O'Brien Just Yanked His Ascot Star From a Half-Million-Pound Race (And Nobody Knows Why)

By Lewis Barnett 2 July, 2025 5 mins read 44 Views

So here's what happened. I'm scrolling through entries Tuesday morning with my coffee, and boom - Trinity College is OUT of the German Derby.

Just like that. No explanation. No "slight setback" or "training considerations" - the usual trainer speak we're used to. Aidan O'Brien literally put this horse in the race 48 hours earlier, bookies made him favourite, and then... nothing. Radio silence from Ballydoyle.

For those who missed it (where were you in June?), Trinity College absolutely demolished the Hampton Court Stakes field at Royal Ascot. Made every yard of the running over 1m2f and won pulling up. Ryan Moore barely had to get serious on him.

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That Ascot Performance Still Gives Me Chills

I was trackside that day, and honestly? This colt looked like he was having a casual morning gallop while the rest were fighting for their lives. Sent off 5-2 favourite - which felt generous even then - and won by three-and-a-half lengths without breaking a sweat.

O'Brien's post-race comments were telling too. "When Ryan started getting him to move, he really moved and kept going to the line." That's trainer code for "this horse has gears we haven't even found yet."

The German Derby was supposed to be his next logical step. €500,000 Group 1, perfect for a horse coming off that kind of Ascot win. His fourth in the French Derby earlier had automatically qualified him anyway.

Plot Twist Nobody Saw Coming

But then Wednesday happened. Trinity College - gone from the German Derby entries. Meanwhile, whispers started spreading that O'Brien might supplement The Lion In Winter for the Prix Jean Prat instead.

Now that's interesting timing, isn't it?

The Lion In Winter was supposed to be their Derby horse this year. Things didn't go to plan (understatement of 2025), and now he's 25-1 for some random York race. But the Jean Prat? That's where the real money fights happen. Cosmic Year, Shadow Of Light - proper Group 1 animals.

So What's Next for Trinity College?

Your guess is as good as mine at this point. The horse has more entries than a lottery ticket has numbers.

Princess Of Wales's Stakes next week at Newmarket looks possible - 1m4f would suit him perfectly. There's also that King George entry at the end of the month, though Jan Brueghel will probably get that ride for the Calandagan rematch we're all dying to see.

Sussex Stakes? He's 66-1, which feels insulting for a horse who just won at Royal Ascot. The Juddmonte International could be perfect for him - proper trip, proper field. Irish Champion Stakes in September gives them time to plot something special.

Listen, I've been covering O'Brien long enough to know he doesn't make moves like this without reason. Trinity College looked like a Group 1 horse at Ascot, and nothing I've heard suggests that's changed.

Sometimes the best trainers know when to pull back and wait for the right moment. Maybe that's all this is.

Or maybe there's something bigger brewing at Ballydoyle that we haven't figured out yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the initial step to training a racing horse?

In the initial training phase, the racehorse must undergo a crucial stage called "breaking," during which the horse is accustomed to the saddle, the bridle and the weight carried by the rider. During these sessions, patience is key to ensuring the horse feels comfortable around humans and with the equipment they will use throughout their racing career.

When should a horse begin training for racing?

Horses may begin their basic training as yearlings but they will usually begin more rigorous racing training and conditioning at around two years. When their bodies are mature and able to handle the stress of the track, but still young enough to learn. The exact timing depends on the horse's maturity and temperament.

How important is a horse’s pedigree when it comes to winning races?

While pedigree can be an indicator of potential, it is not the sole determinant of a racehorse's success. While a horse's pedigree may indicate a inherited talent for speed and endurance, other factors such as training, health, or temperament also play a role. Training can enhance a horse’s natural abilities, and allow it to perform better than horses with more impressive pedigrees.

How often should racehorses train?

Training frequency for racehorses is usually tailored to the individual horse's needs, level of fitness, and racing schedule. The typical routine for racehorses would include walking, cantering and trotting daily, as well as more strenuous work, such as galloping several times a weeks to increase speed and endurance. Rest days allow the horse time to recover from training and to avoid overtraining.

How do you maintain your racehorse’s mental health?

Maintenance of a racehorse's mental health is as crucial as its physical conditioning. Mental stimulation, gentle handling, and regular pasture turnout all contribute to the psychological well-being of a racehorse. By ensuring the horse is socialized with other horses in a stable, calm environment, you can prevent stress and behavioral problems.

Can you train a racehorse on any track?

While the initial training may be conducted on different tracks, the specific race training will often require facilities that replicate the conditions in which the horse will compete. This includes regulation-sized tracks with the same type of surface the horse will race on. This helps to condition horses and allows them to become familiar with that specific racing environment.

Statistics

An extensive survey indicated that over 90% of racehorse trainers utilize swimming as a low-impact exercise in their conditioning routines.
Racehorse mortality rates during racing have been observed to be between 1.5 to 2 deaths per thousand starts, depending on the racing jurisdiction.
Research has found that a racehorse's stride length can increase by up to 7% following specific strength and conditioning programs.
Gastrointestinal issues affect up to 90% of racehorses during their training, emphasizing the need for careful dietary management.
Statistically, less than 1% of thoroughbred foals born each year will go on to win a stakes race.
The Injury Database from The Jockey Club reports that synthetic racing surfaces have a lower horse fatality rate than dirt tracks, with a statistically significant difference of 1.2 fatalities per thousand starts on synthetics compared to 2.0 on dirt tracks.

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How To

How To Create An Effective Training Plan for a Racehorse

A good training schedule should balance vigorous exercise and rest. Incorporate a mix of walking, trotting, galloping, and breezing workouts throughout the week, varying the intensity to build fitness. Establish rest days for the purpose of muscle repair and mental recovery. Season training cycles with respect to the horse's racing calendar, tapering activity before a race to ensure peak performance on race day.