John Quinn eyeing tilt at Breeders’ Cup Mile with stable star Safe Voyage
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
John Quinn has put the Breeders’ Cup Mile top of the agenda for Safe Voyage following his latest big-race success in Ireland on Saturday.
Following an impressive display in last month’s City of York Stakes, the seven-year-old doubled his Group Two tally and claimed his 12th career victory overall with the narrowest of triumphs over Sinawann in the Boomerang Stakes at Leopardstown.
A step up to Group One level beckons for a horse clearly in the form of his life – and while both the Prix de la Foret at ParisLongchamp and the QEII at Ascot are under consideration, it is the two-turn mile at Keeneland in November which whets Quinn’s appetite the most.
What a race! Watch how Safe Voyage scored on Irish Champions Weekend
Reflecting on Saturday’s win, he said: “We’re delighted it just went his way. I think he deserved it as he’s so tough and admirable – everything you want in a top-class racehorse.
“It was his first win over a mile, which is great – it opens up other doors.
“We’ll see how he comes out of the race, but I’m going to work back from the Breeders’ Cup. We can look at the Foret and the QEII, but he’ll only run in one of those, if any.
“They’re all very good races, but the Breeders’ Cup Mile is the race that appeals the most.”
Colin Keane reflects on Safe Voyage's victory at Leopardstown
A fine weekend for the Malton-based trainer almost got even better at the Curragh on Sunday, with Keep Busy beaten just half a length in the Group One Flying Five Stakes by a fellow Yorkshire raider in Kevin Ryan’s Glass Slippers.
Quinn was unsurprisingly delighted with Keep Busy’s display – and far from disappointed by the performance of her better-fancied stablemate Liberty Beach in finishing seventh in the same race.
“It was a phenomenal run from Keep Busy – she doesn’t know how to run a bad race,” Quinn added.
“She got a bump from a horse going backwards and was beaten half a length, but that’s racing and full credit to Kevin and all the connections of the winner.
“Liberty Beach ran a good race as well. She just had no luck in running and was only beaten three lengths.
“They’re both entered in the Prix de l’Abbaye and if they’re both well, that’s where they’ll go.”
Related posts
RaceiQ runner-by-runner guide to the 2026 Grand National
Saturday ante-post tips: Alex Scott bids to follow up 25-1 winner
Nicky Henderson: updates on my stable stars for Aintree
Racing TV presenters and pundits nominate their Flat horses to follow
Future of Chelmsford racecourse in doubt as track loses license
Featured offers
Bet £10 Get £50 in free bets in Multis with Betfair
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
£30 in free bets when you bet £5 with Ladbrokes
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets with Virgin Bet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get a £50 free bet when you bet £50 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets + money back if 2nd to SP fav with Boyle Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved