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THE BEST OF BALLYDOYLE
Since the turn of the millennium no stable has had quite the extraordinary success of that recorded by Aidan O'Brien.
The Ballydoyle, County Tipperary stable, has the formidable Coolmore bloodstock industry behind each and every new generation of blue-blooded thoroughbreds, representing Messrs Magnier, Tabor, and Smith.
This pre-eminent breeding empire has seen the O'Brien stable record over 150 Group/Grade 1 victories , including 22 Irish Classics, 13 British Classics, and 7 Irish Derby successes.
Here, in order of merit, are my top 12 Ballydoyle horses from the last 10 years....
1) GALILEO (2000-01)
O'Brien's best mile-and-a-half horse so far. The son of Sadler's Wells romped to success in the English and Irish Derbies, before becoming the seventh horse to follow up in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot.
Moved like a panther, an awesome racehorse, and a great Derby winner.
2) DYLAN THOMAS (2005-07)
The best son of Danehill. Winner of six Group 1s. Became only the fifth horse to complete the King George/Arc double in same year when becoming champion older horse of Europe in 2007.
Duel winner of Irish Champion Stakes and a brilliant winner of the Irish Derby he was an imposing racehorse, a giant in stature and achievement.
3) HIGH CHAPARRAL (2001-03)
Another son of the mighty Sadler's Wells to complete the Anglo/Irish Derby double. A Group 1 winner in each of his three seasons, a duel Breeders Cup Turf winner, winner of the Irish Champion Stakes, and twice placed in the Arc.
A magnificent international performer of rare class and durability.
4) GIANT'S CAUSEWAY (1999-2000)
Became known as 'The Iron Horse' due to his unbreakable fighting spirit, which saw the chestnut son of Storm Cat record five successive Group 1 wins in the St James's Palace Stakes, Eclipse, Sussex Stakes, Juddmonte International, and Irish Champion Stakes.
Came so close in the Breeders Cup Classic. An outstanding performer over a range of distances and on a variety of racing surfaces.
5) GEORGE WASHINGTON (2005-07)
A brilliant two-year-old who went onto storm to success in the Two Thousand Guineas and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. His well documented fertility problems saw his stunning return to the track which ultimately ended in tragic disaster in America.
Highly strung but hugely talented colt, one of the best milers of the decade.
6) ROCK OF GIBRALTAR (2001-02)
Another champion miler by Danehill. Won seven successive Group 1 races, including Dewhust, English and Irish Guineas, St James's Palace and Sussex Stakes, and the Prix du Moulin.
Ran a mighty race when just failing in Breeders Cup Mile. Had a terrific constitution, and a great miler within his generation.
7) HAWK WING (2001-03)
The son of Woodman had a huge reputation at Ballydoyle. At times brilliant, as when winning the Eclipse and a stunning 11 length win in the Lockinge Stakes, but always an exasperating talent, runner-up in the Guineas and Derby, as well as suffering defeats in the Irish Champion Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.
A real class act on his day with tonnes of ability.
8) YEATS (2003-09)
The son of Sadler's Wells became a colossus of the staying division, surpassing Sagaro by winning four successive Ascot Gold Cups.
Also winner of an Irish and French St Leger, two Goodwood Cups and a Coronation Cup throughout a remarkable career, his achievements at the Royal meeting may never be emulated.
9) DUKE OF MARMALADE (2006-08)
Another ultra tough and durable son of Danehill, a model of consistancey.
Winner of five successive Group 1s when champion older horse of Europe, landing Prix Ganay, Tattersalls Gold Cup, Prince Of Wales's Stakes, King George, and Juddmonte International.
10) HENRYTHENAVIGATOR (2007-08)
An outstanding miler on fast ground, winner of the Coventry Stakes, defeated New Approach in the English and Irish Guineas and Raven's Pass in the St James's Palace and Sussex Stakes, before running second to that great rival in the Breeders Cup Classic.
11) RIP VAN WINKLE (2008-09)
Hugely talented but fragile colt. One of the most brilliant performers to come out of the Tipperary yard, who without his nemesis Sea The Stars standing in his way , recorded brilliant victories in both the Sussex and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, to establish himself as champion miler.
Ran a fabulous race in the Eclipse. The Breeders' Cup was one race too far for him after a long season, but his class is undoubted.
12) MASTERCRAFTSMAN (2008-09)
Another tough and durable miler, equally at home on fast or slow ground, turf and dirt.
A champion two-year-old, impressive winner of the Irish Guineas, and a brave victor in the St James's Palace. Ran into the great Sea The Stars a few times, but always acquited himself with honour.
© Andrew Scott, 2009
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