DESPITE having enjoyed an excellent international campaign in 2013, Aidan O’Brien only won a single domestic Group 1 during that year. However, despite not having as many winners on Irish Champions Weekend as many expected, the Ballydoyle team were very much back on track over the course of the year, winning five of the 12 domestic Group 1 races.

Among those victories were three classic successes, with Marvellous winning the Irish 1000 Guineas, Australia winning the Irish Derby and Bracelet taking the Irish Oaks. Indeed, it was Australia who shone the brightest for Ballydoyle throughout the season, with the regally-bred son of Galileo also winning the Derby at Epsom and the Juddmonte International.

The highlight of their annual raid on Royal Ascot was undoubtedly the thrilling victory of Leading Light in the Ascot Gold Cup. Given a tremendous ride by Joseph O’Brien, the son of Montjeu had to battle very hard indeed to come out on top.

Ballydoyle also had a strong year with their juveniles, with Together Forever, Found, Gleneagles and Dick Whittington all winning at Group 1 level, while Ol’ Man River, John F Kennedy and Highland Reel also looked very impressive in group company, suggesting Ballydoyle could have a very big 2015 ahead of them.

Around the world, their star performer was Adelaide, with the son of Galileo winning the Secretariat Stakes at Arlington and the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.