Excitement Builds as 18 Irish-Trained Horses Gear Up for the Prestigious 2025 Breeders' Cup at Del Mar As the anticipation grows, a remarkable lineup of 18 exceptional Irish-trained horses is set to compete in the highly esteemed 2025 Breeders' Cup at Del Mar. This premier event promises thrilling races and showcases the elite talent of equine athletes from Ireland, making it a must-watch for horse racing enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
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As the Breeders’ Cup approaches, excitement builds within the Irish racing community. Eighteen horses from Ireland are set to compete in Del Mar, California, on Friday and Saturday. This prestigious event showcases some of the finest talent in horse racing.
Irish trainers are determined to leave their mark once again, following a rich history of success at the Breeders’ Cup.
Leading the charge is acclaimed trainer Aidan O’Brien. Recently named the champion flat trainer in Britain, O’Brien aims to secure his 28th champion title in Ireland this weekend.
He will be represented by eight contenders in six Grade 1 races, highlighting his continued dominance in the sport.
Key contenders from Ballydoyle
Among the favorites from O’Brien’s Ballydoyle stable are True Love in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, Precise in the Juvenile Fillies Turf, and Gstaad in the Juvenile Turf. Gstaad will be joined by stablemates Mission Central and Brussels in this high-stakes race.
O’Brien seeks to enhance his remarkable season, having secured 25 Group 1 victories. He is on the verge of breaking his own world record of 28 Group 1 wins set in 2017.
Adjustments in the lineup
In a strategic shift, Minnie Hauk, recently a runner-up in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, will compete in the Breeders’ Cup Turf instead of the Filly and Mare Turf. The Coolmore partners will have Bedtime Story representing them in the Filly and Mare Turf race. The Lion In Winter, previously a contender for the 2000 Guineas and the Epsom Derby, will run in the Breeders’ Cup Mile.
Family legacy at Del Mar
Aidan O’Brien’s family legacy continues with his sons, Joseph and Donnacha, also set to compete at Del Mar. Joseph, a former Breeders’ Cup-winning jockey, will have Queen Of Hawaii in the Juvenile Fillies’ Turf and North Coast in the Juvenile Turf. Donnacha is bringing three horses, including Havana Anna in the Juvenile Turf Sprint, Balantina in the Juvenile Turf, and Atsila in the Filly & Mare Turf.
Additional Irish talent
Trainer Willie Mullins, known for his jumps racing success, sends his star horse Ethical Diamond to compete in the Breeders’ Cup Turf on Saturday. This horse has triumphed at both Royal Ascot and the Ebor festival, establishing him as a strong competitor.
Trainer Adrian Murray, based in County Westmeath, fields two entries in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint on the second day. His horses, Arizona Blaze and Bucanero Fuerte, will race under the silks of Amo Racing. Trainer Jack Davison will have She’s Quality in the same event.
Murray’s Valiant Force is slated for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint but is currently a first reserve, leaving him hoping for a chance if another competitor withdraws.
Broadcast details
The excitement of the Breeders’ Cup will be broadcast on Virgin Media Two, starting at 8 PM on Friday and 8:30 PM on Saturday. Fans can also follow the action on At The Races and Sky Sports Racing, ensuring comprehensive coverage of this thrilling event.
