Ireland’s legendary trainer Aidan O’Brien has set a new benchmark in Breeders’ Cup history after Gstaad’s dominant win in the Juvenile Turf at Del Mar, near San Diego. The victory marked his 21st Breeders’ Cup triumph, surpassing the previous record held by the late D Wayne Lukas.
Gstaad delivers masterclass
Drawn wide for the one-mile contest, Gstaad produced a stunning late burst under Christophe Soumillon, surging past rivals in the final furlong to secure an emphatic win. The performance not only gave O’Brien a record-breaking total but also extended his Juvenile Turf victories to eight, more than any other trainer.
Tribute to Wayne Lukas
Reflecting on the milestone, O’Brien paid a heartfelt tribute to Lukas: “Wayne was an unbelievable man, always generous with his advice. When we came here with Giant’s Causeway years ago, he helped us at the barn and even joined us on the track. Everything he did was for his horses and his people.”
A family celebration
It turned into a double delight for the O’Brien family as Donnacha O’Brien, Aidan’s younger son, recorded his first-ever Breeders’ Cup victory. His filly Balantina, ridden by Oisin Murphy, stormed to a surprise win in the $1m Juvenile Fillies Turf. “It’s very special,” said Donnacha. “Dad and Joseph have done it before, so it’s great to join them on the list of winners.”
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