Latest news with #LionInWinter
Powys County Times
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
The Lion In Winter heading back to France for Prix Jacques Le Marois
The Lion In Winter will return to France for his next outing when he will step back up in trip for the Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville. Winter favourite for the Guineas and Derby, a setback in the spring held up his preparations for the Classics and he missed Newmarket, making his comeback in the Dante at York when he could only finish sixth before trailing home well beaten in the Derby. Dropped markedly in trip to seven furlongs for the Prix Jean Prat, Aidan O'Brien's charge showed plenty of his old sparkle, beaten just a short neck and a short head into third by Woodshauna. Speaking at Navan on Sunday, stable representative Chris Armstrong said: 'It was lovely to get him back on track after all the promise he showed last year. 'He has come out of the race (at Deauville) very well, and everyone is happy with him at home. 'He is going to go to the Jacques Le Marois next in Deauville. Obviously, it is going to be a fascinating race during the summer. 'In fairness, the horse adapted coming right back from a mile and a half to seven (furlongs) last week pretty quickly. 'Back up to a mile in the Jacques Le Marois should suit him.'
RTÉ News
14-07-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Jacques Le Marois at Deauville is next for The Lion In Winter
The Lion In Winter will return to France for his next outing when he will step back up in trip for the Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville. Winter favourite for the 2,000 Guineas and Epsom Derby, a setback in the spring held up his preparations for the Classics and he missed Newmarket, making his comeback in the Dante at York when he could only finish sixth before trailing home well beaten in the Derby. Dropped markedly in trip to seven furlongs for the Prix Jean Prat, Aidan O'Brien's charge showed plenty of his old sparkle, beaten just a short neck and a short head into third by Woodshauna. Speaking at Navan on Sunday, stable representative Chris Armstrong said: "It was lovely to get him back on track after all the promise he showed last year. "He has come out of the race (at Deauville) very well, and everyone is happy with him at home. "He is going to go to the Jacques Le Marois next in Deauville. Obviously, it is going to be a fascinating race during the summer. "In fairness, the horse adapted coming right back from a mile and a half to seven (furlongs) last week pretty quickly. "Back up to a mile in the Jacques Le Marois should suit him.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Horse Power: The Lion In Winter to roar back with victory in the Betfred Derby at Epsom
It could be déjà vu for trainer Aidan O'Brien as THE LION IN WINTER can roar back in summer and provide him with a record-extending 11th victory in the Betfred Derby (In Honour Of His Highness Aga Khan IV) (No Geldings) (3.35pm) at Epsom on Saturday afternoon. Advertisement For the third year in a row the Ballydoyle maestro's winter ante-post Derby favourite is on a retrieval mission having – like Auguste Rodin in 2024 and City Of Troy 12 months ago – flopped on his seasonal return heading into the Colts' Classic. The Lion In Winter lost his unbeaten tag on just his third start when only sixth to the reopposing Pride Of Arras, trained by Ralph Beckett, in the Dante Stakes at York last month. Unlike those two stars – who went on to land the Colts' Classic at Epsom despite 2,000 Guineas disappointment – though, The Lion In Winter will not have the assistance of Ryan Moore. He will be riding stable-mate and potential favourite Delacroix after the Dubawi colt made a much smoother return to action with victories in two of the recognised trials for the Derby – the Group Three Ballysax Stakes at the end of March and the Cashel Palace Hotel Derby Trial Stakes, formerly the Derrinstown, last month – both of which are run at Leopardstown in Ireland. READ MORE: Minnie Hauk lands the Betfred Oaks at Epsom READ MORE: Jan Brueghel crowned a winner in the Coronation Cup at Epsom Advertisement He is sure to go close to victory – along with another Coolmore runner Lambourn, who won one of the other trials – the Chester Vase on the Roodee – but he may have to play second fiddle to his stable-mate The Lion In Winter. The son of the legendary Sea The Stars – who won the Derby in 2009 – has had injury issues since two stunning successes as a juvenile. Following a Curragh maiden win and then an even better victory in the Group Three Acomb Stakes – when he had subsequent 2,000 Guineas winner, Charlie Appleby's Ruling Court, who is vying for favouritism for a second Classic success, back in third – The Lion In Winter was off the track for the rest of the season and was late coming to hand this year. He didn't settle in the preliminaries and early in the race in the Dante and was also stopped when making a late move giving him little chance of making a winning return behind the impressive Pride Of Arras. But he is sure to come on plenty for that return and we have seen so many of O'Brien's leading lights improving tremendously after their first run of the season. The Lion In Winter will have to settle better at Epsom, but if he does, he is arguably the horse with the most talent and potential in what is a high-quality 19-strong