🔥 Kyprios gives Aidan O’Brien a major injury scare as hot favourite for Ascot Gold Cup limps out of Leopardstown winning enclosure

A wave of concern swept through the Irish racing scene on Saturday evening as Kyprios, the reigning stayer king and hot favourite for next month’s Ascot Gold Cup, sent alarm bells ringing by limping out of the winning enclosure at Leopardstown. The six-year-old, trained by Aidan O’Brien and widely seen as the dominant force in the staying division, had just secured a comfortable win in the Saval Beg Levmoss Stakes. But what should have been a celebratory moment turned into a nightmare scenario for the Ballydoyle team.

Eyewitnesses described an uneasy scene as Kyprios was led away gingerly, clearly favouring his near foreleg. While the initial race had gone as planned — a smooth performance marked by authority and tactical brilliance — it was the aftermath that sparked major concern. O’Brien, typically composed, was visibly anxious as his team gathered around the colt. “He was a little tender after pulling up,” O’Brien admitted to reporters post-race. “We’re going to check him out properly when we get back. Hopefully it’s nothing serious, but of course we’re all a bit worried.”

Kyprios had returned to action earlier this year after missing much of 2023 due to a series of setbacks. His return was met with widespread excitement and anticipation, especially
after his breathtaking Gold Cup victory in 2022, where he outclassed Stradivarius and cemented his status as the new long-distance champion. Many expected his road to Ascot 2025 to be a mere formality — a warm-up at Leopardstown, then domination at Royal Ascot. Now, those plans hang in the balance.

The timing could not be worse for O’Brien, who has been relying on Kyprios as the cornerstone of his staying team. With few viable alternatives in the yard for the gruelling two-and-a-half-mile Ascot test, a setback to Kyprios would leave a significant void. “He’s one of the most courageous horses I’ve ever trained,” O’Brien once said of him. That courage may be needed once again — not in a race, but in recovery.

Veterinary evaluations are underway, and while the full extent of the issue remains unknown, the racing world waits with bated breath. Social media quickly ignited with speculation, with some fearing a recurrence of the leg issues that sidelined him previously. Others remained hopeful, citing how minor swelling or muscle fatigue can sometimes mimic more serious injuries.

If Kyprios were to miss the Ascot Gold Cup, it would dramatically reshape the betting landscape and open the door for a new challenger to seize the crown. But beyond the betting implications, it would be a blow to the sport itself. Kyprios represents not just excellence, but resilience — a champion who overcame adversity once and was poised to do it again.

For now, all eyes are on Ballydoyle and the next update from O’Brien’s team. Fans, punters, and rivals alike will be hoping this is just a scare — and not the cruel twist that robs Ascot of its most compelling storyline.