Constitution River Led Ballydoyle's Historic 1-2-3 Sweep in the Prix du Jockey Club

The son of Wootton Bassett defeated Hawk Mountain and Montreal at Chantilly, all three trained by Aidan O'Brien

CHANTILLY, France (Special to Turf Diario).- There are afternoons when great trainers win important races. And there are others when they build a legacy.

That is precisely what Aidan O'Brien accomplished on Sunday at Chantilly, delivering a performance for the history books as he swept the entire podium in the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club (G1) with Constitution River, Hawk Mountain (Wootton Bassett) and Montreal (Sea The Stars), completing a remarkable Ballydoyle 1-2-3.

It was far from an easy assignment.

In fact, Constitution River had been handed one of the worst draws imaginable, breaking from stall 15 in a field of 16 in a race where position often proves decisive.

Yet the colt's talent and the brilliance of Ryan Moore ultimately overcame every obstacle.

“Before the race, the draw didn't look favorable at all, but I knew I was riding a very good horse,” Moore said afterward.

The son of Wootton Bassett, winner of the Futurity Trophy (G1) at two and the Dee Stakes (L) on his seasonal return, was still learning on the job.

Making only his second start since last August, he was facing a right-handed track, firm ground, and an intensely tactical environment for the first time. Even so, he responded like a horse of exceptional quality.

While Montreal and Wayne Lordan took the initiative from the outset, helping shape a race favorable to Ballydoyle's interests, Moore gradually worked Constitution River into contention.

Turning for home, the favorite still appeared somewhat inexperienced and was forced to come under pressure earlier than ideal. But once he found his rhythm, he began to display that sense of inevitability often associated with top-class champions.

He first reeled in Montreal and then surged past Hawk Mountain, who under Christophe Soumillon fought bravely to the finish.

At the wire, Constitution River held a three-quarter-length advantage over his stablemate, while Montreal completed the sweep, just a head behind the runner-up.

To make the day even more memorable for the O'Brien family, A Boy Named Susie (Starspangledbanner), trained by Donnacha O'Brien, finished fourth.

The scale of the achievement was not lost on those closest to Coolmore.

“You have to give all the credit to Aidan,” said MV Magnier. “Despite the draw, he was very confident coming here. Ryan is probably the best jockey in the world, and we're fortunate to have him. But to finish one-two-three in a race like this is incredible. Aidan believes Constitution River could be something different.”

The numbers support that view.

Since the Prix du Jockey Club was shortened to 2100 meters in 2005, only Ace Impact (Cracksman) and Sottsass (Siyouni) have recorded faster winning times—and both enjoyed significantly more favorable draws.

“He's a big, powerful horse with enormous scope to improve,” Moore explained. “He's still inexperienced and learning. He got a little stronger than usual during the race and had to make his move earlier than expected, but he never gave up. He has speed, stamina, and a wonderful temperament. He's a rare horse.”

O'Brien himself could hardly contain his enthusiasm.

“Ryan had a terrible draw and we knew it would be very difficult because he's still a colt learning his trade,” the trainer said. “He had to do a lot of work and learn plenty on fast ground. He came under pressure earlier than we expected, but he kept fighting. I think he's a special horse.”

As for what comes next, the Irish master struck a cautious tone while leaving the door open to major targets.

“We'll probably give him a break through the summer and then look toward a prep race for the Arc,” O'Brien said. “Although if he comes out of this particularly well, it's not impossible that we could consider something like the Eclipse Stakes.”

For now, what is certain is that Constitution River has secured his place among Europe's leading 3-year-olds.

And Ballydoyle has once again shown that when all the pieces fall into place, it can turn a Classic into a breathtaking display of power.

As in O'Brien's finest days, Chantilly ended up painted entirely in blue.