Aidan O’Brien has cemented his status in racing history by becoming the joint-winningest trainer at the Breeders’ Cup, reaching a landmark 20 wins after Henri Matisse powered to victory in the Juvenile Turf. The triumph places him alongside U.S. training legend D. Wayne Lukas, both now sharing the all-time record. Henri Matisse’s victory was the latest chapter in O’Brien’s incredible record at the Breeders’ Cup and came thanks to an expertly timed ride from jockey Ryan Moore.
Henri Matisse, a son of the esteemed Wootton Bassett, had faced setbacks in previous high-stakes races, finishing outside the winner’s circle in the National Stakes and the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere. But his Juvenile Turf performance showed a horse in his element. Aided by the mile-long course, a favorable bend, and fast ground, Henri Matisse found his stride, storming to victory in a dominant display that thrilled spectators and secured O’Brien’s third consecutive win in this particular contest. Last year, he celebrated a win with Unquestionable, and the year before, Victoria Road brought home the Juvenile Turf trophy.
This latest win holds special significance for O’Brien, as it marks his seventh victory in the Juvenile Turf alone—a race he has come to dominate over the years. The win also brings O’Brien to a monumental 20 Breeders’ Cup victories overall, a tally he never anticipated. Reflecting on his achievement, O’Brien paid tribute to Lukas, his peer in this rarefied category. “It’s incredible,” he said. “We all know what a special man Wayne is, and it’s an honor to be anywhere near his record. He’s always been so supportive, and he even rang me during the week to talk about how best to ride this track.
O’Brien’s gracious praise for Lukas spoke to the camaraderie between the two great trainers. “Wayne shared his insights about the track, even suggesting an approach for City Of Troy in the Classic. We feel very grateful and privileged for what he’s done for us,” O’Brien continued. “We’re honored to be up there with him.”
The day also showcased the brilliance of Moore, whose riding was as decisive as ever. In addition to his win on Henri Matisse, Moore skillfully navigated a difficult Juvenile Fillies Turf run to guide Lake Victoria to a thrilling victory, overcoming traffic troubles to cross the line first. In Henri Matisse’s race, Moore faced the additional challenge of being forced wide on the bend, yet the jockey’s confidence in his mount never wavered. “It was very straightforward today,” Moore reflected after the race. “I told Aidan beforehand that I felt he was by far the best horse in the race. He just took me there so comfortably, even when we went wide on the turn. He won without even realizing he was in a race.”
Moore’s confidence stemmed from his knowledge of Henri Matisse’s progression and adaptability. The horse had shown promise, but it was clear the mile distance and firm footing suited him best. “We’ve been learning about him,” Moore noted, praising the decision to skip blinkers this time around, which helped the colt stay focused and responsive.
O’Brien himself took extra pride in this victory for Henri Matisse, especially after the colt’s recent experience in Longchamp, where he’d encountered rough terrain and a bumpy start. “I made the wrong decision putting blinkers on him in France,” O’Brien admitted. “He got a rough start, took a fright from the poor ground, and things just went wrong that day. But he’s not the finished article. He’s a beautiful horse and improves every week.”
Reflecting on his broader team’s efforts, O’Brien was quick to attribute his success to the people behind the scenes. “A lot of people put in so much hard work day in and day out for moments like this to happen,” he said. “Tomorrow’s another day, but we’re so grateful to get horses like these.”
The Juvenile Turf’s result saw Iron Man Cal take second place, while Charlie Appleby’s Aomori City finished third after a dramatic start. Aomori City had burst through the gates before the race, causing a tense moment, yet was allowed to compete. Henri Matisse’s victory, however, was the pinnacle of the day’s performances, a testament to the skill, planning, and dedication of O’Brien, Moore, and their entire team.
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