Plans adjusted for Gstaad, Great Barrier Reef and Victorious after Goodwood
Aidan O’Brien has confirmed revised targets for three of his juveniles following setbacks that ruled them out of weekend engagements at Goodwood and beyond. The trainer outlined where Gstaad, Great Barrier Reef and Victorious might next be aimed as his yard assesses recovery and fitness ahead of late-summer features in France.
Gstaad redirected towards the Prix du Moulin
Gstaad was withdrawn from consideration for the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville after sustaining two deep cuts to a hind leg in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. The wounds necessitated a course of anti-inflammatory injections which required a period of withdrawal before he could resume normal training.
Having returned to work, O’Brien indicated the colt will be prepared with an eye to the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp on September 6. The enforced break, he suggested, may allow the horse further physical maturation ahead of the autumn programme.
Great Barrier Reef and Man’s Best Friend vying for the Prix Morny
Great Barrier Reef missed recent plans after a bout of ringworm, an infectious skin condition that required a short period of rest following treatment. Once clear, the horse has begun to get back into routine and remains under consideration for the Group 1 Prix Morny at Deauville on August 23.
O’Brien said selection between Great Barrier Reef and the Goodwood winner Man’s Best Friend for the Morny has yet to be finalised. Man’s Best Friend’s victory at Goodwood marked him as a serious candidate, while Great Barrier Reef’s recovery timeline and current fitness will determine the final nomination.
Victorious likely to be rested
Victorious was described as a little below full fitness after recent exertions, and O’Brien indicated the filly may be spelled for the remainder of the season rather than pressed on for another run. She has already travelled and raced this campaign, accumulating experience that will be weighed against any desire to run again this summer.
Trainer cautious with late-summer plans
The decisions reflect a pragmatic approach from O’Brien’s Ballydoyle operation as they manage a number of promising juveniles around key European summer festivals. With the influence of minor injuries, treatment schedules and individual recovery rates, the connections are taking a patient route rather than rushing horses back for high-profile targets.
For racegoers and fans tracking Ballydoyle’s string, the situation offers a reminder of how quickly summer plans can change around Goodwood and the wider festival calendar. Horses that contest the big summer meetings are often faced with immediate decisions on whether to proceed to continental targets or to be given time to develop further.
What to watch next
- Gstaad’s progress at home as he builds towards a potential Prix du Moulin engagement in early September.
- Fitness updates on Great Barrier Reef as the team confirm whether he will take up a Morny entry.
- Whether Man’s Best Friend, fresh from a Goodwood success, is declared for the Prix Morny if connections opt to head to Deauville.
- Victorious’s recovery and any decision from the trainer on spelling for the remainder of the season.
As always, final declarations for French Group assignments will depend on veterinary checks, recovery from treatments and tactical considerations from Ballydoyle. Goodwood’s summer action continues to have a direct bearing on the composition of autumn and late-summer international fields.
