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Aix La Chapelle impresses in Ascot audition
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Wed 3 Jun 2026
Ryan Moore will be hoping the outcome of the Sky Bet Club Irish EBF Maiden at the Curragh is not a precursor to Epsom as the Wayne Lordan-ridden Aix La Chapelle teed up a Royal Ascot bid.
Moore was on his Aidan O’Brien-trained stablemate Giant Sequoia who went off the 4-9 favourite, but he could only finish third.
The more experienced Bull Shark set stiff early fractions that had them all out of their comfort zones but only Aix La Chapelle (4-1) – a son of Justify out of dual Group One winner Immortal Verse – could go with him, eventually winning by a length and a half.
Aix La Chapelle and Wayne Lordan win for trainer Aidan O'Brien. (Photo: Healy Racing)
Moore faced some tricky choices choosing his Oaks and Derby mounts having already been on the wrong ones in both the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Irish equivalent.
“We’re delighted with him. They were horses that we were getting out in case they were Chesham horses,” said O’Brien.
“He’s a sleeper at home, he’s a beautiful horse. He’s relaxed and has a great pedigree, by Justify.
“He could be a Chesham horse now. They went along there and he did well as he was never away. Wayne gave him a lovely ride.”
Michael O’Callaghan’s Celeron (18-1) also has Ascot in his sights after winning the Pension Structures Irish EBF Maiden in clear-cut fashion under Jamie Powell.
“He’s a horse that we bought privately in the spring,” said O’Callaghan.
“Since we got him he’s just improved and improved, we always thought he was a nice horse.
“Unfortunately he didn’t get to start in Navan the last day (refused to enter the stalls) so we came here.
“He’s a good horse and he’s won like a good horse. Jamie said he was pricking his ears at the line.
“I’m one of the very few trainers that’s delighted to see the new conditions of the Windsor Castle.
“Six furlongs for stallions that have won over seven-and-a-half furlongs or further, which Mohaather has done. That’s the plan now, he’ll probably go there.
“He’s a big, raw, green, baby and he’s only going to get better.”
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