Gstaad, the Aidan O’Brien Jewel Who Made History on Del Mar Turf

After three consecutive Group 1 runner-up finishes in Europe, he gave his trainer his first win of the series by capturing the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, a triumph that also made him the winningest trainer in Breeders’ Cup history

Gstaad made his strong European credentials count / BREEDERS' CUP

By Diego H. Mitagstein (Special Correspondent for Turf Diario at Del Mar, California)

DEL MAR, California — On a day that once again underscored the dominance of the sport’s biggest names, Gstaadshone brightest, delivering Aidan O’Brien his record-extending 21st Breeders’ Cup victory and eighth in the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, further cementing his legacy as the most successful trainer in the history of the World Championships.

Carrying the famous silks of Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, and Michael Tabor, the son of Starspangledbannerand Mosa Mine (Exceed And Excel) unleashed a devastating late kick from midpack after a slightly awkward break from post 14. With the poise and precision that have long defined him, Christophe Soumillon gradually brought the colt into striking range, swung wide into the stretch, and powered home to collar longshot Stark Contrast (Caravaggio) by three-quarters of a length, with North Coast (Starman) finishing third.

The British-bred colt covered the mile over firm turf in 1:34.93, earning $520,000 for the victory and boosting his career bankroll to $993,157, with a record of three wins and three seconds from six starts.

“It was a very good performance, and Christophe gave him a terrific ride from the gate,” said co-owner Michael Tabor. “Aidan is an extraordinary trainer—his work ethic is unmatched. Tomorrow we’ve got Minnie Hauk (Frankel), so hopefully we can add another one,” he added with a smile.

For Soumillon, it was a long-awaited return to Breeders’ Cup glory.

“It’s been 20 years since I last won here, but to do it, you need a real horse—and Gstaad is exactly that,” he said. “From the outside post I tried to follow Ryan’s (Moore) tactics from last year with Henri Matisse(Wootton Bassett). In the final furlong I knew it was over—he was doing everything so easily, with power and focus.”

For O’Brien, each Breeders’ Cup represents another line in a record book that seems endless. His uncanny eye for young talent, surgical precision in preparation, and relentless pursuit of perfection continue to set the global standard. With Gstaad, a colt of class and determination, the master of Ballydoyle has added yet another unforgettable chapter to his extraordinary story.