O’Brien plans measured response after Juddmonte International disappointment
Aidan O’Brien has confirmed Constitution River will head to the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown next week as he seeks to put a disappointing run at York behind the colt.
The Wootton Bassett three-year-old had entered the Juddmonte International off the back of victories in the Dee Stakes, the French Derby and the Coral-Eclipse, but was unable to reproduce that form at York, finishing third behind Item.
Trainer accepts responsibility for how the race unfolded
Speaking at a press morning at Ballydoyle during the Irish Champions Festival, O’Brien described the Knavesmire performance as “a bit of a mess” and accepted responsibility for the way the race developed. He said the pacemaker he had planned to set the race up failed to take up the anticipated role, leaving Constitution River and stablemate Hawk Mountain racing too prominently when the overall tempo never materialised.
O’Brien stressed that the result was influenced by tactical factors rather than a loss of ability on the part of Constitution River, adding that the colt has come out of the York run well and remains in good form.
Leopardstown plans to avoid a repeat
With the Irish Champion Stakes a week away, the Ballydoyle trainer indicated he will take steps to avoid a recurrence of the problems experienced at York. He suggested the yard may look to supplement a horse capable of setting a stronger pace should they feel that is necessary, with the objective of ensuring Constitution River and Hawk Mountain do not find themselves exposed on the front end.
O’Brien said the stable had options among horses that would not otherwise be contesting the contest, and that he was prepared to supplement if required. The emphasis is on giving Constitution River the best possible opportunity to perform to his known level in Ireland.
Context for the Irish Champion Stakes
The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes is one of the feature races of the Irish Champions Festival at Leopardstown and will attract a high-class field. Constitution River’s programme of form — Chester, the French Derby and the Coral-Eclipse — had marked him out as one of the leading three-year-olds of the season, and his participation in the Irish contest will be watched closely as he attempts to return to winning ways.
Ombudsman, the defending champion who was also below expectations at York, and Item, who won on the Knavesmire, are among those whose form will be under scrutiny as connections prepare for Leopardstown. For Constitution River, the immediate focus is recovery from the York run and a clear tactical plan for next week’s race.
Outlook
O’Brien remains confident in the colt’s qualities and stressed that the York performance represented an anomaly stemming from race conditions and tactics rather than a decline in the horse. With preparations continuing at Ballydoyle, connections will seek to ensure the race at Leopardstown provides a truer test of Constitution River’s ability.
For racegoers and followers of the Irish Champions Festival, the participation of Constitution River adds interest to a marquee event and sets up a compelling storyline as trainers and owners aim to refine tactics and exploit the colt’s proven form over middle distances.
