Aidan O’Brien: Behind the iron mask

By Rory King

In a world of increasing media probing and in which trainers are continually being asked to open up, how would you describe Aidan O’Brien’s demeanour? Shy? Tactful? Reserved? He is certainly a difficult character to assess. His recent assertion that he’d “never seen a horse go so fast” when speaking about Starspangledbanner’s work at home prior to the Golden Jubilee will be seen by many as a comment typical of O’Brien towards one of his horses. Yet, as there appears to be some basis for the assertion (the horse broke Ascot’s track record in the race), I see it as purely a statement of truth from a man who is in charge of an elite training centre which houses millions of pounds worth of thoroughbred. He takes it upon himself to try to know every little detail and to make sure the team leaves nothing to chance. He is simply trying to make sure he has an edge.

The operation at Ballydoyle can be likened to a top professional football team. Under a cap bestowing the names of his latest stallion prospect, and behind the dark glasses and quiet, almost mesmerising voice, lies a man with a strong character. Similar to a football club too is the number of people behind the scenes who do so much work with the horses. O’Brien is always keen to highlight the importance of these people in the operation, much like a football manager will praise the work of his medical team in the recuperation of a player following an injury. The set up at Ballydoyle was way ahead of its time and remains the most impressive training facility in Britain and Ireland. Perhaps most like Chelsea is the financial firepower of the owners at Ballydoyle and how, despite numerous domestic successes (Irish Derby and Oaks) they still cherish success on the European and world stage in races like the Arc de Triomphe, the Epsom Derby and the Breeders’ Cup contests.

This time last year I remember O’Brien saying that he thought the Irish Derby was the most important mile and a half race for three-year-olds as all the good horses meet and any questions from Epsom or France are answered. However, in recent years Epsom winners haven’t run at the Curragh and O’Brien has turned the Irish Derby into a stamina test. This year, for instance, the race had very little strength in depth and, while it is very hard to crab a 1-2-3 in any race, let alone a Classic, I think it is unlikely that Cape Blanco will turn out to be a top middle distance colt, even though he is the only horse to have beaten Workforce. Hopefully we will learn more when the two horses meet again in the King George.

By Rory King