O’Brien anticipates exciting encounter between different generations in Eclipse showdown against Paddington
The Coral-Eclipse: Aidan O’Brien Aims for Turf History with Paddington
Aidan O’Brien, the renowned trainer, is on the brink of making turf history once again as he targets his seventh victory in the prestigious Coral-Eclipse race this Saturday. If successful, O’Brien will surpass Alec Taylor Jnr and Sir Michael Stoute to claim sole possession of this record.
The Eclipse, named after a legendary horse whose influence continues through his descendants, holds great significance for O’Brien. It played a vital role in shaping his early career. Giant’s Causeway, his first winner at the Eclipse, remains one of O’Brien’s most celebrated horses.
Giant’s Causeway triumphed in the St James’s Palace Stakes before tackling older horses over 10 furlongs – an impressive feat for a three-year-old. Harnessing the weight-for-age concession that benefits younger contenders has been key to four out of O’Brien’s six victories.
O’Brien acknowledges just how important it is to win such a prestigious race like the Eclipse:
“The people gone before us have always got it fairly right with the weight-for-age scale…as [the] year goes on it levels up.”
Sandown Park Racecourse provides an ideal stage for this showdown between generations and serves as an excellent barometer of future success.
Paddington follows in Giant’s Causeway’s footsteps by competing in similar races leading up to the Eclipse. The Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes have paved Paddington’s path towards Sandown.
Paddington may share some similarities with past champions but also brings uniqueness into play:
“Paddington can quicken; he’s a miler that can quicken… I think he’s only the second Siyouni we’ve had this far among the colts.”
The Eclipse is synonymous with incredible horses, and O’Brien’s yard has seen its fair share of triumphs. So You Think, Hawk Wing, St Mark’s Basilica, and Giant’s Causeway have all etched their names into racing history during their respective wins.
O’Brien reflects on unforgettable moments:
“They are the days you don’t forget and they were very important days for us.”
When asked about his strategy for identifying potential Eclipse contenders early in the season, O’Brien reveals:
“We enter them in all the big races… The Eclipse is always an option.”
Paddington appeared destined for Goodwood but showed remarkable form after Ascot. This prompted a shift towards Sandown with Ryan Moore aboard.
The Coral-Eclipse awaits as Aidan O’Brien sets out to make turf history once again with Paddington by his side. Will they join forces to create another indelible moment on racing’s grand stage? Only time will tell.