The Major General and Michael Hussey (second right)© Photo Healy Racing
Aidan O’Brien’s day couldn’t have gone much better today as the Champion Trainer added to Minding’s famous Oaks win with a five-timer at Leopardstown today as his The Major General led home a 1-2-3 for in the Listed King George V Cup.
O’Brien wasn’t present at the Dublin venue on a memorable day for the Ballydoyle maestro. Ballydoyle’s ‘home’ wins came from the Donnacha O’Brien partnered War Decree Cockatoo Island and Order Of St George while Udogo rsquo;s win (under Ana O’Brien) came via son Joseph O’Brien’s Pilltown operation.
The Major General’s win (at the expense of stablemates Claudio Monteverdi and Lieutenant General was also a first Listed success for Ballydoyle based Michael Hussey whose biggest career win was gained at Group 3 level in 2013.
Joseph O’Brien was representing his father and following The Major General’s win, stated “he's improving with racing, although it was a messy race and then they sprinted. I'm delighted for Mick (Hussey) and he gave him a lovely ride.
"The first three could all line up at Ascot, with the King Edward, the Tercentenary and the King George Handicap all options."
The 1-2-3 was also the second such feat of the evening for Ballydoyle, whose War Decree led also home two stablemates in the opener.
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee
