St Leger Market Drift On ‘Los Angeles’ Suggests Aidan O’Brien Runner Will Bypass Doncaster Classic

The final English horse racing Classic of the season is the St Leger and, like most years, top Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien is mob-handed. However, a recent drift in the ante-post market on his Irish Derby winner Los Angeles suggests he WON’T be heading to Doncaster.

St Leger Drifter Points To O’Brien Irish Derby Winner Missing Doncaster Classic

It was only a few weeks ago that horse racing fans saw the Aidan O’Brien-trained Los Angeles winning the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York and with that race often a top trial for the St Leger, then many thought the final English Classic would be next for this Camelot colt.

However, a recent drift in the ante-post market points to connections preferring to stay away from the big Doncaster race on September 14th.

Los Angeles was recording his fifth career win at York from his opening six races. With his only defeat to date when third in the Epsom Derby to stablemate City Of Troy.

The 3 year-old also landed the Irish Derby at the Curragh back in June – a win that provided trainer Aidan O’Brien with his 16th win in the race.

However, the signs are now indicating that the next race for Los Angeles WON’T be in the St Leger, with other entries that include the Irish Champion Stakes (14th Sept), Irish St Leger (15th Sept), Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (6th Oct) and Long Distance Cup (19th Oct) all other entries the horse currently holds.

When Is The St Leger 2024?

📅Date: Saturday 14th September 2024
⌚Time: 3:40pm
🏇Racecourse: Doncaster
💰Winning Purse: £421,355
📺 TV: ITV and Sky Sports Racing

Illinois, Jan Brueghel and Grosvenor Square Look The Main Ballydoyle St Leger 2024 Hopes

With seven St Leger wins to his name, trainer Aidan O’Brien has the best record in the race of the current handlers. But, this is still some way off the impressive haul of 16 wins by John Scott in the 1800’s.

Despite Los Angeles looking set to bypass the St Leger 2024, O’Brien will still have plenty of ammunition in search of his eighth success in the race.

These include Illinois, who was only a neck behind Los Angeles in the Great Voltigeur last time out, his unbeaten Jan Brueghel, who was a neck winner of the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood in his most recent race.

Plus, he could also have a leading chance with Grosvenor Square, who we last saw winning the Irish St Leger Trial by an incredible 20 lengths (watch below).

If all three run, then jockey Ryan Moore could have a headache in deciding which one to ride.

But whichever one he does pick you can be sure is likely to be the St Leger favourite as the rider looks for his fourth win in the race.

Aidan O’Brien Has Won The St Leger Seven Times

The first of Aidan O’Brien’s St Leger winners came in 2001 with a horse called Milan, who was ridden by Mick Kinane.

While his most recent success in the Doncaster classic came in 2023 on Continuous.

You can see all O’Brien’s St Leger winners here.

Recent St Leger Winners