Alicia Wincze is the turf writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader. She started riding at age 8 and was a four-year member of the Pace University equestrian team.
Q&A with Aidan O’Brien
Posted by Alicia Wincze on November 4, 2009
As the head trainer for Coolmore’s powerful Ballydoyle Stable, Aidan O’Brien is one of the more revered horsemen in the sport. On Wednesday morning, after leading his seven-horse contingent - including top Classic contender Rip Van Winkle - out for their first trips around the Santa Anita track, O’Brien kindly gave me a few moments of one-on-one time to talk about his thoughts on this year’s Breeders’ Cup event.
Q: Many people suggested that it was only because of the synthetic surface that Raven’s Pass and Henrythenavigator were able to run 1-2 in the Classic last year. Did you find that dismissive of their ability?
A: “There is no doubt they were top class horses, but everybody is entitled to their opinion, that’s the reality of it, you know. But they were two great horses.”
Q: This morning you talked about the strong feeling you got from Rip Van Winkle. What is he showing you that tells you he’s ready to run a big race?
A: “We’re not going to really know that until he runs but obviously we were worried. He’s had such a long season and he was quiet after his travel. We weren’t sure what was going to happen. I was worried he was very down on himself after the travel but it was a delight to see him this morning, just his movement and his action.”
Q: In the Classic you’ve had so many near misses and this race has had so much emotion for you. Would it be especially poignant for you to pull off a Breeders’ Cup win in this particular race?
A: “Of course, but frankly we haven’t had a winner in a long time and it’s tough but we try. All we can do is hopefully get the horses here and do the best that we can and try to make the right decisions with them.”
Q: The Breeders’ Cup has taken some criticism for holding the event here two years in a row. Is that justified?
A: “I think no, I think it’s unfair really. The Breeders’ Cup is a great organization and it’s a credit to the people who run it. It’s very important to this industry and the breed. I think we’re very lucky to be in this setting, the weather is beautiful. It’s very hard to beat this. This is an event where people all over the world are looking forward to and happy to come.”
Q: Do you think going back to a dirt track next year at Churchill Downs that the European participation will decline?
A: “I don’t think it will, but I also think there is no doubt that the (synthetic) surface is much better than the dirt surface, much safer. I know the dirt is traditional but sometimes just because things that are traditional, it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be improved upon and I think this is a big improvement over the dirt.”
Q: Has the Breeders’ Cup become more of a goal that more European programs point to every year?
A: “I think for everybody the Breeders’ Cup is a goal. Obviously it gives horses through the whole season, whatever country their racing in, to sort out who is the best and I think that’s the best system.”
