HOT NEWS! Aidan O’Brien is ready to challenge for the record of 25 Group/Grade 1 wins in a year and reveals the secret to how he was able to achieve it

In the high-stakes world of thoroughbred racing, few names command as much respect and awe as Aidan O’Brien. The Ballydoyle maestro, hailing from County Wexford, Ireland, has long been synonymous with dominance on the Flat racing circuit. As of mid-September 2025, O’Brien stands on the cusp of rewriting history once again, positioning himself to challenge the legendary mark of 25 Group or Grade 1 victories in a single calendar year—a benchmark originally set by American trainer Bobby Frankel in 2003 and surpassed by O’Brien himself with 28 wins in 2017. With 18 such triumphs already secured since May, the 55-year-old trainer is charging toward what could be an unprecedented repeat performance, and in a recent interview, he opened up about the “secret” behind his unparalleled success: a relentless focus on people, horses, and meticulous preparation.

O’Brien’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular, blending classic triumphs with strategic strikes in elite international events. The year kicked off with a bang as his charges dominated the early classics. Lake Victoria’s victory in the Irish 1,000 Guineas marked a strong start, followed by Lambourn’s commanding win in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. These successes underscored Ballydoyle’s depth, with O’Brien’s operation backed by the powerhouse Coolmore Stud syndicate, owned by John Magnier, Derrick Smith, and Michael Tabor. By summer, Royal Ascot became a showcase of his prowess, where he saddled multiple winners, including in the Ribblesdale Stakes and Norfolk Stakes, pushing his tally higher. The Epsom Derby, a race O’Brien has won a record 10 times, saw another Ballydoyle runner, City of Troy’s predecessor in spirit, contribute to the momentum, though 2025’s edition highlighted emerging stars like The Lion In Winter and Trinity College among his entries.

As autumn approaches, O’Brien’s pursuit intensifies. The recent Irish Champions Weekend at the Curragh delivered fresh ammunition: Precise, a two-year-old filly sired by Starspangledbanner, stormed to victory in the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes under jockey Ronan Whelan, adding to the 18-win haul. This triumph, her third consecutive victory, exemplifies the precocity of O’Brien’s juveniles. Meanwhile, at Doncaster, Puerto Rico claimed the Group 2 Betfred Champagne Stakes, signaling potential for further Group 1 breakthroughs. Looking ahead, Scandinavia emerges as a frontrunner for the Betfred St Leger on September 14, 2025, with her dominant Goodwood win over Illinois boosting her rating to 117. Trained with the precision that defines Ballydoyle, this Justify colt, out of Galileo mare Fabulous, embodies the stamina and class O’Brien cultivates. “Scandinavia is peaking at the right time,” O’Brien noted, emphasizing her tactical speed and ability to handle distances up to two miles.

Beyond the UK and Ireland, O’Brien’s global footprint remains vast. Although he has yet to send runners to North America this year—eschewing meets like Saratoga and Kentucky Downs—plans are afoot for the Keeneland Turf Mile with Diego Velazquez and a strong contingent for the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar. O’Brien has amassed 20 Breeders’ Cup wins historically, including Highland Reel’s 2016 Turf victory and Mendelssohn’s 2017 Juvenile Turf. With 11 more Group 1 successes needed to match or exceed his 2017 record, opportunities abound: the Prix Vermeille and Prix du Moulin at Longchamp, British Champions Day at Ascot on October 18 with five Group 1s, and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Bookmakers like Paddy Power list him at 9-2 to break the record and 12-1 to reach 30 wins, reflecting the optimism surrounding his autumn assault.

What sets O’Brien apart, making such feats seem almost routine, is not just the elite bloodstock from Coolmore’s breeding program—featuring sires like Galileo and Justify—but the intangible “secret” he revealed in a candid discussion. “It’s all about the people,” O’Brien explained, his voice steady and thoughtful. Far from the image of a solitary genius, he credits his achievements to fostering deep connections within his team. Waking at 4 a.m. daily, O’Brien studies each horse individually, but he insists the real magic lies in communication. “I talk to everybody as much as I can—jockeys, stable staff, veterinarians—and connect them all together,” he said. This holistic approach ensures every member feels invested, turning Ballydoyle into a well-oiled machine of near-military discipline.

O’Brien’s philosophy draws from his roots. Growing up on a farm in rural Wexford, he learned early the sensitivity of horses, honing a whisperer’s touch that calms even the most boisterous thoroughbreds. Former jockey Kieren Fallon, who rode for O’Brien from 2005 to 2008, recalled how the trainer tamed the exuberant Scorpion into a St. Leger winner in 2005. “Horses respect him; they’re like lambs around Aidan,” Fallon said. At Ballydoyle, state-of-the-art facilities, including a gallop mimicking Epsom’s undulations, provide the perfect environment. Yet, O’Brien downplays his role, attributing success to the “fortunate” partnership with Coolmore, which supplies yearlings from high-stakes sales like Keeneland. His family involvement adds another layer: wife Anne-Marie, a former champion trainer, and sons Joseph (now a trainer) and Donnacha (a jockey) form a dynasty that has claimed multiple Derbies.

This emphasis on unity extends to preparation. O’Brien’s horses are conditioned with precision, peaking for key targets through tailored workouts and dietary regimens. In 2017, when he shattered Frankel’s record with Saxon Warrior’s Racing Post Trophy win, it was this method that propelled him from 25 to 28 victories, including Highland Reel’s Hong Kong Vase clincher. Today, with close calls like Gstaad’s near-misses in recent Group 1s, O’Brien remains undeterred. “We learn from every run,” he stated, highlighting adaptability as key. True Love, a Royal Ascot winner, eyes the Haydock Sprint Cup, while juveniles like Whistlejacket could target the Middle Park Stakes.

As the season hurtles toward its climax, O’Brien’s challenge for 25—or more—Group 1 wins feels inevitable. His 2025 tally already surpasses many trainers’ annual hauls, and with Ballydoyle’s depth, the record beckons. Yet, for O’Brien, it’s not about numbers; it’s about the journey, the team, and the horses that make it possible. In a sport where fortunes shift with every stride, his secret—people first, excellence always—ensures Ballydoyle’s legacy endures. Whether Scandinavia lifts the St Leger or Velazquez shines in America, one thing is clear: Aidan O’Brien is not just chasing history; he’s redefining it.