Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien teamed up with three rides on Day 1 of the York Ebor Festival and came away with a hat-trick of wins. The first leg of the 14/1 "Ryan Moore treble" was his easiest winner of the day. The Lion In Winter bounced out of the gates and comfortably made all from the front to land the Acomb Stakes. Moore never had to get serious in the saddle and his mount is now favourite for next year's Derby. A lot can happen between now and then but he's done nothing wrong so far.
Los Angeles was up next in the Great Voltigeur Stakes. Although conceding weight all round, he put in a determined performance to back up his recent victory in the Irish Derby. Moore had a willing partner and was able to fend off late challenges from King's Gambit and stablemate Illinois.
The last leg of the treble was by far the most impressive. Ryan Moore and City Of Troy were poetry in motion against a high quality field in the Group 1 Juddmonte International. Scorching the Knavesmire turf from the outset, the pair set a relentless gallop that the opposition simply couldn't live with. It was only the French raider Calandagan that could muster any kind of challenge up the home straight, but City Of Troy would not be denied a third Group 1 of the season, smashing the course record in the process.
The fun continued for Moore on Day 2 as he landed the Yorkshire Oaks aboard Content, a pretty incredible feat as the horse refused to settle through the first half of the race. She must have some engine.
Much has been made about the draw bias so far this week at York, with a strong favour for those drawn low. So just for good measure, Moore then took out the Nursery Handicap aboard 8/1 shot Angel Hunter from stall number 17. The widest drawn horse in the race. Ouch.