Jan Brueghel Stretches Unbeaten Run with St Leger Glory in Heart-Pounding Race
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Jan Brueghel Stretches Unbeaten Run with St Leger Glory in Heart-Pounding Race

Illinois just shaded at Doncaster by unbeaten winner.

 Jan Brueghel Triumphs in Thrilling Betfred St Leger, Extending O’Brien’s Domination in the World’s Oldest Classic

Aidan O’Brien's extraordinary legacy in the Betfred St Leger added another chapter as Jan Brueghel narrowly outpaced stablemate Illinois in a dramatic finish at Doncaster, securing the legendary trainer’s eighth win in the world’s oldest Classic. In a race that tested both stamina and heart, Jan Brueghel—guided by the steady hands of former Ballydoyle apprentice Sean Levey—held off Illinois by a neck to maintain his unbeaten record, now at four consecutive victories.

The race unfolded with O’Brien’s contingent setting the early tone, as Grosvenor Square, another of his charges, led the field at a steady clip. The tension in the air was palpable as the runners passed the halfway mark, but it was clear the battle would soon shift to the two 11-4 joint-favourites, Illinois and Jan Brueghel, waiting in the wings, poised to make their move.

 As they approached the final two furlongs, Grosvenor Square, having done the early work, began to fade, allowing Illinois and Jan Brueghel to seize control. At this point, it became a two-horse race, and the Doncaster crowd could sense something special was about to unfold. Illinois, driven by his own ambition, dug deep, but Jan Brueghel, with Levey urging every last ounce of energy from the young colt, found that extra gear, staying on powerfully to the line and claiming victory by the narrowest of margins.

The final strides were a testament to the character of Jan Brueghel, whose determination matched that of his rider. Levey, once an apprentice under O’Brien’s tutelage, delivered a masterful performance, showing patience and poise throughout the race before timing his attack to perfection. It was a moment of redemption for the jockey, who has long been striving to carve his place in the upper echelons of British racing, and guiding Jan Brueghel to this monumental victory could prove to be a pivotal moment in his career.

For O’Brien, the win marked his second consecutive triumph in the St Leger, following the success of Continuous just a year earlier. With this latest victory, O’Brien has now secured his eighth St Leger crown, further cementing his place as one of the greatest trainers in racing history. His ability to consistently prepare horses for such demanding races is unparalleled, and Jan Brueghel’s victory adds yet another jewel to the Ballydoyle crown.

Speaking after the race, O’Brien was full of praise for both his horses and his jockey. “Jan Brueghel has been a special horse from day one,” O’Brien said. “He’s unbeaten now in four starts, and every time we’ve asked more of him, he’s delivered. Illinois ran a fantastic race as well, and to see both of them fighting it out in the final stages is a testament to their quality. Sean gave Jan a fantastic ride, and it’s always rewarding to see one of our former apprentices come back and achieve something so special.”

The 2024 Betfred St Leger will be remembered not only for the brilliance of Jan Brueghel and Illinois but for the way O’Brien once again showcased his dominance over the Classic distance. His ability to produce contenders year after year is a hallmark of his genius, and this latest triumph will undoubtedly go down as one of the great moments in St Leger history.

Jan Brueghel’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. Unbeaten in his four starts, the colt has shown versatility, speed, and stamina—all essential qualities for a St Leger winner. This victory also opens the door for bigger targets in the future, with the British Champions Day on the horizon and possible international campaigns further down the line.

For Illinois, the race will be seen as a near-miss, but his performance at Doncaster confirmed that he is a horse to watch in the coming months. His resilience and battling spirit are qualities that will serve him well in future contests, and there’s little doubt that O’Brien will have him primed for another crack at a major prize soon.

 Aidan O’Brien’s dominance of the Betfred St Leger is a remarkable story of consistency, brilliance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His ability to send out multiple top-class contenders year after year sets him apart as a master of the Classic distance. Jan Brueghel’s victory, though narrow, was earned through sheer will and heart, underlining the strength of O’Brien’s training methods. Sean Levey, returning to the Ballydoyle fold in spectacular fashion, reminded us all of his talent and determination. This race was more than just a victory for Jan Brueghel—it was a celebration of the power of teamwork, talent, and legacy in racing.

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