Jan Brueghel All Heart In Coronation Cup

Jan Brueghel (4c Galileo – Devoted To You, by Danehill Dancer) completed the first leg of a Group 1 double for Ballydoyle at Epsom on Friday when running out a game winner of the Coronation Cup.

The Barronstown Stud-bred son of Galileo ended an unbeaten juvenile campaign with a top-flight victory in the St Leger and made a promising seasonal return in the Group 3 Alleged Stakes, in which he finished second. The Coolmore and Westerberg-owned colt was partnered by Ryan Moore on Friday and raced in touch with the leaders before making headway to lead before the two-furlong pole. The favourite Calandagan (Gleneagles) threw down a challenge inside the final furlong, but Jan Brueghel was not to be denied, battling back to win by half a length, as the pair rallied seven lengths clear of the remainder.

“Jan Brueghel is very tough,” O’Brien later commented. “Ryan [Moore] gave him a class ride, but you know he doesn't surrender. He'd improved a lot from the last day, and you could see he was pricking his ears at the finish.

“He's a very brave horse and if you pass him slowly, you're in trouble. He's a very good tough horse who was unbeaten last year, and he'd still be unbeaten if I hadn't run him too early at The Curragh this year.”

Ryan Moore added: “Jan Brueghel stays this trip very well and he's an uncomplicated horse. Aidan had him, as he always does, in unbelievable shape. He showed a great attitude. The second horse is a very talented horse and I am sure he'll win a big race soon. The ground, being just on the slower side of good, suited him and he stayed on really well.”

The son of the late, great Galileo is a full-brother to Irish Derby victor Sovereign (Galileo) and Group 3 winner Dawn Rising (Galileo).