PADDINGTON brought up a notable landmark on day one of Royal Ascot; the St James’s Palace Stakes (G1) winner giving trainer Aidan O’Brien a record 83rd Royal Ascot victory.

The son of Siyouni (by Pivotal)was a bear on June 20, the opening day of the 2023 Royal Sscot meeting, following up his Irish 2,000 Guineas win with a comfortable success over Chaldean under Ryan Moore.
Three and three-quarter lengths separated the pair at the line, with Roger Varian’s Charyn picking up third spot.

Speaking to the press post-race O’Brien commented: “Ryan gave Paddington a beautiful ride because he knew it was going to be tactical. He didn’t panic and he produced him at the right time. He’s able to quicken very well and that is what makes good horses great.

“He’s progressed with every run. Last time was his first time on real good ground and we weren’t sure how he would handle it, so he’s obviously very good.

“To break the record is amazing and there are so many people to thank for it, I couldn’t do it without them. And Sir Michael is such a special man, we always looked up to him, always. We’re in a very unique position with these horses.”

Paddington is from the mare Modern Eagle (Ger) by Montjeu.

Runner-up Dettori said of Chaldean: “He is a super horse, he found one too good today but he was a good second. It was a solid run.”

Trainer Andrew Balding added: “He was beaten by a very good horse, Frankie just felt he probably just overdid it a little early, but I’m not sure whether that would have made a difference to the result. Two very high-class horses.”

TRIPLE TIME: The Royal Ascot curtain raiser was won by veteran rider Neil Callan, trainer Kevin Ryan and Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, as Triple Time (Ire)  (Frankel (GB) – Reem Three, by Mark of Esteem) fended off the challenge of Inspiral, Light Infantry, and champion Modern Games to land the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes.

33/1 runner Triple Time pulled his way to the lead after sedate opening exchanges; but the pace was clearly well judged as he managed to maintain that advantage all the way to the line.

Speaking to the Sporting Life post-race trainer Kevin Ryan said: “He got stomach cramp just before the Lockinge and we had to take him out, he’s only had one ordinary run and that was in France in deep ground. Apart from that, when he came back from his little injury at Haydock he was 80 per cent fit, we had to run him because we were running out of time.

“Hopefully we’ll now have a full season with him, he’s got his Group One and it’s great. I’m delighted for all my team and Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, he’s a big supporter of us. He’s so patient and I’m delighted to get a big one for him, especially here.”

 

Tags: Aidan O’Brien, Ascot, England, Paddington. Modern Games, Royal ascot 2023, Triple Time,

More from Canadian Thoroughbred: