In a breathtaking conclusion to the British Flat racing season, master trainer Aidan O'Brien secured a historic victory as his colt, Continuous, powered to glory in the world's oldest Classic, the St Leger, at a sun-drenched Doncaster Racecourse.
The race was plunged into drama before the start when the colt's original jockey, Christophe Soumillon, was dramatically stood down after a failed Covid test. Stepping into the breach at the eleventh hour, the ice-cool Ryan Moore delivered a masterclass in big-race riding to guide the 3-1 favourite to a magnificent triumph.
Moore's tactical genius was on full display as he positioned Continuous perfectly towards the rear of the field in the early stages, conserving energy for the brutal one-mile, six-furlong stamina test. As the pace quickened turning into the long Doncaster straight, Moore began to weave his magic, picking off rivals with a relentless, sweeping run.
A Battle for the Ages
In the final furlong, it became a thrilling duel between the coolness of Moore and the grit of Frankie Dettori aboard the John and Thady Gosden-trained Arrest. The two titans of the turf went head-to-head, but Continuous found an extra gear, pulling clear to win by a commanding length and a quarter, denying Dettori a fairytale farewell in his final St Leger ride.
The victory marks a record-extending eighth St Leger win for the unparalleled Ballydoyle maestro, Aidan O'Brien, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest trainers of all time. The win also completed a remarkable Classic double for the combination, following August's triumph in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York.
Emotions Run High at Town Moor
The post-race scenes were a mixture of celebration and sympathy. While the O'Brien team celebrated their magnificent winner, thoughts were also with the sidelined Soumillon. O'Brien was quick to pay tribute to both his jockeys, praising Soumillon's crucial work in developing the horse and hailing Moore's exceptional ability under immense pressure.
This victory not only adds another illustrious chapter to the storied history of the St Leger but also sets up Continuous as a formidable contender for the end-of-season showpiece, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in Paris, where he will once again carry the hopes of the powerful Coolmore ownership team.
