Latest news with #SeriousContender
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘We're sorry to see him go' – ‘Seriously good' horse removed from Aidan O'Brien's yard in high-profile transfer
He is the latest in a string of top horses to leave Britain and Ireland LEGAN TENDER 'We're sorry to see him go' – 'Seriously good' horse removed from Aidan O'Brien's yard in high-profile transfer Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AIDAN O'BRIEN admitted he was 'sorry' to see a 'seriously good' potential superstar sold from his yard. Irish Derby runner-up Serious Contender looks to have rock-solid form to his name. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Serious Contender, right, came close to giving Lambourn a beating in the Irish Derby - and is now leaving Aidan O'Brien's yard to continue his career in Hong Kong Credit: Getty The three-year-old colt was second to Derby king Lambourn at the Curragh when he last ran in June. Prior to that he was runner-up to William Haggas' hugely promising Arc de Triomphe contender Merchant in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot. He has won two of six career races and bagged just shy of £250,000 for owners Coolmore, improving a massive 24lb in just three months. But his career will continue in Hong Kong after being sold to top trainer Danny Shum - the brains behind unstoppable Group 1 monster Romantic Warrior. New connections will be hoping Serious Contender can win even a fraction of the £21million Romantic Warrior has earned. But for O'Brien it is another top talent out the Ballydoyle door - coming hot on the heels of Royal Ascot winner Trinity College. O'Brien told the Racing Post: "His form is excellent and we're sorry to see him go, but that's what happens. "Trinity College has gone to Australia and this guy has gone to Hong Kong. That's just the way it is. "Serious Contender will do very well in Hong Kong. He'll really be suited to it. "He's a seriously good horse." Loaded Hong Kong owners have been plundering the British and Irish racing ranks in search of the next big name. And even King Charles and Queen Camilla are not immune to the huge cash being offered for some horses. The King's Falcon, who was trained by William Haggas, will move to Hong Kong to be trained by John Size. Ralph Beckett has seen Seraph Gabriel leave after he was beaten a nose in the Golden Gates Stakes at the Royal meeting. While Hampton Court third Glittering Legend is off to Hong Kong as well, having been trained by James Fanshawe previously. Both those runners will now be trained by David Eustace, the son of Newmarket trainer James and brother of Royal Ascot-winning handler Harry. 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.
North Wales Chronicle
3 days ago
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
O'Brien has Champions Weekend in mind for Montreal
Aidan O'Brien's superbly-bred Sea The Stars colt stepped up markedly on his debut effort, putting his race to bed in a matter of strides for Wayne Lordan. He holds an entry in the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh on September 14 over seven furlongs, while the day-earlier KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes over a mile could also come into the equation back at Leopardstown. 'He'd improved from his debut at Leopardstown when he was very green and finished third,' said O'Brien. 'We like him and he showed what we thought he might when he wasn't as green, he was impressive. 'I think he could go back to Leopardstown on Champions Weekend, something like that might be next.' O'Brien also confirmed the departure of two smart three-year-olds from his ranks, with Irish Derby runner-up Serious Contender sold to race in Hong Kong and Hampton Court Stakes winner Trinity College also on the move. The trainer said: 'Serious Contender's form is excellent and obviously we're sorry to see him go. He's a good horse and will do very well. 'We thought he couldn't get beat in Ascot (when second to Merchant) and then the one that beat us was entered in the King George. 'Trinity College has gone to Australia.'
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
O'Brien has Champions Weekend in mind for Montreal
Aidan O'Brien's superbly-bred Sea The Stars colt stepped up markedly on his debut effort, putting his race to bed in a matter of strides for Wayne Lordan. He holds an entry in the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh on September 14 over seven furlongs, while the day-earlier KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes over a mile could also come into the equation back at Leopardstown. 'He'd improved from his debut at Leopardstown when he was very green and finished third,' said O'Brien. 'We like him and he showed what we thought he might when he wasn't as green, he was impressive. 'I think he could go back to Leopardstown on Champions Weekend, something like that might be next.' O'Brien also confirmed the departure of two smart three-year-olds from his ranks, with Irish Derby runner-up Serious Contender sold to race in Hong Kong and Hampton Court Stakes winner Trinity College also on the move. The trainer said: 'Serious Contender's form is excellent and obviously we're sorry to see him go. He's a good horse and will do very well. 'We thought he couldn't get beat in Ascot (when second to Merchant) and then the one that beat us was entered in the King George. 'Trinity College has gone to Australia.'
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
O'Brien has Champions Weekend in mind for Montreal
Aidan O'Brien's superbly-bred Sea The Stars colt stepped up markedly on his debut effort, putting his race to bed in a matter of strides for Wayne Lordan. He holds an entry in the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh on September 14 over seven furlongs, while the day-earlier KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes over a mile could also come into the equation back at Leopardstown. 'He'd improved from his debut at Leopardstown when he was very green and finished third,' said O'Brien. 'We like him and he showed what we thought he might when he wasn't as green, he was impressive. 'I think he could go back to Leopardstown on Champions Weekend, something like that might be next.' O'Brien also confirmed the departure of two smart three-year-olds from his ranks, with Irish Derby runner-up Serious Contender sold to race in Hong Kong and Hampton Court Stakes winner Trinity College also on the move. The trainer said: 'Serious Contender's form is excellent and obviously we're sorry to see him go. He's a good horse and will do very well. 'We thought he couldn't get beat in Ascot (when second to Merchant) and then the one that beat us was entered in the King George. 'Trinity College has gone to Australia.'
South Wales Guardian
3 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
O'Brien has Champions Weekend in mind for Montreal
Aidan O'Brien's superbly-bred Sea The Stars colt stepped up markedly on his debut effort, putting his race to bed in a matter of strides for Wayne Lordan. He holds an entry in the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh on September 14 over seven furlongs, while the day-earlier KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes over a mile could also come into the equation back at Leopardstown. 'He'd improved from his debut at Leopardstown when he was very green and finished third,' said O'Brien. 'We like him and he showed what we thought he might when he wasn't as green, he was impressive. 'I think he could go back to Leopardstown on Champions Weekend, something like that might be next.' O'Brien also confirmed the departure of two smart three-year-olds from his ranks, with Irish Derby runner-up Serious Contender sold to race in Hong Kong and Hampton Court Stakes winner Trinity College also on the move. The trainer said: 'Serious Contender's form is excellent and obviously we're sorry to see him go. He's a good horse and will do very well. 'We thought he couldn't get beat in Ascot (when second to Merchant) and then the one that beat us was entered in the King George. 'Trinity College has gone to Australia.'
