rushing him to go up in trip.

3 c No Nay Never – Lumiere Noire

 Owner: Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor

 Form figures: 1213-2

 RPR: 116 OR 114

We were very happy with him for his first run of the year when second in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket. We’ll see how he is over the next few days and speak with the lads about what it is they want to do next with him, but it looks a strong possibility that the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot will be next.

3 c Galileo – Tiggy Wiggy

 Owner: D Smith & Mrs J Magnier & M Tabor & Flaxman Stables Ireland

 Form figures: 717443-

 RPR: 109 OR 110

We’re looking at the Jersey at Royal Ascot or the St James’s Palace Stakes. We haven’t ruled out the Irish Guineas either. He’s good, working well and ready to go.

Two-year-olds

2 c Kingman – Shamandar

 Owner: Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor

 Form figures: Unraced

He’s going nicely and ready to run, either in a 6f or 7f maiden. He’s done everything right so far.

2 c No Nay Never – Nasty Storm

 Owner: Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: Unraced

We’re happy with him and he’s not too far away from a run. You could see him shortly.

2 c Galileo – Snow Queen

 Owner: Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor

 Form figures: Unraced

He’s the third foal out of Snow Queen. It will be a month or maybe even six weeks before you see him.

2 f War Front – Wonder Of Wonders

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier

 Form figures: Unraced

She’s a sister to So Wonderful, Dramatically and Antilles. She’s going nicely and will want seven furlongs. She might even get further. She’s not too far away from a run.

2 c Galileo – Absolutelyfabulous

 Owner: Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: Unraced

A brother to Magician and doing everything lovely at home. He starts off over six furlongs at Naas on Monday and should be happy over that trip.

2 c War Front – Found

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier

 Form figures:Unraced

This is the first foal out of Found, who was a star for us and won the Arc. She also runs in the maiden at Naas on Monday and should be very comfortable over that trip.

2 c Kingman – One Last Dance

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier

 Form figures:Unraced

He’s going to need a little bit more time and I doubt he’ll appear in the next six weeks.

2 c Galileo – Alta Anna

 Owner: Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: Unraced

He’s a brother to Southern France who’ll need at least seven furlongs or maybe even a mile this year.

2 c Galileo – Dialafara

 Owner: Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor

 Form figures: Unraced

This lad is lovely, really lovely. He’s a brother to Capri and will be very comfortable over any trip really. He’s doing everything we’ve asked of him so far.

It looks a typical strong crop of two-year-olds for the Aidan O’Brien team

2 c War Front – Coolmore

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier

 Form figures: Unraced

A grand colt. He’s the first foal out of Coolmore. We’ll start him off in a 6f or 7f maiden and that’s not too far away.

2 f War Front – Misty For Me

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier

 Form figures: Unraced

She’s a sister to US Navy Flag and Roly Poly. She’s got plenty of speed and seems very straightforward. She’ll appear in one of the earlier maidens.

2 f Galileo – Lillie Langtry

 Owner: Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: Unraced

She’s a fine filly, a sister to Minding. She’s not far off starting and really is lovely. We’ll start her off over 6f and she’s doing everything right.

2 f Galileo – Green Room

 Owner: Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor

 Form figures: Unraced

She’s a sister to Together Forever and Forever Together, and she’s coming to hand lovely. The plan is to run her in the first 7f fillies’ maiden of the season. She’ll get a mile this year.

2 c Galileo – Laddies Poker Two

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier

 Form figures: Unraced

A big, grey horse who’s doing everything right. He’s a brother to Winter and is ready to start off, probably in a 7f maiden.

2 f Galileo – Massarra

 Owner: Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: Unraced

She’s a sister to Gustav Klimt and she’s very forward. She’s ready and showing us plenty. She’ll probably start off over six furlongs but get seven furlongs.

2 c Galileo – Beauty Bright

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier

 Form figures: Unraced

He’s a big, strong, mature, good-looking colt. He’s ready to go over seven furlongs.

2 c Galileo – Life Happened

 Owner: Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor

 Form figures: Unraced

This fella is showing us plenty in his work so far. He’s a big horse and going lovely. He’s showing us plenty of pace but he should get further. He’s a half-brother to Tepin, who won the Queen Anne.

2 c Galileo – Palace

 Owner: Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: Unraced

He’s a brother to Innisfree and has a bigger build than him. He’s a month or six weeks away from a run, but we’re very happy with what he’s been doing.

2 c Galileo – Meccas Angel

 Owner: Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: Unraced

We haven’t asked him a lot yet, but he’s going through his work nicely. He’s going to want at least seven furlongs.

2 f Galileo – You’resothrilling

 Owner: Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: Unraced

She’s a sister to Marvellous, Gleneagles and Happily. She’s a lovely filly who’s learning all the time, but she’ll be one for the second half of the season.

2 c Uncle Mo – Irish Lights

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier

 Form figures: 2

RPR 88

He ran a lovely race first time out at Naas and we think he has learned from the experience, so he goes back there on Monday for a maiden over a furlong further.

2 f Galileo – Sumora

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier

 Form figures: Unraced

She’s a lovely, laid-back filly who’s done plenty of work. She’s a sister to Maybe and will be comfortable over seven furlongs.

2 c No Nay Never – Painting

 Owner: Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: Unraced

He’s showing plenty already. He’s got pace, so he could start off in a maiden over anything from five furlongs to seven furlongs. He’s not far away.

2 f War Front – Maybe

 Owner: Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: Unraced

She’s a half-sister to Saxon Warrior and runs in the opening fillies’ maiden at Naas on Monday. She seems to be doing everything lovely.

2 c Galileo – Timbuktu

 Owner: Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

 Form figures: Unraced

He’s a lovely Galileo colt who’s doing everything nicely. He joins a few others from here in the 6f maiden at Naas on Monday.

2 f Deep Impact – Best In The World

 Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier

 Form figures: Unraced

She’s a smashing filly and her dam was a sister to Found. She’ll be very happy over six furlongs or seven furlongs. She’s doing everything really lovely.