O’Brien hails team as he celebrates another champion trainer title

Aidan O’Brien has spoken of his delight – not to mention relief – after being crowned champion Flat trainer in Britain for an eighth time.

The 56-year-old, who has been champion every year in Ireland since 1999, ultimately fended off the challenges of Andrew Balding and John and Thady Gosden comfortably.

All three yards were successful on Champions Day at Ascot and while the championship runs from January 1 to December 31, O’Brien’s haul was enough to ensure he cannot be caught.

“I’m delighted to be announced as the champion trainer for 2025, it’s a real honour and testament to the hard work of the whole team who makes this sport happen, from the owners, the staff at Ballydoyle stables, the breeders and of course, the horses themselves – it’s a real team effort and victory,” said the Ballydoyle handler, who picked up his trophy at Doncaster on Saturday, after Hawk Mountain gave him another Group One winner.

“A lot of people work a lot harder than me and I’m just so delighted for them all.”

O’Brien won the Derby with Lambourn, stablemates Minnie Hauk and Whirl fought out the finish to the Oaks, while Scandinavia was a game winner of the St Leger.

Proving how much of a team effort it was, all three Classic victories came for different jockeys, with Wayne Lordan on Lambourn, Ryan Moore on Minnie Hauk and Tom Marquand on Scandinavia.

With Moore currently sidelined through injury, O’Brien has called on Christophe Soumillon to great effect on the big days, too.

“It’s difficult to pinpoint my absolute favourite moment but a few standout moments would have to be Lambourn winning the Betfred Derby in June – it’s difficult to ever look beyond the Derby – and Scandinavia’s successive wins in the Bahrain Trophy, Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup and Betfred St Leger,” O’Brien told Great British Racing.

“Every year the emotions remain the same and it’s a constant cycle of anticipation, relief and celebration on repeat.

“I forget about yesterday and look forward to tomorrow, there’s always a plan but I don’t think too far ahead because you get too anxious if you do.”