Prepare for an exciting display of Irish excellence at the 2025 Breeders’ Cup, featuring Aidan O’Brien's top-performing horses. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness premier equestrian talent on a global stage!
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Anticipation builds as eighteen Irish-trained horses prepare to compete at the prestigious Breeders’ Cup in Del Mar, California. Scheduled for Friday and Saturday, this event celebrates equine excellence and competitive spirit. Leading the charge is renowned trainer Aidan O’Brien, whose expertise and success in the field are well-documented.
This year, O’Brien, recently crowned the champion flat trainer in Britain, aims to add another accolade to his impressive resume, potentially marking his 28th championship title in Ireland. With a formidable lineup of eight runners across six Grade 1 races, the stakes are high and competition is fierce.
O’Brien’s promising contenders
Among the favored entrants from O’Brien’s Ballydoyle stable are True Love, competing in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, Precise in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, and Gstaad in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.
Notably, Gstaad will be joined by stablemates Mission Central and Brussels in their respective events. As O’Brien seeks to enhance his remarkable total of 25 Group 1 victories this season, he inches closer to his own world record of 28 wins achieved in 2017.
Challenges ahead
Despite a solid lineup, the path to victory is never guaranteed. Recent betting trends indicate that both Precise and Gstaad have seen an easing in odds, reflecting the unpredictable nature of horse racing. Competing against them is the accomplished Minnie Hauk, who recently finished as the runner-up in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp. Rather than entering the Filly and Mare Turf, Minnie will instead tackle the Breeders’ Cup Turf on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Coolmore team will showcase Bedtime Story in the latter event.
Another notable entry is The Lion In Winter, once considered a strong contender for both the 2000 Guineas and the Epsom Derby, who will make an appearance in the Breeders’ Cup Mile.
Family legacy in racing
The O’Brien legacy extends beyond Aidan, as his sons Joseph and Donnacha will also showcase their talents at Del Mar. Joseph, a former Breeders’ Cup-winning jockey, has entries including Queen Of Hawaii in the Juvenile Fillies’ Turf and North Coast in the Juvenile Turf. Donnacha is set to bring three horses to the competition, featuring Havana Anna (in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint), Balantina (in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf), and Atsila (in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf).
Irish training excellence
Renowned for his prowess in jump racing, trainer Willie Mullins will also make his mark at the Breeders’ Cup, bringing Ethical Diamond, a winner at both Royal Ascot and Ebor, to compete in the Breeders’ Cup Turf on Saturday. Additionally, Adrian Murray, based in County Westmeath, will field two runners in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, with both Arizona Blaze and Bucanero Fuerte donning the Amo Racing silks. Meath’s Jack Davison is set to race She’s Quality in the same event.
Furthermore, Murray’s horse Valiant Force is entered in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint but is currently listed as the first reserve, leaving him hopeful for a last-minute opportunity to compete.
Broadcast and coverage details
Fans eagerly anticipating the Breeders’ Cup action can tune into Virgin Media Two, where coverage will commence at 8 PM on Friday, continuing from 8:30 PM on Saturday. Additionally, racing enthusiasts can catch all the exciting moments on At The Races and Sky Sports Racing, ensuring comprehensive coverage of this high-stakes event.
