Sun Goddess surged from the back of the field to claim a spectacular win for Aidan O'Brien in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh, delivering his 18th triumph in the Group One contest. The race, a highlight of the Irish flat calendar, has seen a host of illustrious winners over the years – names such as Johannesburg in 2001, George Washington in 2005, Holy Roman Emperor in 2006 and Caravaggio in 2016 all etched their own chapters into its storied history. Entering the race as the 5-4 favourite, Sun Goddess was poised to add her name to that elite roll of honour under the expert guidance of veteran jockey Ryan Moore. A daughter of the proven sire Sioux Nation – who himself captured the same Phoenix Stakes for the O'Brien stable back in 2017 – Sun Goddess arrived at the Curragh with a perfect record over the course and distance.
She had already secured victories in her first two starts, the most recent being a Group Two win that underscored her growing class. Between those wins she had contested the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot, finishing a respectable runner‑up to George Boughey’s Libertango, a performance that hinted at her ability to compete at the highest level. When the gates opened, stablemate Carry The Flag set a blistering early tempo, stretching the field and testing the stamina of the contenders.
Moore, aware of Sun Goddess’s tactical speed, chose to settle her comfortably in the rear, conserving energy for a decisive run. As the race entered the final two furlongs, Sun Goddess swung wide on the far side of the track, found a clear path and began to accelerate.
Her stride lengthened, her rhythm became effortless, and she surged past the leaders with a smooth, almost effortless glide. By the finish line she was a length and a quarter ahead of the runner‑up, Folsom Blues, confirming her dominance. Speaking after the race, Aidan O'Brien praised the filly’s versatility and mental fortitude. “She’s a beautiful filly.
She ran well at Naas on her first day, then came back here to win her maiden, and subsequently tackled Ascot – perhaps a little under‑par in hindsight. Yet she returned a week later and still managed to win, despite the travel and the tough competition at Ascot.
She’s clearly special, and everything has fallen into place since that trip,” O'Brien explained. He added further insight into her physical attributes, noting, “She possesses a range of gears and maintains an exceptionally high cruising speed. Ryan mentioned that the pace was quick, and when he asked her to go, she simply powered away.
I have no doubt she will handle seven furlongs with ease. She is an exciting prospect for the future.” In related news, Big Mojo capitalised on a reduced handicap to secure victory in the FBD Hotels & Resorts Phoenix Sprint Stakes, also staged at the Curragh.
The Mick Appleby‑trained colt, a proven sprinter who captured the Sprint Cup at Haydock last season and was narrowly beaten by No Half Measures in the July Cup at Newmarket, had endured a challenging start to his four‑year‑old campaign. After unplaced efforts at York, Royal Ascot and a second attempt at the July Cup, the horse found a more suitable test in Ireland.
Under Tom Marquand, he delivered a decisive one‑and‑a‑quarter‑length win over Bucanero Fuerte, reaffirming his class. Appleby, who celebrated his first Irish win with the 5‑4 favourite, commented on the horse’s resurgence: “We brought him here to rebuild his confidence after a series of tough races. He seemed to lack belief, but now that he’s back in front, I expect him to continue performing at a high level.
A return to Haydock and perhaps a Breeders’ Cup campaign are on the agenda. He’s as good as ever, just a bit more relaxed, which suits me!” Meanwhile, Michael O’Callaghan expressed optimism about Push The Boat Out after a promising debut in the Irish EBF Maiden at Guidenstown Stud. Despite starting at 16‑1, the Kodi Bear‑sired colt displayed a sharp turn of foot, cruising to a comfortable win under Colin Keane. O’Callaghan noted, “We have always held him in high regard.
He may have been slightly under‑cooked, but his natural speed and ability to quicken were evident. Colin was impressed and believes he can step up to stakes company without difficulty. I anticipate he’ll handle an extra furlong and could become a high‑class stakes performer.” Aidan O’Brien also celebrated the success of his filly Ibelieveicanfly, the 13‑8 favourite, who finally broke her maiden in the Grand Hotel Malahide Irish EBF Fillies Juvenile Race on her fourth start. After placings of fourth, second and fourth in her earlier outings, the daughter of Frankel was equipped with a hood for the race and responded with a dominant five‑length victory, guided expertly by Ryan Moore.
O’Brien reflected, “The better the race, the better she becomes. She possesses a very high cruising pace and was a gear too high in a standard maiden. She has class, stamina and speed – everything a top‑class filly needs.” In the same meeting, O’Brien and Moore paired again in the Guidenstown Stud Irish European Breeders’ Fund Maiden with the 8‑15 favourite Shakespeare, a son of Dubawi.
After respectable placed efforts in his first two starts, Shakespeare finally delivered on his third attempt, securing a straightforward win. O’Brien praised the colt, saying, “He’s a lovely, big horse who does everything right. He’s still a youngster, which is why it took a couple of runs to find his best.
He’s still developing, but his ability is evident – he could be anything. He has size, power, quality, speed and stamina. I’m excited to see what he becomes.” These performances underscore the depth of talent currently circulating in Irish flat racing, with both established stars and emerging prospects delivering memorable moments.
The Phoenix Stakes, in particular, continues to serve as a springboard for future champions, and Sun Goddess’s triumph adds another chapter to its illustrious legacy. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a beat in the fast‑moving world of thoroughbred sport.