Aidan O’Brien’s Ebor Contender Queenstown Slashes Odds, Sparking Excitement for York

The horse racing world is buzzing with anticipation as Aidan O’Brien, the legendary Irish trainer, prepares to unleash Queenstown in the prestigious Sky Bet Ebor Handicap at York on August 23, 2025. This four-year-old gelding, a son of the iconic Galileo, has seen his odds dramatically halved, sending shockwaves through betting circles and igniting curiosity among fans. Could this be O’Brien’s next masterstroke in a career defined by unparalleled success?

Queenstown’s journey to the Ebor is a tale of resilience and untapped potential. For much of his career, he has played second fiddle to Kyprios, the star stayer who reclaimed his throne in the Gold Cup. O’Brien candidly shared, “He was Kyprios’ sparring partner and getting it every day, every day they were training, and he was getting the brunt of the blows from Kyprios.” This relentless training alongside a champion has toughened Queenstown, but it also masked his true ability. Now, with Kyprios pursuing other targets, Queenstown has been given his moment to shine. O’Brien’s confidence is palpable: “After that he came home, was taken away from Kyprios and put by himself, and the smile is back on his face again.”

The Ebor Handicap, one of the highlights of York’s illustrious Ebor Festival, is no stranger to O’Brien’s magic. He claimed victory in 2001 with Mediterranean, and Queenstown’s entry marks his return to this fiercely competitive race. The gelding’s odds have plummeted from 16/1 to 8/1, reflecting a surge of confidence from punters and insiders alike. This dramatic shift stems from O’Brien’s belief in Queenstown’s suitability for the 13.9-furlong test. “I think he’s running off a good mark, he’s a horse who stays very well, a gelding and a very kind horse,” O’Brien noted, hinting at a performance that could echo his past triumphs.

Queenstown’s preparation has been meticulous, a hallmark of O’Brien’s Ballydoyle operation. After a minor setback at Ascot, where vets questioned his trot, O’Brien respected the decision but remained steadfast in his belief in the horse. “We knew he was fine, but we always respect those decisions,” he said. Now, with Queenstown in peak condition, O’Brien is optimistic: “We’re very happy with him, he’s in good shape and moving very well. I think everyone will be very happy with him the next time.” This careful nurturing underscores why O’Brien is revered as a master trainer, with over 400 Group 1 wins and a record 10 Epsom Derby victories to his name.

The Ebor Festival itself is a stage where O’Brien has long excelled. His six Yorkshire Oaks wins and three Great Voltigeur Stakes triumphs highlight his dominance at York. Yet, the Ebor Handicap presents a unique challenge, blending stamina, strategy, and a touch of luck. Queenstown, with his staying power and newfound confidence, seems tailor-made for the task. The racing community is abuzz with speculation: can this unassuming gelding, once overshadowed by a stable star, deliver a performance that cements his own legacy?

For fans, the allure of Queenstown lies not just in his odds but in the narrative of redemption. A horse that endured the grind of training with a champion now steps into the spotlight. O’Brien’s track record suggests he doesn’t enter races like the Ebor lightly. His ability to transform potential into results is unmatched, as seen with past champions like Galileo and Istabraq. The question lingering in the air is whether Queenstown will join that illustrious list.

As the Ebor approaches, all eyes will be on York, where Queenstown could deliver a performance that resonates far beyond the racecourse. For those eager to witness history, this is a story of a horse ready to break free and a trainer whose genius continues to captivate. Will Queenstown seize his moment? The answer lies in the thundering hooves at York, and the racing world can’t wait to find out.