In another game and generous performance, Lambourn reaffirmed his leadership by capturing the Irish Derby

The Coolmore colt defeated his stablemate Serious Contender by three-quarters of a length, handing his trainer Aidan O’Brien a record-extending 17th victory in the race

Lambourn was an absolute fortress at The Curragh / COOLMORE

CURRAGH, Irlanda (Special for Turf Diario).- The double is complete. Lambourn confirmed all the promise he had shown just a few weeks ago at Epsom and once again showcased his class and composure on Sunday with a commanding performance in the G1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, Ireland’s premier race for 3-year-olds. In another mature, efficient display, the Coolmore colorbearer held off stablemate Serious Contender (Wootton Bassett) to cement his status as the undisputed leader of his generation in Europe.

Living up to the legacy of his namesake—the English village steeped in racing tradition and home to jockey Ryan Moore—Lambourn made his pedigree shine once more. A son of Australia and grandson of the legendary Galileo, he followed in the hoofprints of both sire and grandsire, who completed the Derby double in 2014 and 2001, respectively. In doing so, he handed Aidan O’Brien a record-extending 17th victory in the Irish classic since 1997—an astonishing display of dominance.

Bred by Coolmore, Lambourn was the picture of professionalism. He broke sharply, traveled comfortably near the pace, and when Moore asked him for his best inside the final quarter mile, he responded like a true racehorse. Serious Contender closed strongly, but Lambourn dug in and held on gamely to win by three-quarters of a length. Lazy Griff(Protectionist) was third, another 2 1/2 lengths back.

“I grew up watching the Irish Derby and all the great horses that won it, so this means a lot to me,” said Moore. “Lambourn is very relaxed—he does exactly what you ask, no more, no less. He’s a typical son of Australia: he stays, he’s honest, and he’s consistent.”

O’Brien, never short on historical milestones, offered further insight: “He’s just like his sire—if you ask him to run in first gear, he stays there; if you ask for third, he gives you that. He never overdoes it, but he always wants to please. He stays well, he’s sound, he’s kind… I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of him on the big stage.”

Indeed, the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S. (G1) and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) are already under consideration, as O’Brien confirmed: “He has everything you need to compete at that level.”

With the 3-year-old pecking order beginning to take shape, it’s clear that, for now, the throne belongs to Lambourn.