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Four of Aidan O’Brien’s older horses who could headline his 2025 Royal Ascot squad

Aidan O’Brien has long been a dominant force at Royal Ascot, winning the top trainer title 13 times during his glittering career—including each of the last three years—and the 2025 renewal looks set to be no different.

While much of the attention from punters and pundits alike will naturally fall on his talented crop of two-and three-year-olds, the Ballydoyle maestro will also have a strong team of older horses playing leading roles in the summer.

In this article, we highlight four of O’Brien’s established stars who will be well-supported in the Royal Ascot tips and could be primed to make headlines in some of the biggest races at the prestigious meeting in mid-June.

Kyprios

Where better to start than with Kyprios? The seven-year-old is the oldest horse still in training at Ballyboyle, but age appears to be just a number for the son of Galileo.

Overcoming a career-threatening injury in 2023, Kyprios went on a sensational run of seven races unbeaten last year.

Among his septuple was a second Ascot Gold Cup victory, when he held off Trawlerman by a length to regain his crown in Berkshire.

O’Brien has indicated a similar prep for Kyprios this season, with a run or two at home in Ireland before heading back to Ascot to try to complete the hat-trick.

Jan Brueghel

Jan Brueghel is a lightly-raced four-year-old heading into this campaign on the back of just four runs, but he has already proven his ability at the top level.

He went from zero to 100 in the space of months, making a belated debut when winning at the Curragh in May before landing the St Leger—the final Classic of the season֫—at Doncaster in September.

The four-year-old still looked somewhat green in some of his four wins, but notably did enough to win major races while learning on the job.

The Gold Cup is an option for Jan Brueghel, but team Ballydoyle has already said there’s no point in sending him there since it’s Kyprios’ main target, making the shorter Hardwicke Stakes an option.

Diego Velazquez

Once highly rated at Ballydoyle, Diego Velazquez’s career has not entirely lived up to expectations thus far as he heads into his four-year-old campaign.

However, he appeared to rediscover some form in the latter half of last season with Group wins at Leopardstown, and it will be interesting to see if he carries that momentum into this year.

The Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes is going to Diego Velazquez’s main target for the campaign, with a prep run or two beforehand.

Storm Boy

Joining Aidan O’Brien from Australian handlers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bolt, Storm Boy arrives at Ballydoyle with a record of five wins in 10 starts under rules.

Several of those victories were at elite levels, with two Group 3 wins, a Listed success and a Group 2 triumph in the Skyline Stakes at Randwick.

One of the sprints at Royal Ascot will be the aim for the four-year-old, who has also placed in multiple Group 1s, with potential outings in Ireland beforehand.

The Road to Churchill Downs: Key Races Shaping the 2025 Kentucky Derby Field

(Published 1st May) Many people don’t realize that the journey to the 151st Kentucky Derby, on May 3, 2025, begins long before race day. To truly understand the world of thoroughbreds and trainers, it’s important to recognize the role of key prep races like the Santa Anita Derby and Wood Memorial. These aren’t just ordinary competitions-they’re pivotal events where future Derby stars prove themselves and earn crucial qualifying points.

The outcomes of these prep races shape the field for the Derby, highlighting which horses have the talent, consistency, and resilience to contend on the sport’s biggest stage. If you want to discover how these races influence the Derby lineup and spotlight emerging contenders, there’s a fascinating story waiting to be explored.

Key Takeaways

The Santa Anita Derby offers 100 points, highlighting top contenders from the West Coast for the Kentucky Derby field,
The Wood Memorial provides East Coast horses with a chance to earn 100 crucial points towards Derby qualification,
The Blue Grass Stakes awards 100 points, elevating prospects from the Midwest and East regions into Kentucky Derby contention,
The Lexington Stakes offers a last-chance opportunity, granting 20 points to bolstering Derby qualification hopes,
The UAE Derby integrates international competition, offering points that shape the global landscape of the 2025 Kentucky Derby field.

The Importance of the Road to the Kentucky Derby Point System

Understanding the point system on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is crucial for appreciating how horses qualify for one of racing’s most prestigious events. It employs a tiered allocation structure, awarding more points to higher-tier races. Horses earn points based on their finishing position in designated prep races, with the most important races closer to the Derby awarding the highest points – often 100 points to the winner, while earlier or lower-tier races offer fewer points. The top 20 point-earning horses secure a spot in the Derby starting gate.

Championship Season races offer substantial points during March–April, eclipsing the Prep Season’s lower rewards. Geographic diversity guarantees North American and international races contribute similar opportunities, although points differ slightly by region. These prestigious events highlight the importance of the qualification process.

