Aidan O’Brien lands fourth successive Coral-Eclipse

Aidan O’Brien landed his fourth successive Coral-Eclipse winner – and his tenth winner of the race overall – when Constitution River comprehensively outgunned his rivals to score by a three-length margin in a display which has experts wondering where his ceiling might be.

The three-year-old son of Wootton Bassett won the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club – the French Derby – at Chantilly in his previous start. He overcame the disadvantage of a wide draw on that occasion, and he again had a moment of inconvenience to deal with in the Eclipse when it looked like he might become pocketed on the rail with 300m left to run.

Jockey Ryan Moore was patient and Constitution River was happy to hold his ground and wait, but once they found clear galloping room, Constitution River started to stretch out like a very good horse, with his acceleration taking him to the front with 150m left to run. He sustained his run from there to put his rivals to the sword, although the performances of A Boy Named Susie and Hawk Mountain, who chased the winner home in second and third place respectively, were also full of merit.

Constitution River is now a winner of five races from six starts.

Two very important post-race comments from Constitution River’s trainer and jockey, people not prone to exaggeration, should be noted for future reference.

From Aidan O’Brien, when asked if Constitution River is the pick of his current group of highly talented three-year-olds came the response (talking to Racing Post): “I think he has to be,” and he also added, “Ryan said he doesn’t think he’s ever ridden a better horse.”

The first comment was already saying something. Quoting Moore’s comment was taking the praise of Constitution River to a new level, given the quality of champion horses Moore has ridden over his illustrious career.

When pressed afterwards, Moore politely declined to confirm he had made that comment, settling for a laconic: “I think he’s smart, I think he’s really good. But they have to go and do it. So far, he has.”

Constitution River will go for a short break now with a host of feature race options awaiting him on his return.