Latest news with #LionInWinter
Irish Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Aidan O'Brien Derby update as trainer speaks on his Epsom runners
Ryan Moore is leaning towards riding Delacroix over his stablemate The Lion In Winter in Saturday's Betfred Derby, with a final decision on his Epsom mount to be made before Wednesday lunchtime. The Lion In Winter led the ante-post lists for the premier Classic during the winter months, but an interrupted spring campaign and a sixth-place finish in his Dante Stakes comeback have dented his reputation, despite the Sea The Stars colt remaining prominent in the betting. However, Delacroix – who has impressed by winning both of his starts at Leopardstown this season – became the Derby favourite after trainer Aidan O'Brien said last week "I would imagine Ryan will find it hard not to ride him". During a media Zoom call hosted by the Jockey Club on Tuesday, O'Brien was again asked if he expected Moore to choose the son of Dubawi, and said: "I think so, it's very hard to know and obviously he doesn't have to makeup his mind until 1pm tomorrow. "Ryan will always ride the horse he thinks he has the best chance, that's always been his way regardless and that's the way it has to be. "Ryan rides the horse we think is going to win, sometimes we're right and sometimes we're wrong, but he looks at their ability, where they are the suitability of the horse for the race and tries to get on the one he thinks is going to win. "Obviously no one gets that right all the time, so we'll just have to see how it goes." O'Brien has made it clear that he won't be nudging Moore towards any particular choice, stating: "No, I think you have to be very clear thinking all the time, you have to make calculated decisions all the time and you can't let your heart rule your head. That's what we always try to do really." O'Brien is gearing up for a three-horse push in his quest for an 11th Derby triumph with Delacroix and The Lion In Winter poised to join Chester Vase victor Lambourn. Wayne Lordan and Colin Keane are set to mount the other two horses, with Moore yet to announce his ride. O'Brien anticipates a spirited race from Delacroix this weekend and suggests aggressive racing tactics might continue, adding: "I'd imagine so, that will be Ryan's decision if he rides him. He's a straightforward horse and uncomplicated we think, so I would imagine if he does ride him he'll probably ride him forward. He'll decide that himself when the gates open. "His sister by Galileo (Grateful) got a mile and six (furlongs) well and as everybody knows he's by Dubawi. You never know until you do it, but we always thought there was a good chance that he would get the mile and a half." With regards to The Lion In Winter, despite possibly being the secondary choice from Ballydoyle, O'Brien is optimistic of a significant improvement following the horse's last outing at the Dante stakes. The trainer expressed optimism about the horse's progress since York, saying: "We think he's made good progress since York, which we obviously thought he would. He was only just ready to start that day and you're probably better off in a trial knowing that you're going to come forward and everything goes wrong, rather than running in a trial when you think you're fit and everything goes right. "He was a bit fresh and a bit behind fitness-wise but everything has gone well since, we got a run into him, it looked like he was going to get a mile and a quarter well, he got a little bit of interference in the straight and Ryan looked after him. If he hadn't got that he might have been third and if he hadn't have run a little bit keen early he might have been closer. "This is only going to be his second run and you'd imagine whatever he does he's going to come forward again." The trainer will also be triple handed in Friday's Betfred Oaks, with Cheshire Oaks winner Minnie Hauk, Lingfield Oaks Trial scorer Giselle and Musidora Stakes victor Whirl appearing three of the biggest threats to Charlie Appleby's 1000 Guineas heroine Desert Flower. "I'd imagine Ryan will probably ride Minnie Hauk, but obviously that could change if he changes his mind tomorrow," O'Brien revealed. "We liked her last year, she had two runs and won the second time. She's a lovely, straightforward filly and we think she's come forward loads from Chester." Speaking on the significance of the two Epsom Classics, the trainer stated: "They're obviously vital, it's where the whole thoroughbred breed is gauged. "The Derby and the Oaks are the most important races for colts and fillies of the year and for the three-year-old generation."
