Lucky 13 for O'Brien with Van Beethoven in Railway Stakes

Aidan O’Brien landed the GAIN Railway Stakes for the 13th time as Van Beethoven justified 9/10 favouritism in the hands of Ryan Moore to complete a treble on the afternoon for trainer and rider.

The Scat Daddy colt was stepping back up to six furlongs after staying on well late in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot, and tracked the early pace set by stable-companion North Wind

Moore sent the favourite to the front around the furlong pole, and he kept on well to hold off Marie’s Diamond by half a length. Certain Lad was a further length and a quarter away in third.

O’Brien said, “In an ideal world he might have preferred a stronger pace. Ryan said he was a little bit keen but he galloped home. A stronger pace would have suited him better.

“He may come back here for the Phoenix and Sergei Prokofiev is there as well. Land Force may go to the July meeting.”

The current incumbent at Ballydoyle is now just one behind his predecessor, Vincent O’Brien, who saddled 14 winners of the Railway Stakes.