Massive strength in depth key to O'Brien's amazing season
Aidan O'Brien's double Group 1 double, the first leg achieved in Britain on Saturday and the second in France on Sunday, was a notable achievement by any standard.
There is a sense racing has fallen behind in its ability to grab the headlines on a crowded Irish sporting scene. On this occasion the impact was sufficient for O'Brien to share the weekend spotlight with Irish rowers who left a major impression on the world championships in Florida and with golfer Paul Dunne, who gave an outrageously brilliant display on Sunday to win the British Masters.
O'Brien's latest four Group 1 wins can be dissected to show a season in microcosm. A prevailing theme has been massive strength in depth. Individual horses have repeatedly risen to the occasion in situations where a more fancied stablemate has not delivered.
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