Glasgow Times
3 hours ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Delacroix in pole position to lead Derby charge for Ballydoyle
The Lion In Winter spent the winter months at the head of ante-post lists for the premier Classic, and while an interrupted spring campaign and a sixth-place finish on his Dante Stakes comeback dented his reputation, the Sea The Stars colt has remained prominent in the betting. However, Delacroix – who has impressed in winning each of his two starts at Leopardstown so far this season – hardened as Derby favourite after trainer Aidan O'Brien said last week 'I would imagine Ryan will find it hard not to ride him'. Delacroix takes the Cashel Palace Hotel Derby Trial Stakes and cements claims for the Epsom Derby in June! ✅@waynemlordan | @Ballydoyle — Leopardstown RC (@LeopardstownRC) May 11, 2025 On a media Zoom call hosted by the Jockey Club on Tuesday, O'Brien was again asked if he expected Moore to side with the son of Dubawi, and said: 'I think so, it's very hard to know and obviously he doesn't have to make up his mind until 1pm tomorrow. 'Ryan will always ride the horse he thinks he has the best chance, that's always been his way regardless and that's the way it has to be. 'Ryan rides the horse we think is going to win, sometimes we're right and sometimes we're wrong, but he looks at their ability, where they are the suitability of the horse for the race and tries to get on the one he thinks is going to win. 'Obviously no one gets that right all the time, so we'll just have to see how it goes.' Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore at the Curragh (Niall Carson/PA) On whether he would try to sway Moore in one direction or another, he added: 'No, I think you have to be very clear thinking all the time, you have to make calculated decisions all the time and you can't let your heart rule your head. That's what we always try to do really.' O'Brien plans to fire a three-pronged assault in his bid for an 11th Derby success, with Delacroix and The Lion In Winter set to be joined by Chester Vase winner Lambourn. Wayne Lordan and Colin Keane will ride the two horses passed over by Moore. Delacroix has been ridden positively in his last couple of races and O'Brien expects similar tactics to be employed this weekend, saying: 'I'd imagine so, that will be Ryan's decision if he rides him. He's a straightforward horse and uncomplicated we think, so I would imagine if he does ride him he'll probably ride him forward. He'll decide that himself when the gates open. 'His sister by Galileo (Grateful) got a mile and six (furlongs) well and as everybody knows he's by Dubawi. You never know until you do it, but we always thought there was a good chance that he would get the mile and a half.' While The Lion In Winter appears likely to line up as the Ballydoyle second string, O'Brien believes he will take a big step forward from his Dante performance. He added: 'We think he's made good progress since York, which we obviously thought he would. He was only just ready to start that day and you're probably better off in a trial knowing that you're going to come forward and everything goes wrong, rather than running in a trial when you think you're fit and everything goes right. 'He was a bit fresh and a bit behind fitness-wise but everything has gone well since, we got a run into him, it looked like he was going to get a mile and a quarter well, he got a little bit of interference in the straight and Ryan looked after him. If he hadn't got that he might have been third and if he hadn't have run a little bit keen early he might have been closer. 'This is only going to be his second run and you'd imagine whatever he does he's going to come forward again.' Minnie Hauk (right) winning the Cheshire Oaks (Nick Potts/PA) The trainer will also be triple handed in Friday's Betfred Oaks, with Cheshire Oaks winner Minnie Hauk, Lingfield Oaks Trial scorer Giselle and Musidora Stakes victor Whirl appearing three of the biggest threats to Charlie Appleby's 1000 Guineas heroine Desert Flower. 'I'd imagine Ryan will probably ride Minnie Hauk, but obviously that could change if he changes his mind tomorrow,' O'Brien revealed. 'We liked her last year, she had two runs and won the second time. She's a lovely, straightforward filly and we think she's come forward loads from Chester.' On the importance of the two Epsom Classics, the trainer said: 'They're obviously vital, it's where the whole thoroughbred breed is gauged. 'The Derby and the Oaks are the most important races for colts and fillies of the year and for the three-year-old generation.'
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Unbeaten horse ‘who never stops improving' sparks huge Derby shake-up with shock £75,000 entry in Epsom race
The two late entries bring a massive element of the uknown MIDDLE MAN Unbeaten horse 'who never stops improving' sparks huge Derby shake-up with shock £75,000 entry in Epsom race Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN unbeaten superstar who 'never stops improving' has sparked a huge Derby shake-up - after being supplemented at a cost £75,000. The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Midak, who is owned by the family of the late Aga Khan, is one of 20 still in the £1.5million race. