Aidan O'Brien's best victories in the 2024 flat racing season

Aidan O’Brien is arguably the greatest flat racing trainer in the sport’s storied history. Often referred to by racing pundits and enthusiasts alike as ‘the master trainer’, the Irishman is synonymous with success, and his horses are commonly well-backed by those who horse racing bet.

The 2024 flat racing season is rapidly approaching its conclusion as the summer begins to draw to a close, and it has been another hugely successful campaign for O’Brien. His earnings in the United Kingdom and Ireland have already surpassed the £10 million barrier, with wins in some of the sport’s most illustrious contests.

It’s looking incredibly likely that O’Brien will also land his first British Trainers’ Championship title since 2017, taking his career tally to seven. That said, let’s take a look at some of his best victories so far this season.

City Of Troy – Epsom Derby

Given City Of Troy’s disappointing showing in the 2000 Guineas, finishing ninth on his much-anticipated seasonal reappearance in May, his ability to bounce back and win the Derby next time out is a credit to both the horse’s ability and O’Brien’s training meticulous training methods.

Despite his Guineas flop, City Of Troy went off as the 3/1 favourite for the sport’s most prestigious contest and thrilled onlookers with a stunning performance at Epsom, comfortably beating Ambiente Friendly by almost three lengths under an expert ride from Ryan Moore.

The three-year-old has carried on his immense form since the Derby, winning both the Eclipse and the Juddmonte International by a length. It looks like all systems go for the Breeders’ Cup for the Coolmore star.

Kyprios – Ascot Gold Cup

The Gold Cup is the crown jewel of the illustrious Royal Ascot meeting each June. O’Brien extended his record in the respected race to nine victories thanks to Kyprios regaining his title in impressive fashion.

The six-year-old missed his defence of the Gold Cup last year due to injury but battled back admirably this campaign with prep wins at Navan and Leopardstown before holding off Trawlerman to win back his title.

A comfortable victory over Sweet William in the Goodwood Cup has since followed, and a bid to go back after his Irish St. Leger crown looks likely to be on the agenda at the Curragh later this month before a potential Champions Day outing in the Long Distance Cup.

Los Angeles – Irish Derby

In terms of Classic victories, the Irish Derby is where O’Brien has enjoyed his most success. Los Angeles’ win at the Curragh this year took the Ballydoyle handler’s tally to an outstanding 16 successes in the race.

The three-year-old won twice as a juvenile last season, including a Group 1 on his second start at Saint-Cloud in France beginning this campaign with a Group 3 win at Leopardstown before a respectable third in the Epsom Derby.

With City Of Troy being adverted from the Derby double, Los Angeles was O’Brien’s main threat at the Curragh, and he won gamely to hold off a charging Sunway and Epsom Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly.