**Aidan O’Brien Targets Centenary at Royal Ascot, Despite Ground Concerns and Family Rivalry**
As Royal Ascot 2025 approaches, the distinguished Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien is readying what may be one of his strongest teams yet, setting his sights on surpassing a remarkable milestone at the world-famous meeting. Well known for his immense success at the five-day event, O’Brien currently boasts a staggering 91 Royal Ascot winners. With the formidable string he is preparing this year, a three-figure tally appears increasingly within reach.
Yet, this season’s build-up has not been without its twists. O’Brien will need to adapt his ambitions in the absence of Gold Cup stalwart Kyprios, recently retired, and promising filly Lake Victoria, who misses out on the Coronation Stakes. Nevertheless, optimism abounds at Ballydoyle, home to O’Brien’s global racing operation, as the trainer looks to consolidate his legendary status further in British flat racing’s most prestigious setting.
O’Brien’s legacy in the sport is not limited to Ascot alone. During a career that spans decades, the Tipperary native has trained over 400 Group 1 winners worldwide. His expertise has long proved invaluable for major racing entities such as Ballydoyle and Coolmore, significantly increasing his standing—both professionally and financially. Industry observers estimate O’Brien’s personal net worth to rest in the region of £34 million, a figure reflective of his enduring dominance in the racing world.
Amongst O’Brien’s most celebrated achievements is his impact in National Hunt racing, most notably as the trainer of Istabraq, a legendary triple Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winner. However, it is his exploits on the flat that have truly cemented O’Brien’s renown, exemplified by his seventh coronation as British Champion Flat Trainer in 2024 and his continued success with classic winners like Lambourn, who secured this year’s Derby.
Remarkably, the O’Brien dynasty seems destined to endure as his sons forge their own paths in the racing world. Joseph O’Brien, the oldest, made headlines early with his Derby triumph aboard Camelot in 2012, before turning his hand to training, with equal effect. His impressive transition has already produced significant victories on the flat and over jumps, including the King George Chase and the Irish Derby.
Not to be outdone, Joseph’s brother Donnacha has also carved out a formidable reputation among the next generation of trainers. After enjoying success as a jockey, Donnacha now boasts Royal Ascot honours as well, including triumphs with standout filly Porta Fortuna. Both brothers return to Ascot this year, adding a compelling subplot: a family rivalry that sees them potentially challenging their famous father on the sport’s grandest stage.
Still, even for O’Brien, not every trip to Ascot is smooth sailing. Last year, hopes were high for Auguste Rodin, a former Derby and Breeders’ Cup Turf hero, in the coveted King George. Despite being the favourite and carrying the expectations of the Ballydoyle stable with jockey Ryan Moore, the colt faltered, eventually finishing a distant fifth—more than eleven lengths behind the winner, Goliath.
Afterwards, O’Brien was forthright in his assessment of the ground at the Berkshire venue, questioning the accuracy of the official “good to firm” designation. “When we walked the track, we were very worried,” O’Brien explained, revealing concerns about the unevenness and sandiness in certain sections. Looking back, he reflected: “With the benefit of hindsight, we should have kept out of the bad ground… That’s the way it is, and that’s the way it fell for us today. There will be other days.”
For Aidan O’Brien, Royal Ascot 2025 extends far beyond the pursuit of silverware. It marks a potential watershed moment in a career defined by record-breaking achievements, family legacy, and an outspoken commitment to the highest standards in the sport. As the meeting draws near, all eyes will be on Ballydoyle—can the maestro bring up a historic century, or will his talented offspring steal the spotlight?
Racing followers and neutrals alike will be eager to see how the week’s narratives unfold, both on and off the track, as O’Brien and his family continue to shape the future of thoroughbred racing on one of its greatest stages.