Hydrangea in bloom with Guineas Trial win Champion Trainer Aidan O’Brien completed a Guineas Trials ‘1-2’ double at Leopardstown today as his ‘always a bridesmaid, never a bride’ Hydrangea landed the Group 3 Ballylich Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial Stakes when providing jockey Padraig Beggy with a first Group win. The daughter of Galileo had finished second in two Group 1s and one Group 2 race last year but today held on for a head win over stablemate Winter. O’Brien, who had earlier won the colts’ equivalent when Orderofthegarter beat stablemate Taj Mahal, later commented “she’s (Hydrangea) a very solid filly, and had the form in the book. Padraig gave her a very good ride and had her in a very good position. She’ll be in the mix for Newmarket (1,000 Guineas).” O’Brien ran four runners in the race and added “I’m happy with how they all ran, some were a bit green and Ryan thought his filly (Promise To Be True) would come on a lot and Seamus said the same of his filly (Rain Goddess). Wayne (Lordan) was delighted with his filly (Winter), and said she just got a bit tired in the last 50 yards and was a bit fresh early.” Jockey Beggy added “I’ve won a few Premier Handicaps but that is my first Group race win. She jumped out and went an honest gallop, and found another bit in the final furlong.” Hydrangea was later cut to 12/1, from 16s, for the English 1,000 Guineas. By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee
