Gstaad and Soumillon in cruise control, as O’Brien sets new Breeders’ Cup best

Gstaad made light work of his wide draw and a slow start to record an emphatic win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar, as Aidan O’Brien overtook the late D. Wayne Lukas as the all-time leading trainer at the Breeders’ Cup.

Winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and runner-up in three Group Ones since, most recently the Dewhurst, the Starspangledbanner colt brought by far the strongest form into the Grade One contest and Christophe Soumillon’s mount had little trouble in picking up his rivals when asked by the Belgian ace.

Outfielder – who eventually finished last – and Hey Nay Nay set a strong pace up front, but Soumillon never panicked at any stage and after stealthily making up ground on the outside his mount put the race to bed in a matter of strides, moving O’Brien onto the 21-winner mark at the Breeders’ Cup.

He was also giving the master of Ballydoyle a record-extending eighth Juvenile Turf victory and a 26th at the top level this year, just two short of his own world record.

“It’s special, Wayne was a special man, unbelievable,” said O’Brien.

“Wayne was such a big help to us all the time and when we had Giant’s Causeway he was such a help. He was there at the barn when we were relatively new here and helped shoe him and he came down to the track with us on his own horse. Everything he did was for his horses and his owners. He dreamed a lot and was an incredibly special man.

“The lads put in so much day in day out making these pedigrees and they let them run, they don’t protect them. We’re so lucky Christophe wasn’t tied down to a retainer (when Ryan Moore was injured), he’s incredible to work with. He’s a great horseman and a great jockey.

“I’m so delighted, it’s an unbelievably privileged position working with special people. So many people have contributed and make these days happen and Christophe gave him such a special ride.”

“This horse will be a Guineas horse, he’s a big horse that’s getting quicker and we always felt he would get a mile. He’s a (half) brother to a very good one (Vandeek). We thought he’d have won a couple of Group Ones by this stage, he’s a horse to look forward to next year.”

In contrast to O’Brien, Soumillon was winning at the Breeders’ Cup for just the second time, after Shirocco landed the Turf in 2005.

He said: “He jumped a fraction slow, but I didn’t want to over go. In the back straight I was cruising the whole time, he was turning so well that I knew he would win on the last corner. He changed his leads and won easily. I’m sure he will win a Group One in Europe. He was playing with his pony and I think he will improve.

“When you come with such an amazing team it’s something every jockey wishes in his life. I was at Ballydoyle a few weeks ago. Aidan is a very passionate person and that’s one reason why he’s the best ever.

“It’s coming late for me, but I knew Brussels would run well today (second in the Juvenile Turf Sprint) and I will come back even stronger tomorrow.”

Paying tribute to O’Brien, Coolmore partner Michael Tabor said: “What can you say, he’s a superb trainer, his work ethic is incredible. He loves what he does and let’s hope he carries on for many more years.”