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| Staff Writer |
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Jan Brueghel stormed to victory in the Gr.1 St Leger at Doncaster, handing trainer Aidan O'Brien his eighth triumph in the world's oldest Classic. The unbeaten colt, piloted by Sean Levey, edged out stablemate Illinois by a neck in a thrilling finish to the 1m6f contest.
Levey, riding his first Classic winner, timed his challenge to perfection aboard the son of Dubawi. "I fired my shot and was just able to pop him in front when it mattered," the jockey reported. "We knew the track would suit and the trip would suit - he feels exceptional at that distance."
The winning rider went on to suggest that Jan Brueghel could be a future Gold Cup contender, highlighting the colt's strong finish over the extended trip.
O'Brien's eighth St Leger victory moves him to exactly half of the record held by 19th-century trainer John Scott. The Ballydoyle handler has now amassed an impressive tally of 45 British Classics in total, showcasing his versatility across all age groups and distances.
The St Leger has a rich history of producing top-class stayers. Notable recent winners include Kew Gardens (2018), who went on to claim the Gr.1 British Champions Long Distance Cup, and Logician (2019), who remained unbeaten throughout his three-year-old campaign.
While the first two positions remained unchanged, there was drama behind the principals. Deira Mile initially crossed the line in third, ahead of Sunway. However, following a stewards' inquiry into interference in the closing stages, the placings were reversed.
Speaking from Leopardstown, where he was overseeing Auguste Rodin's runner-up finish in the Gr.1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes, O'Brien praised both Jan Brueghel and Illinois. "They're two very good horses and the two of them stay very well," he remarked.
The trainer hinted at ambitious plans for the pair, stating: "Either of them could go to Melbourne, they're two real proper staying horses, classy stayers. Illinois will have no problem, I'd say, looking at that, going back to a mile and a half."
Jan Brueghel's victory was made all the more impressive by his relative inexperience. O'Brien noted: "He was only after having three runs and he was very green each day he ran, so he grew up a lot. He put his head out."
The colt's raw talent and staying power have sparked speculation about his future targets. While the US$7.3 million Melbourne Cup at Flemington is an enticing option, some bookmakers have also quoted Jan Brueghel in their markets for the Gr.1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
For Levey, the victory marked a significant milestone in his career. The jockey, who has been knocking on the door of Classic success in recent seasons, finally broke through on the biggest stage.
"It's an incredible feeling," Levey said. "To win a Classic for Aidan O'Brien and the Coolmore team is something special. This horse has so much potential, and I think we've only scratched the surface of what he can do."
O'Brien's St Leger roll of honour now reads: Milan (2001), Brian Boru (2003), Scorpion (2005), Leading Light (2013), Capri (2017), Kew Gardens (2018), Galileo Chrome (2020), and Jan Brueghel (2023). This remarkable record cements his status as one of the all-time great trainers of staying talent.
With the excitement of the St Leger still fresh, attention now shifts to the global racing scene. The impressive victor, Jan Brueghel, trained by the masterful Aidan O'Brien, has several intriguing options ahead. A journey to Australia for the prestigious Melbourne Cup is one possibility, while a European autumn campaign presents another. Regardless of the chosen path, O'Brien seems to have once again discovered a promising talent in the staying division, adding to his remarkable record of developing top-class horses.