At the start of June, legendary trainer Aidan O’Brien reminded the racing world of his enduring dominance by landing both the Oaks and the Derby at Epsom Downs, securing the double for the first time since 2020.
It marked his fifth time completing the rare Classic sweep and brought his tally to 11 wins apiece in each race. For punters looking to bet on horse racing, it was a clear reminder that when it comes to the biggest stages, O’Brien’s Ballydoyle operation still sets the standard.
Epsom, one of the best flat courses in the UK, once again proved a fitting backdrop for two compelling chapters in the Irish maestro’s ongoing story of Classic success. Let’s take a look at how each race unfolded and what made this particular double one to remember.
Minnie Hawk – Oaks
Going into the Oaks, all eyes were on Desert Flower – the emphatic 1000 Guineas heroine and red-hot favourite to add a second Classic to her blossoming résumé.
However, the 1m4f trip presented a new challenge, and there were whispers of doubt about her ability to stay the distance on the undulating Epsom turf. Those concerns proved well-founded, as she faded late on under pressure.
It was left to Minnie Hawk, the second favourite, to shine. The daughter of Frankel had already proven her stamina by winning the Cheshire Oaks over just half a furlong shorter.
That prior form, combined with a professional ride from Ryan Moore, made all the difference. She was locked in a dramatic duel with stablemate Whirl, winner of the Musidora Stakes at York, and showed admirable tenacity to prevail by a neck in the final strides.
Lambourn – Derby
If Minnie Hawk’s win was a scrap against a close companion who wouldn’t lie down, Lambourn’s Derby victory was a procession.
The son of 2014 Derby winner Australia entered the race as O’Brien’s third string, at least in the eyes of the betting public, behind the much-hyped Delacroix and the once-celebrated prospect The Lion In Winter.
But Lambourn came into the Classic on the back of an authoritative display in the Chester Vase, and he carried that momentum into Epsom with style. From the off, Lambourn took control of the race.
He made all, dictating the pace with confidence and never seeing another rival. As his stablemates laboured in mid-division and faded – Delacroix finishing ninth and The Lion In Winter a disappointing 14th -it was Lambourn who galloped into the history books, coming home over three lengths clear of the field.
In winning, he joined Auguste Rodin (2023) and City Of Troy (2024) to complete a hat-trick of Derby wins for Ballydoyle, showcasing the strength in depth of the operation and O’Brien’s unique ability to peak the right horse at the right time.
“He’s a lovely, genuine horse,”
Winning rider Wayne Lordan said.
“When I jumped I just wanted to get him into a stride because he’s a horse that stays well, and races lazily also.
“He was enjoying it in front and his ears were pricked and I was able to go forward good and early.
“I did feel [going into the race] that he was a bit underrated, because he’s not a flashy horse, he just goes on the bridle and does his own thing.
“The other horses are good travellers and quicken, mine is just genuine and goes with the flow, but when you look for him, there’s loads in there.”
