Aidan O’Brien celebrates 4,000th winner worldwide as Henry Longfellow lands National in absence of City Of Troy

The Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes lost its much-anticipated star when City Of Troy was a late withdrawal, but Aidan O’Brien had the perfect replacement in Henry Longfellow as he bolted up to hand the Ballydoyle trainer his 4,000th winner worldwide.

City Of Troy went into Sunday as the ante-post favourite for next year’s 2,000 Guineas and Derby, but he was withdrawn by connections less than half an hour before the Group 1 due to softening conditions at the Curragh.

However, O’Brien had kept Henry Longfellow in the mix and he was a mighty fine replacement, powering through the race under Ryan Moore and putting it to bed with ease to run out the 9-10 winner. 

He has been cut to 7-2 for the 2,000 Guineas by Paddy Power, while the same bookmaker went 6-1 (from 8) for the Derby.

Islandsinthestream stayed on for second but was no match for the winner with five lengths the margin at the line, while Phoenix Stakes winner Bucanero Fuerte appeared not to get home on his first start over seven furlongs. Rank outsider Cuban Thunder, who took them along in the early stages, trailed home in last.

Henry Longfellow was the sixth winner of the weekend for O’Brien following four on the opening day of Irish Champions Festival at Leopardstown, headlined by Auguste Rodin, while there was more Group 1 success for the powerful operation on Sunday when Warm Heart claimed the Prix Vermeille at Longchamp.

This race report is being updated and more news will follow shortly.

Read more . . .

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