City Of Troy

[Mara]

This 3yo Coolmore-owned son of Justify is my favorite horse in training in 2024. Unbeaten at two, and this year he’s won the Epsom Derby and the Coral-Eclipse. The only blight on his record was a 9th place finish in the 2000 Guineas, which Aidan O’Brien characteristically blames on himself.

Today he faced a stellar field in the 10 furlong Juddmonte International at York and turned in a stunning performance, leading start to finish in new track record time. It was his second time facing older horses and he did it on ground that is not his preference.

Footage of the race is on
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFRu2xsRXNU

Plans call for him to come over for the BC Classic, which would of course be his first dirt start.

Racing Post article

[Maythehorsebewithme]

I watched the video–led all the way, awesome horse.
What breeding–by Justify out of a Galileo mare–oofah!

[Mara]

Together Forever was herself a very good filly at two, winning a Gr. 1 stakes.

It’s a shame Scat Daddy died at only 14, but he’s certainly left quite the legacy. I admit I was a bit lukewarm on Justify as a racehorse, but there’s no denying he’s on his way to super-sire status on both sides of the Atlantic. I wonder if WinStar regrets the sale?

What I love about Aidan O’Brien is how effusively proud he is of his staff. In every post-win interview he makes sure to call them out by name and praise them for the work they put in. From what I’ve read he’s the same in the yard at Ballydoyle as well, taking the time to learn everyone’s names. Impressive regardless, but especially so in an operation of that size.