Joseph O’Brien rides Kingsbarns to victory at the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster. Aiden O’Brien trainer of Kingsbarnes and his son jocky Joseph are set to be the kings of the Epson Downs after Joseph won the Derby in 2012 riding Camelot. The Derby legends look set to continue form riding Kingsbarns.

Comparisons have to be drawn with the build up to the 2012 Epsom Derby. Same father and son duo but with Camelot rather than Kingsbarns. Camelot was hotly tipped to win the Triple Crown in 2012 (2000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, St Leger), although even though a British horse hasn’t attempted the feat for decades. A reason for this is trainers tend to steer horses clear of the Leger in favour of the coveted Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The Leger is a race where short priced favourites who have previous form in more popular races become good lay opportunities because it’s not a focus for the top stables.

Who know’s Aiden O’Briens stable may be aiming for the Triple Crown with Kingsbarn in 2013. This would take the Triple Crown out of the history books and keep the flame alive for UK horse racing fans. The odds of Kingsbarns winning the Leger will no doubt drop according, especially if the horse wins the Debry. Other potential stars out of the Ballydoyle stables for 2013 include the horse Mars.

It’s worth noting that Aiden O’Brien has had many successes at the Racing Post Trophy race with 7 in recent history; Saratoga Springs (1997), Aristotle (1999), High Chaparral (2001), Brian Boru (2002), St Nicholas Abbey (2009), Camelot (2011), Kingsbarns (2012). But not many in the St Leger with just three wins since year 2000.

Other racing news includes Frankel being retired to stud duties after retaining his unbeaten record with a epic performance in the Qipco Champions Stakes on a star studded card at Ascot. Frankel drew a crowd in attendance that gave him warm applause when he paraded in the ring. Frankel looked very relaxed in the opening lengths before Tom Queally stormed back through the pack. On the home straight he bounced into the lead to complete a length and three-quarter defeat of Cirrus Des Aigles. It’s no surprise that Henry Cecil was very impressed.

Frankie Dettori has turned freelance rider after being the contracted by Sheikh Mohammed’s stable for 18 years. Faithful fans of Frankie Dettori will be watching with interest as he tests his skills.