Aidan O'Brien: thoughts on Paddington, City Of Troy, Henry Longfellow and more | Racing TV

Ahead of the 2023 Sky Bet Ebor Festival, Sportinglife.com's OlI Bell sat down with the greatest of all time Aidan O'Brien at Ballydoyle to get the inside guide on the master trainer's team for the big four-day meeting on the Knavesmire at York, notably headed by the season's outstanding three-year-old colt Paddington in the £1m Juddmonte International Stakes.
O'Brien talks about the remarkable progress of the Siyouni colt, his characteristics, why he is so well-named and what the future could potentially hold. Might we even see him in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp in the first week of October?
The trainer has more insight on his York challengers, including big Yorkshire Oaks contender Savethelastdance, while O'Brien has news on returning star stayer Kyprios and some star juveniles that are likely to stay at home in Ireland for their next assignments.
There is some great insight here on the "unusual" City Of Troy and why this son of Justify could be so significant for Ballydoyle, while exciting Dubawi colt Henry Longfellow also gets some big reviews.
Enjoy the full interview - footage courtesy of ‪@SportingLifeVideo‬.
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[@peterj.farnsworth2606]

I have to say well done to Ollie, because I think that is the most relaxed (long) interview I have ever seen from Aidan. And as for Aidan, WOW he is the MAN, what knowledge understanding and humility. a TRUE GENTLEMAN

[@blairsim1527]

Aidan O’Brien is an absolute gentleman. Incredible what this man has done him and Ryan are just dynamite

[@philcourth47]

its nice to see big trainers with so much passion for horses , maybe that is the reason why he is such a good trainer!! well done !!

[@garyturner1297]

What a great fella Aiden is. A true gentleman and brilliant trainer too.

[@ShanevincentthomasConnors]

The best the best who ever lived at what he does

[@suemaher5282]

It's nice to be important but it's more important to be nice. Sums Aidan Obrien up. Hope every horse runs well for him at York.

[@tomgallagher7870]

Very true sue.being nice costs nothing ..from the experience over the years seems him and ryan are getting even better.wealth of knowledge..bought in to some nice ones too the likes of justify .one horse of theres i liked was the priory havnt seen him this year..

[@suemaher5282]

He's having a great season Tom it was so interesting to hear Mr. Magnier can be up at midnight studying pedigrees. I will look out for Priory. Hope Paddington wins next week.

[@tomgallagher7870]

Think when u in the game that long even at his age u cant let go lol. He dosnt say much but hes one of the shrewdest around..all the years back long ago shuttling horses to australia ,buying into bloodlines , all pays off.

[@stallion3997]

AIDEN, your jockey is inconsistent, I can put you in touch with a jockey that known as the “GOAT” Frankie, bronze statue at ascot Frankie, anointed by the queen Frankie, qipco hall of fame Frankie, 6arcs Frankie, stinking filthy rich

[@canadianmaplefan8079]

Good Man and good Family Aiden always praise His team Fully deserved His Success Thanks 🙏

[@robertdelacy3434]

He's the greatest trainer of a racehorse in the last 30 years the man's a genius

[@suemaher5282]

The best interview I've seen with Aidan. Ollie did really well. I've watched many trainers but he's the best I've ever seen. Dean Gallagher working there made me smile. Champion Hurdle winning jockey I backed Hors La Loi e.w and always liked his riding

[@robertdelacy3434]

@@suemaher5282 Adrian maguire nina carberry work there too sue

[@suemaher5282]

@@robertdelacy3434 I knew they did they've been there a while. He likes gd jump jockeys around the place Robert. What do u think about Paddington this week

[@robertdelacy3434]

@suemaher5282 yeh he's a cert sue . Adians is having his best year In a while sue

[@suemaher5282]

@@robertdelacy3434 I really want him to do it. It would be great for racing

[@Martin.Lewis..]

Record breaking legend right there. #RACINGROYALTY

[@mrgirthy2111]

He was real knowledge

[@Martin.Lewis..]

@@mrgirthy2111 good English.

[@devonsteyn2206]

A great interview 😊😊

[@mervmervalot2296]

City of troy ppl.. trained by the best ridden by the best 👌

[@ricardokell5834]

City Of Troy......Champion...❤

[@GBeret83]

Mark my words, before the Ebor meeting comes to an end...................the "Irish horsewhisperer" will have struck again!

[@janetmarshall7171]

I wish Aidan O' Brien, all the luck in the world with his upcoming horses and races!! I still think Paddington is the best, to me, others may have a different opinion!!, I'll listen to what ever horse, that you choose!! Who do you like?

