Jan Brueghel’s Triumph in Ormonde Stakes Revives Form at Chester May Festival

Chester, UK — May 7, 2026

In a statement performance that underscored his resilience and the unmatched partnership between jockey Ryan Moore and trainer Aidan O’Brien, Jan Brueghel secured a commanding victory in the Ladbrokes Ormonde Stakes on day two of the Chester May Festival. The win marked the Coolmore-trained colt’s return to form after a prolonged absence from the track, delivering a two-and-a-half-length triumph over Mount Atlas in a race that lived up to its billing as a showcase for the festival’s star performers.

The Return of a Champion

Jan Brueghel’s absence from racing had raised questions about his readiness after a disappointing outing in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot last year, where front-running tactics failed to yield results. However, his victory in the Ormonde Stakes—his first appearance since that race—proved his lingering class and the tactical brilliance of Moore, who navigated the colt to victory with characteristic precision.

Speaking to the Press Association following the race, O’Brien expressed satisfaction with the performance, noting that the plan had always been to regroup before targeting the Coronation Cup at Epsom, where Jan Brueghel had excelled in 2024. “He enjoyed Epsom last year in the Coronation, he was remarkably fine there last year, so it makes sense to go back there,” O’Brien said. “Obviously, Coolmore sponsor it now as well, so that’s nice.”

The win also extended Moore’s remarkable unbeaten streak when riding for O’Brien, now standing at 11 consecutive victories—a testament to the jockey-trainer partnership’s dominance in modern racing.

A Festival of Dominance

The Chester May Festival has quickly established itself as a proving ground for the sport’s elite, with O’Brien and Moore’s dominance a recurring theme. Earlier in the meeting, Constitution River, another O’Brien-trained colt, delivered a commanding performance in the Dee Stakes, setting the stage for a potential Derby campaign. The horse’s victory—followed by a 8/1 odds for the Derby—highlights the depth of Coolmore’s stable and the strategic foresight of O’Brien’s program.

Meanwhile, Michael Owen’s Roman Dragon extended his own record tally of victories at Chester, adding to the festival’s reputation as a venue where form is consistently rewarded.

Challenges and Resilience

The day was not without its challenges. Racing faced a significant delay after the first event, as jockeys raised concerns about the ground conditions. An inspection and remedial work pushed the start of the Ormonde Stakes later than scheduled, but the race ultimately delivered the drama and excitement expected of a high-profile event.

For Jan Brueghel, the victory was a statement of intent. With the Coronation Cup now in sight, the colt’s next challenge will be to build on this performance and reclaim his place among the sport’s leading three-year-olds.

Looking Ahead: Derby and Beyond

The Ormonde Stakes victory has reignited speculation about Jan Brueghel’s Derby prospects, though O’Brien remains cautious. “We’ll take it one step at a time,” he noted. “The Coronation Cup is the next logical step, and if he’s as good there as he was here, then we’ll look at the Derby.”

For now, the focus remains on consistency. With Constitution River’s Derby odds already shortening, the Coolmore stable has demonstrated its ability to produce winners across multiple grades. The question now is whether Jan Brueghel can replicate his form in the coming weeks and secure a spot in the Epsom showpiece.

Key Takeaways

• Jan Brueghel’s victory in the Ormonde Stakes marks his return to winning ways after a prolonged absence.
• Ryan Moore’s unbeaten streak with Aidan O’Brien now stands at 11 races, reinforcing their status as one of racing’s most formidable partnerships.
• Constitution River’s strong performance in the Dee Stakes has shortened his Derby odds to 8/1, adding to Coolmore’s Derby ambitions.
• Chester May Festival continues to prove itself as a key event for form assessment, with multiple winners extending their records.
• The next major test for Jan Brueghel is the Coronation Cup at Epsom, with the Derby a potential long-term target.

FAQ

What is Jan Brueghel’s next race?

Jan Brueghel’s next scheduled appearance is the Coronation Cup at Epsom, where he will aim to build on his Ormonde Stakes victory.

How many races has Ryan Moore won in a row with Aidan O’Brien?

As of May 7, 2026, Moore’s unbeaten streak with O’Brien stands at 11 consecutive victories.

What are Constitution River’s odds for the Derby?

Following his Dee Stakes victory, Constitution River’s odds for the Derby have shortened to 8/1.

Why was there a delay to the Ormonde Stakes?

The race faced a delay due to jockeys’ concerns about the ground conditions, leading to an inspection and remedial work before the event could proceed.

Conclusion: A Festival to Remember

The Chester May Festival has once again delivered thrilling racing, with Jan Brueghel’s Ormonde Stakes victory serving as a highlight. For O’Brien and Moore, the focus now turns to Epsom, where the Coronation Cup will provide the next test of Jan Brueghel’s renewed form. Meanwhile, Constitution River’s Derby ambitions add another layer of excitement to the coming months.

One thing is certain: the partnership between O’Brien and Moore shows no signs of slowing, and their dominance at Chester is a reminder of why they remain at the top of the sport.