🔥 CONFIRMED: Aidan O’Brien Targets Historic 18th Phoenix Stakes Victory with Ryan Moore Taking the Reins in Stormy Showdown
In the world of flat racing, few names carry as much weight as Aidan O’Brien, and fewer still can boast the kind of dominance he has shown in the Phoenix Stakes. This weekend, that dominance will be put to the test once again as O’Brien, already a 17-time winner of the prestigious race, sets his sights on an unprecedented 18th victory. The Ballydoyle maestro has confirmed that star jockey Ryan Moore will partner the highly-touted runner Gstaad, adding yet another layer of intrigue to what is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about showdowns of the season.
O’Brien’s history with the Phoenix Stakes is nothing short of extraordinary. His first triumph came more than two decades ago, and since then, he has turned the Curragh’s premier juvenile race into his personal stage. Yet, this year’s race is far from a formality. With intense competition from rivals across Ireland, Britain, and France, the 2025 edition is being billed as one of the most competitive renewals in recent memory. The “Phoenix Stakes Storm,” as racing fans have dubbed it, is fueled by the entry of several unbeaten two-year-olds, each with a reputation to defend and an unbeaten record to protect.
Moore, who has partnered countless champions for O’Brien over the years, faces both the thrill and the pressure of riding in an event that can make or break reputations in a matter of seconds. Known for his ice-cool demeanor in the saddle, Moore admitted in a rare candid moment that this race is “different” and that he has had to work on “controlling emotions” in the buildup. The Curragh is not just another racecourse for Moore — it is the stage where careers are defined, and mistakes are remembered.
The partnership between O’Brien and Moore has produced some of racing’s greatest modern triumphs, from the Derby at Epsom to Breeders’ Cup glory in the United States. But the Phoenix Stakes has a particular sparkle for the pair, combining O’Brien’s unrivaled skill in preparing precocious two-year-olds with Moore’s tactical genius under pressure. Gstaad, the colt entrusted with this mission, has already shown flashes of brilliance in his early starts, impressing with his turn of foot and professional attitude. O’Brien has been measured but confident in his assessment, calling him “a horse that learns fast, adapts quickly, and is ready for a battle.”
What makes this year’s race all the more compelling is the swirling drama surrounding the build-up. Reports from the gallops suggest Gstaad’s preparation was interrupted by unsettled weather, with high winds and heavy rain forcing adjustments to training schedules. Rivals have been quick to seize on the uncertainty, hinting that the Ballydoyle camp may not have everything under control. O’Brien, however, has brushed aside such talk, reminding journalists that “we’ve faced storms before, and we’ve come through them stronger.”
For fans, the combination of O’Brien chasing history, Moore confronting personal and professional pressure, and Gstaad stepping into the spotlight makes this Phoenix Stakes a must-watch. Betting markets have reflected the excitement, with Gstaad installed as a narrow favorite but closely shadowed by challengers from Charlie Appleby’s Godolphin powerhouse and Ger Lyons’ emerging star from Ireland. The atmosphere at the Curragh is expected to be electric, with tickets selling fast and global audiences tuning in for what could be a record-breaking moment.
As the clock ticks down to the off, one question looms over the racing world: can Aidan O’Brien make history once more, or will the storm of competition prove too fierce even for the master of Ballydoyle? In just a few minutes of high-speed drama, the answer will be decided, and a new chapter will be written in the legend of the Phoenix Stakes.