[@canadianmaplefan8079]

I agree Lovely durable horse

[@janetmarshall7171]

Thank you, Canadian maple fan!! At least, you agree with me, about Paddington!! Queen Elizabeth would be so proud 🦚🦚🥲🥲!!

[@GBeret83]

Starting this season nearly all the hype surrounded Auguste Rodin and perhaps rightfully so given he'd gone 4-3-1-0 as a 2YO in 2022 after he finished his juvenile campaign with a G2 win at Leopardstown and a G1 victory at Doncaster. But speaking for myself, I thought Auguste Rodin's two runs in the English 2000 Guineas and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes were both very disappointing efforts by him. I think few would argue winning both the Epsom Derby & Irish Derby takes a pretty special horse. But he bookended his two Derby wins with such dismal performances at Newmarket & Ascot that I think completing the Derby double lost a lot more of the shine and luster for him than for some of the other colts who'd won both Derby's for O'Brien in past years. Auguste Rodin lacks the one main ingredient to become the kind of star that Paddington looks quickly on his way to becoming, and that ingredient is consistency. To date, Paddington has done everything asked of him like a real professional and looks as if he's improving with every race. Which is why I say if Paddington were to win the Juddmonte International at York and then the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown (which I believe he'll contest in September if he comes out of the race at York in good order). If he were to win both of those races that would make him a 6-time G1 winner as a 3YO at a mile three times and at 10F three times. That would then likely put the Coolmore Syndicate in the precarious position of having to decide whether to step him up to 12F for the Arc or not? The Arc runs this year on October 1st. If they bypass the Arc then it would be another 20 days until British Champions Day at Ascot where the Champion Stakes over 10F or the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at a mile would both probably be under consideration for him. The fly in the ointment for my theory could be should he win the Juddmonte International Stakes, this year it's not only a "win and your in" for the Breeders Cup Classic on dirt, but it's being used as a "win and your in" race for the G1 Cox Plate in Australia which runs on October 28th at Moonee Valley. A race that's been mentioned as a strong possiblity for him lately on several occasions. Of course, everything beyond York is pure speculation on my part, but I think the sky is definitely the limit for Paddington too.

[@janetmarshall7171]

I agree green beret83!! Let's hope for the best!!

[@jimmylindley3698]

👑

[@levenscott645]

Ooozes class. Modest and meticulous.

[@BradyPires7]

i was always a Sir Henry Cecil fan from the 80s and wasnt into O Briens back in the day ave 50 horses in each race when a top trainer like Henry would have 1 or 2 but watching Aiden through the years and Joseph and Donnacha are, respective of everyone around them, polite , honest and very likeable. this is a hard working family and deserve all their success. but ryan Moore is a pretty boring guy compared to all the jockeys over the last 40+ years. most have or had great personalities.... Cauthen Piggott Dettori Carson Cochrane for example

[@mrgirthy2111]

Ryan moore just wants to ride horses. He is not interested in interviews with the likes of chappers goading him and trying to antagonise him.

[@MrMysticmelody]

Forgive me if this is a naive question, but when Aidan always says, "whatever the lads decide", what does he mean by the lads? Who are the lads? Isn't it up to him as head trainer?

[@mrgirthy2111]

I think he is on about Magnier, Tabor, Smith and probably Ryan Moore

[@Martin.Lewis..]

The owners, you know the ones that pay the bills! I’m sick of zero knowledge comments like yours on here!!

[@Lord_Rapscallion]

​@@Martin.Lewis..The chap asked a simple question there's no need to be a dick.

[@samhodgson9928]

The Team,we only get a glimpse of the man,he seems very nice and personable,gentle somehow and achieved and continues to achieve so much

[@danielhurley4814]

Jesus christ I could be an arc horse. My uncle was on about troy how he finished his race.

[@mr.mickey3757]

I think Aidan's a genuinely nice guy and as helpful as anyone I've seen in the sport over the decades but I'm regularly critical of the bullshit he spouts as ultimately he often says a lot that I'm confident he doesn't mean (though not in a lying way) as he's ALWAYS preoccupied with selling 'the brand' and it's an insult to our intelligence. I'm still hugely relieved that Encke prevented an 'average' classic winner in 124 rated Camelot from winning the Triple Crown (and emulating the magnificent Nijinsky who he wasn't within a stone of) as we would've never hear the last of it...and he really did sell that particular 'legend' - he's had dozens of far superior horses🙄

[@stallion3997]

AIDEN, your jockey is inconsistent,I know of a jockey who’s known the greatest jockey that’s ever lived. Frankie, bronze statue at ascot Frankie, anointed by the queen Frankie, qipco hall of fame Frankie, 6arcs

[@jasonbutler5064]

if the whole world was made up of men like aidan then this world would be amazing.