Analyzing Key Qualifying Races and Standout Performances

As you move from assessment to performance, you’ll likely notice how essential certain qualifying races are in shaping the Kentucky Derby lineup.

The Santa Anita Derby puts West Coast contenders like Journalism in the spotlight, securing 100 points. Rodriguez, emerging from the Wood Memorial, demonstrates East Coast prowess with equal points. Burnham Square’s dominance in the Blue Grass Stakes boosts the Midwest and East’s standing, also grabbing 100 points.

For latecomers, the Lexington Stakes is vital, with Gosger amassing an important 20 points. Owen Almighty’s spectacular runs secure his Derby slot. The overall structure of the qualification system mirrors the previous year’s system.

Finally, the UAE Derby enriches competition with its international flair.

Impact of Historic Trends and Breeding on Derby Contenders

Historical patterns and breeding pedigree play a vital role in shaping Kentucky Derby contenders. You’ll notice that certain trends consistently mold top competitors. Consider these:

Early Speed: Horses that excel in early speed secure better race positioning, a historic advantage,
U.S. Preparation: Contenders often thrive better when prepared on American soil due to familiarity with Churchill Downs,
Breeding Influence: Progeny of Grade 1-winning route runners frequently inherit the stamina and speed essential for the Derby,
Pedigree for Distance: Bloodlines that succeed at distances beyond the classic Derby route have a competitive edge.

Utilize these insights when considering potential contenders.

Strategies for Evaluating Odds and Making Winning Bets

When betting on the Kentucky Derby, it’s essential to carefully evaluate the 2025 Kentucky Derby odds and identify the best opportunities for profit. Start by analyzing key prep races like the Florida Derby to gain insights into the contenders’ form. Assess each horse’s recent performances and experience at Churchill Downs, as familiarity with the track can be a significant advantage.

Consider important factors such as speed figures, class ratings, and the effectiveness of jockey-trainer partnerships. Explore strategic betting options like exacta and trifecta wagers to maximize potential returns. Pay close attention to horses’ early speed and their ability to adapt to different pace scenarios during the race.

Additionally, monitor injury reports and shifts in the betting market, as these can quickly alter the Kentucky Derby odds and reveal unexpected value bets. Staying informed on these elements will help you make smarter, more strategic wagers in the 2025 Kentucky Derby.

Final Stretch: Turning Insight into Action

The road to Churchill Downs isn’t just a sequence of prep races—it’s a narrative filled with rising stars, strategic choices, and the making of champions. From the Santa Anita Derby to the UAE Derby, each qualifier offers crucial clues about who might seize glory in the Run for the Roses. By understanding the point system, tracking pedigree trends, and analyzing race-day performance, you’re not just observing history—you’re actively engaging with it.

As we look ahead to the 2025 Kentucky Derby, let this knowledge be your edge. Whether you’re following your favorite contender or placing your bets, the insights you’ve gained now position you to appreciate every stride, every turn, and every triumph on racing’s biggest stage. The journey started long before Derby Day—and now, you’re part of it.

What’s the Price of Passion? Racehorse Ownership Costs in 2025

When it comes to horse racing, many enthusiasts are not just captivated by the thrill of the track; they are also drawn to the allure of owning a racehorse. As we look ahead to 2025, prospective owners might wonder how much a racehorse will set you back. Understanding the financial implications of owning a racehorse involves several factors, including initial purchase costs, ongoing expenses, and potential returns on investment. Horse racing can be a thrilling and lucrative venture, especially with expert insights to enhance decision-making. Using free horse racing tips can be an excellent strategy to make educated decisions as well as potentially earn some welcome rewards.

In 2025, the cost of buying a racehorse can vary significantly because it mainly depends on the horse’s family background, training, and potential. Young thoroughbreds from famous families might cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Recently, some horses at big auctions have even sold for millions, especially if they were trained at successful stables. But not all racehorses are this expensive, and you can find good options for a few thousand dollars if you’re careful with your budget, like buying from lesser-known sales or auctions.

After buying a racehorse, owners need to plan for ongoing expenses as trainer fees can be high, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 monthly, based on the trainer’s reputation and location. This fee usually covers the horse’s daily care, food, and exercise. Additionally, veterinary costs are also important to consider. These include routine check-ups, vaccinations, and special treatment if the horse gets injured or sick while racing. Depending on the horse’s health and competition level, these vet costs can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year.

You also need to think about the costs of traveling and racing. To enter races, you have to pay fees, which can greatly vary based on how well-known the race is, the distance of the race, and where it happens. Sometimes, the cost to enter can be from a few hundred dollars up to a few thousand dollars. If the horse races are in graded stakes, which are more prestigious and competitive, the entry fees tend to be even higher. Then, there are transportation costs because racehorses need to be moved to different tracks to compete.

