Aidan O’Brien hailed Kyprios “the horse of a lifetime” after he secured his eighth Group One victory within the Prix du Cadran at ParisLongchamp.
The favored chestnut rounded off an unblemished 2022 marketing campaign with a jaw-dropping 20-length victory on this race two years in the past, however made it to the observe solely twice final season after struggling a life-threatening damage and was crushed on each events.
Nevertheless, he has roared again higher than ever this time period, regaining the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, the Goodwood Cup and the Irish St Leger and he was a 1/5 shot to do the identical within the Cadran.
Ryan Moore despatched the six-year-old into an early lead and regardless of having to be niggled at numerous phases to maintain up the gallop, he by no means appeared like being crushed.
It was Alan King’s veteran Trueshan, looking for a 3rd win within the race himself, who stored him sincere for a lot of the race but regardless of operating admirably, he might by no means fairly get on phrases for James Doyle.
O’Brien mentioned of the winner: “He is so particular and I sound like a damaged file thanking everybody, however all of the individuals round him day-after-day are those that make the distinction. Everybody had a lot endurance with him getting him again and I am so grateful to everybody.
“At those distances he’s only playing with horses really. He’s so much class and Ryan said he’s just going along there in second gear and wanting someone to come and join him all the time.”
By claiming an eighth Group One, Kyprios has now gained extra races on the highest degree than any of the greats O’Brien has skilled in his stellar profession, with four-time Gold Cup winner Yeats, Highland Reel, Magical, Minding and Rock Of Gibraltar all having gained seven.
Whereas a bid for a 3rd Gold Cup success subsequent summer time is clearly the precedence for Kyprios, he might be again at Ascot in only a fortnight’s time in a bid to win a primary Qipco British Champions Lengthy Distance Cup, for which Paddy Energy make him their 8/11 favorite.
“He’s an incredible horse, the horse of a lifetime really, and if everything is well with him we might have a look at going back to Ascot, then give him the winter off and go back for the Gold Cup next year with his two prep runs before it again,” O’Brien added.
“He’s very unique. When you have a horse with the class he has and gets the trip like he does, it’s vey unusual and his mind is unbelievable.
“For us it is a privilege to have him. We have by no means had a horse win eight Group Ones earlier than and what can I say? He is so uncommon and I promise you he is fortunate to be right here – we did not assume he could be.”
In the aftermath of his Irish Leger success last month, O’Brien did tantalisingly raise the possibility of Kyprios dropping back in trip for a tilt at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, but he insists he has no regrets about sticking to the staying division.
He said: “We would like to have run him within the Arc, however we’ve got to be respectful of the horse and it is likely to be disrespectful to him to ask him to run in a race like that.
“He’d be a lot better with a stronger pace in front of him, but he tries so hard he would go down on his knees for you, that’s the way he is, and that might be the wrong thing to [do when] looking to have him hopefully for next year.
“He is an incredible horse to have and I do not assume you would ask any extra from him – it’s a must to be respectful of him the entire time.”
Illinois shows courage and class in Chaudenay victory
Illinois got Arc weekend off to a flying start for O’Brien and Moore with a determined victory in the Qatar Prix Chaudenay.
Having filled the runner-up spot in the Grand Prix de Paris, the Great Voltigeur and the St Leger since his Royal Ascot victory in the Queen’s Vase, the Galileo colt was a warm order to strike Group Two gold on his return to the Bois de Boulogne and was soon bowling along at the head of affairs.
Moore had to get to work from the home turn and the 4/9 favourite looked at the mercy of Trafalgar Square after being joined and briefly passed by his French rival, but Illinois gritted his teeth to keep himself in the fight and battled back to score by a widening two lengths at the line.
“I am delighted, he is a stunning horse and easy and stays very properly. He is lazy however finds lots and Ryan mentioned he’d don’t have any drawback coming again in journey if he must,” said O’Brien.
“In an excellent world you’d favor to get a lead, however we’re very comfortable because it was a stunning race to come back to after he received beat within the Leger.
“He should be a lovely four-year-old. I was obviously concerned when the other horse came to him, but knowing him he finds loads and Ryan gave him a great ride – that’s Ryan all over, isn’t it?”
Paddy Energy minimize Illinois to eight/1 from 10/1 for the Qipco British Champions Lengthy Distance Cup, however he seems unlikely to show up at Ascot in a fortnight’s time.
O’Brien added: “That will probably be it for him for this year, I’d imagine. It’s a nice, long winter and he’ll be ready to start early in the spring. Ryan said he could start in Dubai or anywhere.”
