Staff Writer |
Ballydoyle Stables, the legendary training ground for Coolmore's thoroughbred champions, has enjoyed a triumphant return to the GCC racing scene.
This year's campaign saw trainer Aidan O'Brien capture consecutive victories with Tower of London in both the Gr.2 Dubai Gold Cup and the Gr.3 Red Sea Turf Handicap, solidifying Coolmore's presence in the region and their growing influence on the global racing calendar.
In a recent interview, Chris Armstrong, a Ballydoyle representative and Godolphin Flying Start graduate shared insights into the team's recent success, the horses' current condition, and future plans.
"That was the plan," Armstrong remarked, reflecting on the back-to-back victories with Tower of London. "It was a great general performance by Aiden's string." He emphasized the horses' excellent preparation and adaptation to the Middle Eastern environment. "The horses went over in great condition and travelled over very well. Tower of London settled in well," he explained. Praising jockey Ryan Moore's exceptional riding on both occasions, Armstrong highlighted the importance of the quick racing surface: "He (Tower of London) got to know that the ground was quick and Ryan gave him an unbelievable ride on both days. The horse maintained a great pace. He kept on progressing with each run, but I think the big thing is for him to have quick ground for both races." This strategy proved to be a winning formula for Tower of London.
Armstrong confirmed the safe return of Ballydoyle's horses to Ireland. "The horses returned to Ireland last Thursday," he stated.
"They've been out exercising every day since their return. They are all in good form and have settled back into their routine well."
"Tower London will go for the Gr.2 Yorkshire Cup at York in the middle of May which should suit him well.
"Auguste Rodin came back very well and he'll go to the Gr.1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh. He will be joined by Point Lonsdale in the same race.
"Unfortunately, nothing right happened for Henry Adams in the UAE Derby. He might go to the 2000 Guineas Trial at Newmarket possibly.
“While Navy Seal raced a great race in the UAE Derby. He is a horse that stays very well and at a better speed so we will have to find a suitable race for him next month from the ones coming up.
“And finally, Cairo has been sold and has gone to a new owner and a different trainer.”
Armstrong highlighted the potential for future campaigns in the Middle East, "They are training well and if they are still in training with us this time next year the same program could work out well," he remarked.
While acknowledging the adjustment in Tower of London's handicap rating, he identified potential races that could suit the horse: "Obviously now that Tower Of London’s handicap rating has gone up he would be a lot higher in the weights. But if there was a nice handicap race in Saudi, Tower of London would be a very good option.
“Also, after he won the Dubai Gold Cup, something like the Irish Ledger later in the season could also make sense."
Armstrong also mentioned the possibility of Tower of London competing in shorter distances in the future, including races in America.
A Commitment to International Competition
Ballydoyle's recent success in the Middle East reflects Coolmore’s commitment to international competition. "They were all races that are within their (the horses’) reach," Armstrong explained regarding their participation in the key meetings across the various GCC countries.
Further, he emphasised the exceptional treatment Ballydoyle receives at these meetings, along with the top-quality competition and prize money that attracts all racing stables. The presence of Coolmore's owner, Mr. MV Magnier, at both Saudi and Dubai meetings further highlights the importance Coolmore places on these events.
Looking beyond the Middle East, Armstrong reiterated Ballydoyle's global presence. "Point Lonsdale out there this year in Bahrain and Qatar. He ran very well," he said, "In Qatar and Bahrain, the quality of the racing has gotten very strong now and the prize money is exceptional." He emphasised their willingness to participate in any international meeting with suitable races for their horses. Combined with their dedication to excellence, and their willingness to do right by the horse ensures that Coolmore retains its dominant force in the global horse racing landscape.