Aidan O’Brien Sets New Breeders’ Cup Record with Gstaad’s Stunning Victory

O’Brien’s Historic 21st Breeders’ Cup Win Cements His Legacy

In the golden California sunshine at Del Mar, Ireland’s Aidan O’Brien stood in familiar territory — the winner’s enclosure — but this one meant more than most. Gstaad’s electrifying victory in the Juvenile Turf didn’t just add another trophy to Ballydoyle’s overflowing cabinet; it secured O’Brien’s place in history as the most successful trainer in Breeders’ Cup history.

The triumph marked his 21st Breeders’ Cup win, surpassing the legendary D. Wayne Lukas, and extending his own record to eight victories in the Juvenile Turf category. For a man who has rewritten racing’s record books time and again, this was another defining moment in an extraordinary career that continues to defy limits.

Gstaad Delivers a Masterclass Under Soumillon

The win came courtesy of Gstaad, a beautifully bred colt who had drawn an awkwardly wide post in the one-mile contest — a position that has undone many a favourite at Del Mar. Yet under Belgian superstar Christophe Soumillon, the son of Wootton Bassett produced a performance brimming with class and composure.

Soumillon bided his time as the field jostled for position, sitting comfortably towards the rear before unleashing a decisive late charge down the outside. In a matter of strides, Gstaad devoured his rivals, surging clear to win with authority and elegance.

“It was a perfectly timed ride,” said one onlooker in the paddock. “He looked beaten at the top of the stretch, and then suddenly he was flying. That’s O’Brien’s magic — he produces horses that just know how to win.”

For O’Brien, who watched from his usual composed stance before breaking into a smile as Gstaad crossed the line, the result was the culmination of decades of excellence on racing’s biggest international stage.

“Wayne Was a Special Man” – O’Brien Pays Tribute

Even in his moment of personal triumph, Aidan O’Brien’s thoughts turned to the man whose record he had just surpassed — the late D. Wayne Lukas, an American legend of the sport.

“Wayne was a special man, unbelievable,” O’Brien reflected. “He was such a big help to us all the time. When we had Giant’s Causeway, he was there in the barn with us, helping shoe him, giving advice, always encouraging us.”

O’Brien’s voice softened as he remembered their shared experiences. “He dreamed big and loved his horses more than anything. Everything he did was for them and for his owners. To pass his record is special, but Wayne’s influence will always be part of what we do.”

The humility in his words was typical of O’Brien — a man who, despite his towering achievements, rarely talks about himself. Instead, he prefers to shine the light on his horses, his staff, and the people who helped shape his path.

A Family Affair: Donnacha Joins the Breeders’ Cup Winners’ Club

While O’Brien senior was rewriting history, the day also brought a moment of deep personal pride for the family. His son Donnacha O’Brien, himself a rising star in the training ranks, celebrated his first Breeders’ Cup victory when Balantina, ridden by champion jockey Oisin Murphy, stormed to a surprise win in the Juvenile Fillies Turf.

For Donnacha, 27, it was a breakthrough moment that put him alongside his father Aidan and older brother Joseph as Breeders’ Cup-winning trainers — a truly remarkable family feat.

“This is very special. It was fantastic,” Donnacha said with a grin that matched his father’s. “To watch Dad do it year in, year out, and Joseph get winners too — it’s nice to be on the board now myself.”

There was genuine emotion in his words. The O’Briens have long been a racing dynasty, but moments like these underline that their success is as much about shared values as talent — patience, hard work, and a relentless drive to improve.

Balantina’s Bold Run Adds Another Layer to the O’Brien Story

Balantina’s victory was one few saw coming. The filly went off at long odds but ran with the poise and determination of a champion. Murphy, riding with fearless precision, positioned her perfectly throughout before asking the question in the final furlong.

She responded instantly, finding another gear to outstay her rivals in the final strides. It was a fitting reward for Donnacha’s patient handling and a hint that the next generation of O’Brien trainers is more than ready to carry the torch forward.

“The filly’s been improving with every run,” Donnacha said afterward. “We thought she’d handle the firm ground, and Oisin gave her a world-class ride. To win here, on this stage, it means everything.”

The O’Brien Dynasty: A Family That Defines Excellence

For Aidan O’Brien, watching both his own success and his son’s triumph in the same afternoon must have felt surreal. His Ballydoyle stable has long been the gold standard in global racing, producing champions year after year across continents and surfaces. But seeing the next generation thrive alongside him — Joseph already a multiple Classic-winning trainer, and now Donnacha a Breeders’ Cup winner — is perhaps his greatest achievement of all.

“It’s all teamwork,” O’Brien said modestly. “We’re very lucky with the people we have, the riders, the lads at home, and the family support. We just try to keep doing our best every day.”

That “teamwork” philosophy is what makes Ballydoyle so formidable. The operation runs like a well-tuned orchestra — from Coolmore’s breeding brilliance to the training precision at home in Tipperary. The results speak for themselves: 26 top-level wins this year alone, across Europe, America, and beyond.

A Record That May Never Be Broken

O’Brien’s 21st Breeders’ Cup win might just be one of those milestones that stands the test of time. It’s not merely about the number; it’s about consistency at the very top level, in an event that brings together the world’s best.

From Johannesburg in 2001 to Gstaad in 2025, O’Brien’s Breeders’ Cup story is one of evolution and endurance. His ability to adapt — to new horses, new rivals, new challenges — is what sets him apart.

And yet, for all the talk of records and legacy, O’Brien remains refreshingly grounded. “Every horse is different, every day is different,” he once said. “You just try to give each of them the best chance to be their best self.”

The Final Word

As the sun dipped over the Pacific and the celebrations continued, the sense was clear: Aidan O’Brien had once again redefined greatness. From a small-town horseman in County Wexford to the most successful trainer in Breeders’ Cup history, his journey is one of relentless pursuit of excellence.

And now, with his sons following in his footsteps, the O’Brien name looks set to dominate the racing world for decades to come.

At Del Mar, history was made — but for the O’Briens, it also felt like a beginning.