Aidan O’Brien’s Lambourn Shines at Irish Derby, but Curragh’s Charm Sparks Debate
The Curragh’s Irish Derby festival, a cornerstone of Ireland’s racing calendar, unfolded with its usual grandeur in June 2025, yet it wasn’t without controversy. Aidan O’Brien, the master trainer from Ballydoyle, once again stole the spotlight as his colt Lambourn clinched the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, cementing his legacy with a record-extending 17th victory in the prestigious race. However, the event’s expanded schedule and perceived lack of allure drew sharp criticism, with O’Brien himself stepping into the fray to defend the Curragh’s honor.
Lambourn, a son of the 2014 Derby winner Australia, entered the race as the 8-13 favorite, carrying the weight of expectation after his commanding Epsom Derby triumph three weeks earlier. Ridden by Ryan Moore, the colt faced a tougher challenge this time. Unlike his front-running masterclass at Epsom under Wayne Lordan, Lambourn met resistance from Ralph Beckett’s Sir Dinadan, who refused to let him dictate the pace. As the field rounded the home turn, Ballydoyle stablemate Serious Contender emerged as a serious threat, pushing Lambourn to dig deep. In a thrilling final furlong, Lambourn’s stamina and class prevailed, securing a three-quarter-length victory and becoming the 20th horse to complete the Epsom-Curragh double, joining legends like his sire Australia and grandsire Galileo.
O’Brien, no stranger to success, praised his colt’s resilience. “He’s a very straightforward horse that gets the trip well,” he told Racing TV. “Ryan thought he would keep pulling out and he was pricking his ears all the way.” The win, which earned nearly £800,000 in prize money, underscored O’Brien’s unmatched ability to prepare horses for the biggest stages. Yet, beyond the triumph, the trainer’s candid comments about the Curragh’s criticized race card sparked intrigue.
The Irish Derby festival, now stretched across three days with nine races each, faced backlash for its heavy reliance on handicap races, diluting the event’s prestige. Critics argued the bloated schedule and perceived elitism of the Curragh, home to Ireland’s five Classics, failed to captivate audiences. Attendance figures reflected this, with roughly 11,000 spectators on Derby day—comparable to 2024 but a far cry from the 25,000 who flocked to the event in 2015, or the 40,000-strong crowds of decades past. The numbers painted a picture of a venue struggling to recapture its former glory.
O’Brien, however, dismissed the criticism as overblown. “I think most of it is unfair,” he said on Racing TV. “If everyone just gets it into their head to tell people to come racing, not to be critical and not to be telling people how bad it is, telling people how good it is…” His words carried the weight of a man who has dominated the sport, urging a shift in focus toward celebration rather than critique. The trainer’s defense hinted at a deeper passion for the Curragh, a venue he believes deserves more affection for its splendid setting and historical significance.
Lambourn’s victory wasn’t just a personal triumph for O’Brien but a testament to Ballydoyle’s meticulous preparation. The colt’s journey to the Irish Derby began with a standout performance at Epsom, where he led from the front to claim O’Brien’s 11th Derby win. His ability to adapt at the Curragh, despite a more contested pace, showcased his versatility and heart. O’Brien hinted at bigger plans, with the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes at York or even a tilt at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris as potential next steps. “He’s a straightforward, honest, no-nonsense horse,” O’Brien noted, leaving fans eager to see how far Lambourn’s talent could take him.
For racing enthusiasts, Lambourn’s story is one of grit and glory, but the Curragh’s challenges raise questions about the future of Ireland’s premier racing festival. Can the venue shed its elitist label and draw the crowds it once did? O’Brien’s success and spirited defense suggest there’s still magic to be found at the Curragh, but it may take more than a champion like Lambourn to reignite its spark. As the racing world looks ahead to Royal Ascot and beyond, the debate over the Curragh’s allure lingers, inviting fans to rediscover its charm for themselves.
