O'Brien reflects on remarkable week

Racing : Aidan O'Brien paid tribute to the team at Ballydoyle after enjoying his "greatest week in racing" at Royal Ascot.

Racing: Aidan O'Brien paid tribute to the team at Ballydoyle after enjoying his "greatest week in racing" at Royal Ascot.

O'Brien scored a Group One double on the opening day with Haradasun in the Queen Anne Stakes and Henrythenavigator in the St James's Palace, while Duke Of Marmalade was on the mark in the Prince Of Wales's on Wednesday.

However, Yeats crowned the trainer's week when securing a third successive triumph in Thursday's Gold Cup — joining Sagaro as the only other horse to have notched a hat-trick in the famous race.

"To win one was great, to win two was amazing, but to win three was absolutely unbelievable," said O'Brien.

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"The people who are directly involved with him (Yeats) and see him every day — they are the ones who are hands on with him, they make it happen. It's very difficult for them every day and they are so involved.

"I think it has to be my greatest week in racing, it's just been so fantastic that all the horses have run well.

"It's a great credit to everyone and to the whole team, but especially Johnny (Murtagh). He's a great man to have in your team and we are lucky to have such a special person riding them."

O'Brien also spared a thought for former stable rider Kieren Fallon, who is currently serving an 18-month suspension after failing a drugs test in France.

Fallon, who is currently working for Michael Stoute, partnered Yeats to the first of his Gold Cup victories and O'Brien believes he will bounce back to his best.

"You always have a bit of sympathy for Kieren. In any job when somebody puts in a lot of time you have to feel for them," he added.

"But Kieren will come back again and time will pass. He is a world-class jockey who rode a massive amount of winners for us and is an unbelievable talent.

"When he comes back, he'll be as good as ever."