The Irish Derby at the Curragh, one of Ireland’s most prestigious racing events, unfolded over the weekend of June 29, 2025, with a blend of drama, skill, and raw equine power. At the heart of the spectacle was Aidan O’Brien, the legendary trainer whose colt Lambourn delivered a performance that will be etched in racing history. The three-year-old son of Australia, ridden by Ryan Moore, clinched the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, securing the coveted Epsom-Curragh double and marking O’Brien’s 17th victory in the race. This triumph not only solidified Lambourn’s status as a Classic contender but also sparked a broader conversation about the state of Irish racing, with O’Brien himself weighing in passionately on the matter.

Lambourn’s journey to the Irish Derby was nothing short of remarkable. Having stormed to victory in the Epsom Derby earlier in June, the colt entered the Curragh as the 8-13 favorite, carrying the weight of expectation. His Epsom performance, where he made all the running under Wayne Lordan to secure O’Brien’s 11th Betfred Derby win, set the stage for what was to come. At the Curragh, however, the task was far from straightforward. Unlike his dominant display at Epsom, Lambourn faced stern resistance from Ralph Beckett’s Sir Dinadan, who refused to let him dictate the pace unchallenged. As the field rounded the home turn, Ballydoyle stablemate Serious Contender, ridden by Gavin Ryan, emerged as a formidable threat, turning the race into a thrilling duel.

In the final furlong, Lambourn’s stamina and class shone through. Under Moore’s forceful urging, the colt dug deep, finding reserves of energy to fend off Serious Contender by three-quarters of a length. Lazy Griff, who had trailed Lambourn at both Chester and Epsom, powered home late to claim third, but the day belonged to O’Brien’s star. “He’s a very straightforward horse that gets the trip well,” O’Brien said of Lambourn. “Ryan thought he would keep pulling out, and he was pricking his ears all the way.” This victory marked Lambourn as the 20th horse to complete the Epsom-Curragh double, joining an elite group that includes his sire, Australia, and grandsire, Galileo, both of whom achieved the same feat under O’Brien’s guidance.

The Curragh’s three-day Irish Derby Festival, however, was not without its critics. The expanded schedule, featuring nine races each day and a heavy emphasis on handicap contests, drew scrutiny for diluting the quality of the card. Some argued that the inclusion of lower-grade races undermined the prestige of the event, which is home to all five of Ireland’s Classics. Attendance figures, estimated at around 11,000 on Derby day, were comparable to 2024 but a far cry from the 25,000 seen in 2015 or the peak crowds of over 40,000 in decades past. The perception of elitism at the Curragh, coupled with a less-than-stellar racegoer experience, fueled debate about the venue’s appeal.

O’Brien, never one to shy away from defending his sport, addressed the criticism head-on in a passionate interview with Racing TV. “I think most of it is unfair,” he declared. “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 dedicated his life to the sport, urging stakeholders to focus on its strengths rather than its shortcomings. O’Brien’s frustration was palpable, yet his optimism about racing’s potential to captivate audiences remained unshaken.

Lambourn’s victory was a testament to O’Brien’s unparalleled skill as a trainer. The Ballydoyle maestro, who has now trained 17 Irish Derby winners, including luminaries like Galileo (2001), High Chaparral (2002), and Auguste Rodin (2023), has an innate ability to prepare horses for the biggest stages. Lambourn, a product of meticulous preparation, exemplified this. His performance at Chester’s Vase in May, where he outran Lazy Griff, hinted at his potential, but it was at Epsom that he truly announced himself. “He’s a lazy horse, and Chester is always a great place for putting an edge on a horse,” O’Brien noted after the Epsom triumph. The Curragh, with its flat, stamina-sapping course, proved an ideal stage for Lambourn to showcase his staying power.

Ryan Moore, who took the reins from Wayne Lordan for the Irish Derby, played a pivotal role in the victory. His tactical acumen was evident as he navigated the early challenges posed by Sir Dinadan and kept Lambourn focused in the face of Serious Contender’s late surge. “Ryan was going to be happy if someone came with him as that keeps him focused,” O’Brien explained, highlighting Lambourn’s tendency to be “a little bit laid-back, a little bit lazy.” Moore’s ability to coax every ounce of effort from the colt underscored why he remains O’Brien’s go-to jockey for high-stakes races.

The supporting cast at the Curragh added further luster to the weekend. Skukuza, trained by Ed Dunlop and also ridden by Moore, claimed the Colm McLoughlin Celebration Stakes with a commanding front-running display. Vespertilio, under Dylan Browne McMonagle, edged out My Mate Alfie in a thrilling finish to the Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Dash Stakes. These performances highlighted the depth of talent on show, even amidst the criticism of the card’s composition.

For Lambourn, the Irish Derby was not just a victory but a milestone in a career that promises further glory. Bookmakers have already installed him as a leading contender for the Betfred St Leger at Doncaster in September, a race that would test his stamina over an extended distance. O’Brien, ever the strategist, is likely to map out a path that maximizes Lambourn’s potential while keeping his options open. “The lads will make that decision,” he said, referring to owners John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith, “but it looks like the Curragh would really suit him.”

The broader narrative of the Irish Derby weekend was one of resilience. Despite the challenges facing the sport—declining attendance, shifting perceptions, and the ever-present specter of competition from other forms of entertainment—O’Brien’s success with Lambourn served as a reminder of racing’s enduring allure. His call to action, urging the industry to promote the sport’s joys rather than dwell on its flaws, resonated deeply. “It’s a privilege for us to have him,” O’Brien said of Wayne Lordan after the Epsom win, a sentiment that could easily apply to his own contribution to racing.

As the dust settles on the 2025 Irish Derby, Lambourn’s name will be added to the roll of honor alongside the greats. For O’Brien, it was another chapter in a storied career that shows no signs of slowing down. For the Curragh, it was a moment to celebrate, but also a call to evolve. The question now is not just where Lambourn will go next, but how Irish racing can harness the passion of trainers like O’Brien to inspire a new generation of fans. One thing is certain: with horses like Lambourn and trainers like O’Brien, the sport still has plenty of magic to offer.