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Aidan O'Brien's Delacroix is the Derby fav - but is proving easy to back as one of 20 confirmed for the £1.5million Epsom race Credit: PA Three from three in his career and seemingly destined for greatness, the Footstepsinthesand colt was one of two added to the race on Monday. Juddmonte stumped up the massive figure to add the Henri-Francois Devin-trained New Ground as well. Aidan O'Brien confirmed 9-4 favourite Delacroix, Lambourn and alarming market drifter The Lion In Winter as his big three for Saturday's blockbuster. Ruling Court, Charlie Appleby's 2000 Guineas winner, stood his ground too. He's been the one for money in recent days with Delacroix a slight drifter having previously been hammered in. Dante winner Pride Of Arras for Ralph Beckett was among those confirmed as well. Seven horses in all were withdrawn, including James Owen's Royal Lodge winner Wimbledon Hawkeye and O'Brien's Shackleton. Betfred spokesperson Matt Hulmes said: "We have added unbeaten Prix Greffulhe winner Midak into our betting at 14-1 while Juddmonte's New Ground is available at 16-1. "It is only fitting that the famous green and red silks of the late His Highness Aga Khan are carried in the Betfred Derby in a year we remember him. "The addition of these two French contenders is fantastic news for the race. "It affirms the Betfred Derby as the leading test of a thoroughbred, enhances the race and provides another consideration for punters to a fascinating renewal". While Coral's David Stevens added: "At this stage it looks as if Ryan Moore will be on board Delacroix in Saturday's Derby. "And if that is the case his mount looks certain to start favourite, although Ruling Court has closed the gap at the head of our betting as the Godolphin colt seeks his second Classic win." Latest Betfred Derby odds 9-4 Delacroix 4-1 Pride of Arras, Ruling Court 6-1 The Lion In Winter 10-1 Damysus 12-1 Lambourn 14-1 Midak 16-1 Stanhope Gardens 20-1 Nightwalker, New Ground 33-1 Tornado Alert 50-1 Tennessee Stud 66-1 Puppet Master. Sea Scout, Tuscan Hills, Lazy Griff 100-1 Al Wasl Storm. Green Storm, Nightime Dancer 200-1 Rogue Impact FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Rhyl Journal
a day ago
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Delacroix leads the way as 20 remain in Derby contention
Trained by Aidan O'Brien, Delacroix propelled himself to the head of the Classic betting with conclusive victories in two spring Derby trials, adding to his narrow defeat in last year's Futurity Trophy at Doncaster. He is one of four contenders from Ballydoyle, with The Lion In Winter another key name despite his odds-on defeat in the Dante, while Lambourn and Puppet Master won trials at Chester and Lingfield respectively. The Charlie Appleby-trained Ruling Court bids to another Classic to his CV, with the 2000 Guineas winner one of two for Godolphin along with the Newmarket fourth Tornado Alert for Saeed bin Suroor. Dante winner Pride Of Arras is one of two possibles for Ralph Beckett who could also run Stanhope Gardens while John and Thady Gosden have confirmed both York second Damysus and the Juddmonte-owned fifth Nightwalker. Juddmonte have added a second string to their bow though, as French raider New Ground has been supplemented at a cost of £75,000 after finishing third in each of his two starts for trainer Henri-Francois Devin this season. The son of New Bay was beaten just a length by French Derby runner-up Cualificar in April and Juddmonte's European racing manager Barry Mahon is confident he will thrive for stepping up in trip. He said: 'His form is good and we think he is crying out for a mile and a half. 'We could have taken him to Chantilly, but decided to wait to go to Epsom. He's in great form.' The Francis Graffard-trained Midak has also been added to the race and he will carry the colours of the Aga Khan Studs, with the race run in honour of the Aga Khan IV, who died in February. Charlie Johnston could be double-handed via Lazy Griff and Green Storm, with Al Wasl Storm, Nightime Dancer, Rogue Impact, Sea Scout, Tennessee Stud and Tuscan Hills round out the potential field.
South Wales Guardian
a day ago
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Delacroix leads the way as 20 remain in Derby contention
Trained by Aidan O'Brien, Delacroix propelled himself to the head of the Classic betting with conclusive victories in two spring Derby trials, adding to his narrow defeat in last year's Futurity Trophy at Doncaster. He is one of four contenders from Ballydoyle, with The Lion In Winter another key name despite his odds-on defeat in the Dante, while Lambourn and Puppet Master won trials at Chester and Lingfield respectively. The Charlie Appleby-trained Ruling Court bids to another Classic to his CV, with the 2000 Guineas winner one of two for Godolphin along with the Newmarket fourth Tornado Alert for Saeed bin Suroor. Dante winner Pride Of Arras is one of two possibles for Ralph Beckett who could also run Stanhope Gardens while John and Thady Gosden have confirmed both York second Damysus and the Juddmonte-owned fifth Nightwalker. Juddmonte have added a second string to their bow though, as French raider New Ground has been supplemented at a cost of £75,000 after finishing third in each of his two starts for trainer Henri-Francois Devin this season. The son of New Bay was beaten just a length by French Derby runner-up Cualificar in April and Juddmonte's European racing manager Barry Mahon is confident he will thrive for stepping up in trip. He said: 'His form is good and we think he is crying out for a mile and a half. 'We could have taken him to Chantilly, but decided to wait to go to Epsom. He's in great form.' The Francis Graffard-trained Midak has also been added to the race and he will carry the colours of the Aga Khan Studs, with the race run in honour of the Aga Khan IV, who died in February. Charlie Johnston could be double-handed via Lazy Griff and Green Storm, with Al Wasl Storm, Nightime Dancer, Rogue Impact, Sea Scout, Tennessee Stud and Tuscan Hills round out the potential field.
