By now, it’s almost a tradition in its own right: as the Epsom Derby approaches, the whispers from Ballydoyle start to shape the betting market…
Aidan O’Brien, master of the classics and record-holder with no less than 10 Derby wins to his name, rarely speaks without purpose – and his recent comments about Ryan Moore’s potential ride for the 2025 edition have sent punters and pundits scrambling for clues. If you’re keen to follow market sentiment, you can see the odds on Oddschecker for a snapshot of how the shape of the field is shifting.
But that’s the showmanship of O’Brien in Derby season. His talent doesn’t just lie in training the country’s best Derby winners. It’s the way he manoeuvres through the final weeks like a grandmaster, keeping rivals – and the press – guessing with every word.
The Moore Dilemma
Exiting runners aside, what makes this year’s Derby storyline so compelling is the jockey subplot. Ryan Moore, O’Brien’s go-to man for over a decade, has yet to confirm his ride. Will it be current favourite Delacroix, or is the jockey to steer a resurgent The Lion In Winter to victory?
In May, O’Brien gave an interview that sparked a “dramatic Derby gamble”. His comments suggested Moore was leaning more towards the former, which sparked an immediate ripple effect across bookmakers and the press alike. The Lion In Winter’s odds have drifted (sitting at 11/2 at the time of writing), while Delacroix’s price has tightened to 11/4.
O’Brien’s Army
As is also tradition, Aiden O’Brian has a top-tier stable of five horses ready to take on the 2025 Derby Stakes (set to run over Epsom Downs on Saturday, 7th June). Far from stretching resources too thin, for O’Brien, managing multiple live contenders at Epsom is standard practice.
The narrative this year was expected to centre on The Lion In Winter, a colt many earmarked as the one to beat after a commanding debut and early-season buzz. But a disappointing turn in the Dante Stakes at York has raised questions about his readiness for the test of this £1.5 million.
Enter Delacroix. Another son of Ballydoyle, Delacroix has quietly vaulted into the spotlight thanks to a string of solid gallops and, crucially, O’Brien’s well-timed show of faith. With Ryan Moore widely tipped to partner him on June 7th, bookmakers have reacted swiftly.
Completing O’Brien’s top trio is Lambourn, who secured his Derby spot with a decisive win in the Chester Vase. Although less heralded than his stablemates, Lambourn’s recent performance is a strong indication of how formidable he could be come race day.
Another Year, Another Legacy
For equestrians or more casual fans, the idea of one trainer dominating a race with multiple entries might seem unusual. But for O’Brien, it’s a reflection of the deep bench of talent resident at Ballydoyle, as well as his smart infrastructure.
He doesn’t just enter horses, instead, he campaigns them like a general preparing for battle. Each trial race and jockey booking is part of a much wider strategy. That’s why even when one of his leading lights underperforms – as The Lion In Winter arguably did at York – there’s at least another that’s ready to step up.
Another Ballydoyle flyer!
Lambourn is much the best in the Chester Vase for Ryan Moore and Aidan O’Brien 🥇@ChesterRaces | @itvracing pic.twitter.com/VNOwZiGNve
— British Champions Day (@Champions_Day) May 7, 2025
It’s a strategy rooted in adaptability, and that’s exactly what makes O’Brien such a formidable force. In the modern era, no other trainer has come close to his consistency at the top level; that Derby record isn’t just impressive, it’s unparalleled.
So, whether it’s Delacroix, The Lion In Winter, or a late-emerging wildcard from the Ballydoyle camp, there’s every chance the winning horse in 2025 will be wearing O’Brien’s colours. The only real mystery? Which one it will be.