The one meeting where O’Brien really focuses his equine talent is Chester’s big May fixture. His 44 runners at this meeting have yielded 18 winners. This year O’Brien won both of Chester’s Derby Trials. He took the Chester Vase with Orchestra and the Dee Stakes with Kingfisher (28-pace adjusted 38).

Kingfisher tracked the two leaders in third for most of the race. It was impressive that he did not get outpaced when they stepped up the gallop markedly around halfway. He kept on well and eventually wore down the runner-up to score by a length.