Jan Brueghel, under jockey Sean Levey, claimed a dramatic victory in the 2024 St Leger at Doncaster, securing Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien his eighth win in this historic race. In a tight finish, Jan Brueghel edged out stablemate Illinois by a neck, thrilling the crowd and cementing his place as a rising star of the flat racing season.
As one of the joint 11-4 favourites, Jan Brueghel’s performance in the final classic of the season was nothing short of sensational. Levey timed his charge perfectly, stating afterwards that he “fired his shot and was just able to pop him in front when it mattered.” The horse, unbeaten in four starts, is now being touted as a potential Gold Cup winner, a feat that would further elevate his blossoming career.
The race wasn’t without controversy. A steward’s inquiry took place after Deira Mile, a 28-1 longshot, and Sunway, at 11-2, came together in the final stretch. Initially, Deira Mile crossed the line ahead of Sunway, but following the inquiry, the placings were reversed, giving Sunway the fourth spot. Despite the tension, the victory belonged to Jan Brueghel, who handled the demanding Doncaster track with precision.
O’Brien’s dominance continues with eighth victory
This latest St Leger win adds to O’Brien’s glittering career, further solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest trainers in flat racing history. O’Brien’s runners made up nearly half the field, with his third entry, Grosvenor Square, finishing in fifth. His absence from the track, however, was notable. O’Brien was at Leopardstown overseeing the Irish Champion Stakes, where his other star horse, Auguste Rodin, finished second behind favourite Economics.
Levey’s triumph on Jan Brueghel was his second victory in a British classic. The partnership between Levey and the unbeaten colt looks poised to continue making headlines, especially with the prospect of a Gold Cup bid in the near future.
With the St Leger victory, Jan Brueghel’s reputation is soaring, and O’Brien’s dominance in the world’s oldest classic remains unchallenged.
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