The Melbourne Cup-winning team of trainer Joseph O’Brien and owner Lloyd Williams has been back in the winner’s circle in a Group Three race at the Curragh.
Buckhurst put in a stylish performance under Wayne Lordan to win the International Stakes on Saturday (Sunday AEST).
Leviathan Australian owner Williams and O’Brien combined to win the 2017 Melbourne Cup with Rekindling.
Not disgraced at this level twice after being successful on his debut in a Leopardstown maiden in April, Buckhurst showed he was a colt full of potential.
The 2-1 favourite was in command where it mattered to beat Blenheim Palace by 1-1/2 lengths with Georgeville third.
“That was lovely, and Wayne gave him a lovely ride,” O’Brien said.
“He’s a decent horse. We brought him to Ascot last week, but we didn’t run because the ground was quite soft over there. He loved the bit of good ground today.”
Future targets will be decided in due course.
“We’ll see how he comes out of the race, but we won’t be in a rush with him,” O’Brien said.
“He didn’t run at two, and he’s had plenty of racing this year so far.
“He’ll step up in trip at some stage – he’s by Australia, but he doesn’t need to go further yet. He’ll go a mile-and-a-half (2400m) at some stage.
“He should be a better horse next year. He’s still learning, and when the horses came around him today he went on again.”
