A trio of English classic wins headed by a record-equalling seventh Derby triumph by Anthony Van Dyck were among the highlights of yet another extremely industrious flat season for Aidan O’Brien.

On the domestic front the Ballydoyle trainer made it 22 champion trainer titles after a season which pushed his haul of Irish Group 1 victories beyond 100. Meanwhile, he came within touching distance of the champion trainer accolade in Britain with the high point of his season across the Irish Sea coming in the Derby when he saddled four of the first five home in a blanket finish to the iconic classic.