field for the premier Classic. Under Colin Keane, he can improve for his return and despite being drawn widest in stall 19 he can get some of the lustre back of his juvenile runs. A case can be made for many in the field including the aforementioned Delacroix, Lambourn, Ruling Court, Pride Of Arras and the last-named's stable-mate Stanhope Gardens. But a chance is taken that The Lion In Winter can roar again and resume his progress with Derby success. Advertisement James Tate's ROYAL DRESS – set to be ridden by Godolphin jockey and Liverpool FC fan William Buick – can go a couple of places better than 12 months ago and win the Group Three Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Sponsored By Oddschecker) (1pm). The five-year-old mare was third in this mile contest 12 months ago when not getting the clearest of passages. She went on to win a Group Three contest at the Curragh and ran some good races in defeat. She was then third of four in the 1m2½f Group Two Middleton Stakes at York on her seasonal return at York last month. With that run under her belt and dropping back to an extended mile, Royal Dress can score again. German trainer Peter Shiergen's GEOGRAPHY – set to be ridden by Christophe Soumillon – can back up her recent Group Three win in Dusseldorf with another in the Group Three Betfred Diomed Stakes (1.35pm). GOLD STAR HERO can take the Betfred 3yo 'Dash' Handicap (2.10pm). Michael Bell's son of Starspangledbanner was unable to land a blow when drawn out wide at Chester's May Festival last month. But on this straighter track, he can be seen to better effect and can land a first win on Turf ahead of chiefly Kevin Ryan's duo Against The Wind and Cape Sovereign. Robert Cowell's speedy MICHAELA'S BOY has a solid chance of victory in the Aston Martin 'Dash' Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (2.45pm). The five-year-old gelding won a couple of times on the all-weather over the winter but is yet to score on two starts back on Turf this season. He was fourth over course and distance behind the reopposing Spartan Arrow in April and third at Goodwood last month. A generally consistent performer, Michaela's Boy may be able to land a first success on Turf since his debut at Windsor back in April 2022. Others in with a chance in the typically-competitive Dash are Mick Appleby's seven-year-old Blind Beggar, the George Baker-trained Desert Cop and Existent from the Stuart Williams' stable. Advertisement Baker's BEAULD AS BRASS saw his winning run come to an end when third at Newbury last month after four successes this season. But he can bounce back to winning ways in the Encore Lifestyle Northern Dancer Handicap (GBBPlus Race) (4.15pm). Andrew Balding's CHARTWELL JOCK – who was third at Ascot last month – can go a couple of places better in the Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Lester Piggott Handicap (GBBPlus Race) (5pm). While in the finale, the JRA Tokyo Trophy Handicap (5.40pm), Richard Fahey's STRIKE RED and the Mick Appleby-trained Intervention can both go well with preference just for the former to return to winning ways on his fourth start of the season. At Musselburgh FIERY LUCY – from the Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning stablemate of Irish trainer Gavin Cromwell – can build on a recent second at Leopardstown to win the Listed Edinburgh Gin Queen Of Scots British EBF Fillies' Stakes (3.10pm). Others who can triumph in Scotland are Ed Bethell's course and distance winner I AM ME in the Edinburgh Cup Handicap (3.50pm); another with course and distance form in the past, the Amanda Perrett-trained SIXCOR, in the Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb And Ginger Handicap (1.20pm); John and Sean Quinn's Power Of Gold in the Edinburgh Gin Classic Handicap (1.55pm); and ARRANMORE, from the Micky Hammond stable, in the finale, the Edinburgh Gin Cannonball Handicap (4.55pm). Advertisement At Doncaster Bryan Smart's last-time-out winner CASTAN can go in again in the the Daniel Jones Handicap (5.45pm); and the Mick Appleby-trained BILLYJOH can score in the Happy Birthday Nigel Kirby Handicap (7.15pm). Wright Ones EPSOM 1pm Royal Dress 1.35pm Geography 2.10pm Gold Star Hero 2.45pm Michaela's Boy 3.30pm 1 The Lion In Winter (NAP) 2 Delacroix 3 Lambourn 4.15pm Beauld As Brass 5pm Chartwell Jock 5.40pm Strike Red MUSSELBURGH 1.20pm Sixcor 1.55pm Power Of Gold 2.30pm Alaskan Light 3.10pm Fiery Lucy 3.50pm I Am Me 4.25pm Reservardo 4.55pm Arranmore DONCASTER 4pm Kodi Red 4.35pm Calafrio 5.10pm Light The Night Up 5.45pm Castan 6.15pm Pole Star 6.45pm Brave Bob 7.15pm Billyjoh 7.50pm Churchella Advertisement WORCESTER 1.50pm Bruce Gobbler 2.25pm Ile De Jersey 3.05pm Leading Force 3.45pm Son Of Tyran 4.20pm Dynamite Defense 4.50pm Three Figs 5.25pm Sporty Jim 5.55pm Leave Her To Me LINGFIELD 5.30pm Synergism 6.07pm Special Ghaiyyath 6.37pm Salamanca City 7.07pm Momaer 7.40pm Fulford Cross 8.10pm Blue Collar Lad 8.40pm Queen Of Good News CHEPSTOW 5.30pm Moe's Legacy 6pm Sinj 6.30pm Indian Spirit 7pm Redredrobin 7.30pm Alice's Impact 8pm King of The Dance 8.30pm Vape 9pm Red Derek HEXHAM 4.05pm Present Fair 4.40pm Grand Voyage 5.15pm Sean Og 5.50pm Mancero 6.20pm Mack The Man 6.50pm Our Sam SUNDAY'S NAP: Alcazan (Goodwood 5.20pm)
Irish Daily Mirror
03-06-2025
- 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
03-06-2025
- 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.'
