JUST a week after winning at Royal Ascot, Santiago landed the Irish Derby at the Curragh.
It was trainer Aidan O’Brien’s 14th win in the race and the master of Ballydoyle dominated the race once again with the first four home all from his all-conquering stable.
The drop in trip proved no issue for the Queen’s Vase winner and neither did the pre-race ‘B-Team’ jibes.
With the Derby at Epsom next weekend always the race Coolmore love to win more than any other, O’Brien was forced to shuffle his pack more than usual.
But his six runners did him proud, with Tiger Moth running a huge race in second. But Santiago (2-1f) was always the ace in the pack.
O’Brien said: “We’re very happy with him and it was a big call for the lads to run him straight after Ascot.
“To come back from a-mile-and-six at Ascot and do that he must be an amazing horse. We’ve been happy with him at home and that’s why he was here.”
The son of Authorized – the same sire as Tiger Roll – was already the St Leger favourite but was shortened further into 9-4 with Paddy Power. And that’s where he’ll likely be aimed now.
O’Brien added: “That’s the kind of race we’ll be aiming him at now. The lads will decide but he could take some time and go straight there perhaps.
“He’s going to be tired tomorrow as that was a tough race.”
Just the first, second, third AND fourth home for Aidan O’Brien in the Irish Derby
Royal Ascot winner Santiago takes the spoils and the trainers 14th win in the race
pic.twitter.com/HG0bOLo6cA
— Sun Racing (@SunRacing) June 27, 2020
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/newcastle-report-gamble-landed-in-northumberland-plate-as-hugo-palmer-celebrates-with-improving-caravan-of-hope