Owning a racehorse can be very rewarding, both financially and emotionally. When a racehorse excels in competitions, it can generate significant earnings for its owner, and this income comes from winning prizes and selling breeding opportunities, as well as increasing the resale value of the horse. Successful performance in major races, known as stakes races, can result in substantial winnings, sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. Additionally, winning horses become more attractive for breeding, drawing in buyers eager to pay a premium to pair their mares with a proven champion.

Forming partnerships or syndications can be a smart method to share initial costs and ongoing expenses with other owners. Through syndicates, people can buy shares in a quality racehorse, where this method helps lessen each person’s financial burden and allows them to enjoy the perks of owning a racehorse without bearing all the costs alone. These partnerships make it more affordable and accessible for individuals to be part of the horse racing world.

Owning a racehorse in 2025 involves many financial aspects. You have the initial cost to purchase the horse, which can be quite significant, but beyond that, there’s the cost for regular care, feeding, and medical needs, as well as expenses related to participating in competitions. These costs can add up to tens of thousands of dollars each year, so it’s important for future owners to plan for these expenses. By understanding the financial commitment from the start, owning a racehorse can remain a fun and rewarding experience, regardless of whether the horse wins races or not.

The Most Memorable Grand National Winner Interviews

The Most Memorable Grand National Winner Interviews The Grand National is not just a race—it’s a theatre of human drama, emotion, and triumph. Over the years, the event has given us unforgettable moments, not just on the track but also in the aftermath, when winners step into the spotlight to reflect on what they’ve achieved. Here are some of the most memorable post-race interviews that captured the heart and soul of the world’s most famous steeplechase.

Davy Russell and Tiger Roll – A Dreamlike Double (2018 & 2019)

Few horses have captured the public’s imagination quite like Tiger Roll, and fewer jockeys have shared the emotional clarity of Davy Russell. After winning back-to-back Nationals in 2018 and 2019, Russell’s post-race interviews were full of awe and emotion.

Describing the moment as “a haze… dreamland,” Russell conveyed just how surreal and overwhelming the victory was. He recounted the near-misses, the mental focus required, and the sheer disbelief upon crossing the finish line first. His reflections—later explored in his autobiography—highlighted the years of perseverance that led to those euphoric moments.

AP McCoy and Don’t Push It – The Weight of Expectation (2010)

For years, Tony “AP” McCoy had been the face of jump racing, yet the Grand National victory eluded him—until 2010. Riding Don’t Push It, McCoy finally conquered the course on his 15th attempt. The raw emotion in his post-race interview was palpable.

“If you get enough goes at something and you keep going, once you’re in there, you’ve always got a chance,” he said, clearly moved. McCoy also paid tribute to owner JP McManus, calling him “the best supporter this game has ever had and ever will have.” It was a cathartic moment for McCoy and a victory that resonated with racing fans everywhere.

Jenny Pitman and Corbiere – Breaking Barriers (1983)

In 1983, Jenny Pitman became the first woman to train a Grand National winner, smashing a major glass ceiling with Corbiere. Her post-race interviews offered more than just celebration—they were powerful affirmations of female ambition in a male-dominated sport.

Pitman’s reflections on the journey, the training process, and her horse’s character made it clear that her place in history was well earned. Her success paved the way for future generations of women in racing, both in the saddle and behind the scenes.

John Buckingham and Foinavon – The 100/1 Miracle (1967)

In one of the most bizarre and legendary moments in Grand National history, Foinavon— at Aintree Grand National odds of 100/1—avoided a massive pile-up at the 23rd fence to take a surprise win. Jockey John Buckingham’s interview after the race perfectly captured the bewilderment of the moment.

“Everything seemed to stop in front of me,” he said, recalling how he navigated through the chaos while others fell. The underdog story and Buckingham’s stunned reaction became an iconic part of racing folklore.

Lucinda Russell and One For Arthur – Scotland’s Star (2017)

In 2017, Lucinda Russell became just the fourth female trainer to win the Grand National, with One For Arthur bringing victory back to Scotland for the first time in nearly four decades. Her interview, alongside partner and former champion jockey Peter Scudamore, radiated pride and teamwork.

Russell spoke of her admiration for the horse’s heart and bravery, while Scudamore reflected on the behind-the-scenes dedication that made the win possible. Their combined emotion made the victory not only a personal triumph but a proud moment for Scottish racing.

Conclusion

The Grand National is defined not just by the horses and the fences, but by the people behind them—their hopes, struggles, and ultimate glory. These interviews have become as legendary as the wins themselves, capturing the humanity behind the spectacle. Each story serves as a reminder: at the Grand National, every winner has a journey worth telling.

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