The Irish are enjoying their most successful Royal Ascot in almost 25 years as Aidan O'Brien notched up his fourth winner at this year's meet. O'Brien's latest victory arrived in the Norfolk Stakes when Johannesburg cantered home. The 11/8 shot, ridden by Michael Kinane, took the lead inside the final furlong to see off outsiders Waterside and Lord Merlin by one and quarter lengths.
O'Brien was not surprised with Johannesburg's performance and had been confident heading into the meet. "This horse has been working impressively and he won his maiden impressively. His last piece of work was very good and we were very happy coming in here with him."
The Irish have so far notched up five winners through O'Brien's quartet of Black Minnaloushe, Landseer, Mozart and Johannesburg along with the John Oxx-trained Sahara Slew, and with one day remaining, they are in line to break the modern-day record of seven set in 1975 when Vincent O'Brien saddled six winners.
There was good news for O'Brien at home when Roar Of The Tiger, making his debut at Naas this evening, ran home the winner with Classic-winning local rider Seamus Heffernan on board. The full-brother to Giant's Causeway was rated at 2/5 and had little difficulty in taking the race, although he did have to withstand the challenge of Dermot Weld's newcomer Whistle Down.
Meanwhile, O'Brien is responsible for two of the five horses left in today's probables stage for the Group One Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp on Sunday. The Irish trainer has decided to withdraw Milan, who runs at Royal Ascot tomorrow instead. However, Bonnard and Hans Anderson will contest the 10-furlong race. Chichicastenango, Mizzen Mast and Okawango make up the rest of the field.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
