There are not many records that Aidan O'Brien hasn't broken. And after this weekend, there could even be one less.
The legendary Irish trainer is on the cusp of breaking Bobby Frankel’s record of 25 Group One wins in a year, a record which has stood since 2003, and one which even with all of the incredible success O'Brien has had, one even he hasn't managed to beat.
Even by O'Brien's ridiculous standards, 2017 has been an incredible season, notching up 24 Group One wins already, including 4 of the 5 British Classics, just missing out on the Oaks. In Ireland, he equaled this stunning success, also notching the 1000 & 2000 Guineas, the Derby and the St Leger.
Astonishing stuff from Aidan O'Brien. Best trainer in my lifetime.
— Simon Rowlands (@RowleyfileRRR) October 14, 2017
It is increasingly likely that he will amass the two victories he needs over the course of the weekend to break the record, something which would be an amazing achievement not only for him but Irish horse racing as a whole.
O'Brien has five races across two continents tomorrow: the Group 1 Caulfield Cup at the Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne, and four Group 1 prizes at the British Champions Day card at Ascot tomorrow.
Johannes Vermeer is widely fancied in the Caulfield Cup (currently 3/1), and if successful, O'Brien will know that just one winner in his five chances tomorrow afternoon at Ascot would secure the record at the final major meeting of the flat season in Britain.
Happy Birthday to Aidan O'Brien 🎂🎂
There could be a record-breaking birthday present at @Ascot on Saturday. #ChampionsDay 🇬🇧🏇👑 pic.twitter.com/CXJmJGihaI— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) October 16, 2017
