Below is a transcript of the interview by Derek Thompson of trainers Aidan O'Brien and Henry Cecil prior to the 2011 Juddmonte International Stakes at York. Derek. Sir Henry, why did you enter both Twice Over and Midday for this race? Henry. Pure mathematics, Derek. I looked at the runners and calculated that both my horses would finish in the first three. Therefore I have three chances....First and second wins me £547, 000. First and third gives £472,000. Second and third returns £225,000. Derek. But you couldn’t guarantee both being in the first three if Roderic O’Connor had run. Henry. A little bird told me he wouldn’t go to post. Derek. Aidan, why didn’t you run Roderic, when he could have won at least £37,000 for having a training gallop and finishing fourth? Aidan(smiling). Listen, Derek. Obviously you don’t know the economics of multi entries for Group Ones. You frighten off the opposition by entering up to ten or twelve horses- and then see what happens. Derek. But now you’ve taken Roderic out, there’s only five runners and nobody gets the £9,000 for sixth place. Aidan. Obviously, as Henry said, it’s pure mathematics but look, Derek, I’m a racehorse trainer- not an Oxford don. I’ll bear that in mind though. Derek. What do you think about it, Sir Henry? Henry. It goes to make thing interesting, doesn’t it? Derek. Some people would say it’s ridiculous that there’s £700,000 up for grabs and that only your two good selves and Jo Hughes have runners in the race. What do you both say about that? Henry. It’s not for me to...... Aidan(interrupting). Listen, Derek. If he wants the £18,000 for finishing fifth, then good luck to him! Henry. I think you’ll find Jo is a lady, Aidan, not a gentleman. Aidan. Obviously, Derek! Derek. Anyway, how do you both think the race will pan out? Henry. Should be a great spectacle. Aidan. Does it really matter, Derek. Henry and I will collect £673,000 between us and no doubt analyse it afterwards. Shame about that sixth place going a begging, though. ( Aidan’s phone rings). Listen, Derek. Must go. Jo Hughes is on the phone. Derek. I didn’t realise you knew her, Aidan. Aidan. You learn something every day, Derek. Derek. How so, Aidan? Aidan. I had 500 grand at evens that Zafisio would finish fifth in the race, not sixth. Derek. So that’s why you took Roderic out! Aidan(smiling). You got it, Derek. Pure mathematics! See ya! Juddmonte International Stakes, 2011. (5 Runners). Result. Prize Money. 1st. Twice Over £397,000 2nd. Midday £150,000 3rd. Await The Dawn. £75,000 4th. Zafisio. £37,000 5th. Windsor Palace. £18,000 6th. £9,000.
Excellent piece Tam The race was kind to both trainers around that time as they won 5 consecutive runnings between them - headlined by the mighty Frankel of course. I remember Toppy saying at the time that one way of understanding how good Frankel was that day was to imagine the race without him: „Farhh beat St Nicks Abbey a nose in a thrilling battle (two low-mid 120s horses fighting out a thrilling finish) with former Champ Twice Over 6 lengths back in 3rd and perhaps showing his age“. Then you put Frankel back in and he has sauntered 7 lengths clear under hands and heels. Amazing.
I don’t know what everyone else thinks but, when I listen to Aidan O’Brien talking, he comes across a sheep short in the top paddock. Just shows you. Appearances can be so deceptive.
I wonder if he has some sort of nervous condition which affects his speech? He is undoubtedly a very clever fellow but (and I perceive this as having gotten worse over the last few years) his interviews can often be cringeworthy.
Yes, agree, Oddy. Just hope his nervous condition isn’t like mine- making me relieve myself before I display a wet patch! I suppose, akin to Aidan, I could claim it’s a sign of being clever, and then you might have the same patch ie. p-ssing yourself laughing.
