Dual Derby winner Australia has collected his third successive Group One race to give trainer Aidan O’Brien a fifth win in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York.
The winner of the English and Irish Classics, Australia eased away in the final furlong (200m) under the trainer’s son Joseph O’Brien to justify his 8/13 favouritism.
French Derby winner The Grey Gatsby ran on impressively to finish second two lengths adrift while Telescope was third.
“The important thing about him is his speed and I couldn’t be happier with him today,” O’Brien said.
Australia’s win earns him free entry to the Breeder’s Cup Turf with another option the Japan Cup, where he would pick up a bonus if he won that to add to the Juddmonte.
O’Brien said Australia’s long term campaign would be decided by him and the owners who include former bookmaker Michael Tabor and the Coolmore Stud.
“In the immediacy the thought is to go to Leopardstown and the Irish Champion Stakes (September 8),” he said.
Joseph O’Brien said Australia had given him cause for concern early in the race which was raced over a shorter distance than the mile-and-a-half (2400m) of the Derby.
“He was a bit fresh today but nevertheless the outcome was never in doubt,” he said.
“He wasn’t as explosive as he can be but it was still an impressive win.”
Kevin Ryan, the trainer of The Grey Gatsby, was delighted with his runner’s performance.
“I’m proud of him. We are very excited about our horse and he delivered a fantastic run with a great ride by ‘Hughesie’ (Richard Hughes),” he said.