As if realising the sense of occasion, the Deep Impact colt Saxon Warrior climbed off the canvas in Saturday's Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster to credit trainer Aidan O'Brien with a record-breaking 26th Group One win in 2017.
O'Brien had shared the record number of Group 1 wins in a season with the late Bobby Frankel.
Saxon Warrior looked toast when Qatar Racing's Kitten's Joy colt Roaring Lion came from well-back to gain a three-quarter of a length advantage over Ryan Moore on Saxon Warrior.
But Saxon Warrior is made of stern stuff, he began to rally and claimed the lead back in the final 50 metres to win by a neck and keep his record at a perfect three for three. (photo Sporting Life).
"He travelled very strong and Ryan gave him a brilliant ride," O'Brien said.
"When John's (Gosden) horse went by him you thought he was beaten, but he found plenty and we're delighted.
On his record number of Group 1 wins in a season O'Brien said;
"It's unbelievable really. There are so many people who put in so much hard work day in, day out. If I start mentioning people, I'd forget somebody. They know who they are.
"It's a privilege to be working with such special people. We're in a very lucky position and we're a small link in a big chain."
A brother to the stakes-placed Pavlenko, Saxon Warrior is the second foal of European Champion 2yo Filly Maybe (Galileo) whose five wins from nine starts included the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes.
Maybe is a full-sister to Group III winner Promise Be True who placed in the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac and Group 1 Criterium International.
They are daughters of the Listed stakes winner Sumora (Ire) (Danehill) a three-quarter sister to the Group1 Epsom Oaks and Group 1 German Oaks winner, Dancing Rain (Danehill Dancer).
The Ballydoyle caravan will move to America next week where they will be hoping to add to the tally over the two days of the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar.
There have been seven O'Brien runners earn more than one Group 1 headed by Winter with four and Roly Poly with three.
The Aidan O'Brien Honour Roll in 2017
Churchill (2000 Guineas) Newmarket, May 6, (Irish 2,000 Guineas) Curragh, May 27
Winter (1000 Guineas) Newmarket, May 7, (Coronation Stakes) Ascot, June 23, (Irish 1,000 Guineas) Curragh, May 28, (Nassau Stakes) Goodwood, August 3
Highland Reel (Coronation Cup) Epsom, June 2, (Prince of Wales's Stakes) Ascot, June 21
Wings Of Eagles (Epsom Derby) Epsom, June 3
Caravaggio (Commonwealth Cup) Ascot, June 23
Capri (Irish Derby) Curragh, July 1 (St Leger) Doncaster, September 16
Roly Poly (Falmouth Stakes) Newmarket, July 14, (Prix Rothschild) Deauville, July 30, (Sun Chariot Stakes) Newmarket, October 7
Sioux Nation (Phoenix Stakes) Curragh, August 13
Hydrangea (Matron Stakes) Leopardstown, September 9 (Fillies and Mares) Ascot, October 21
Happily (Moyglare Stud Stakes) Curragh, September 10, (Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere) Chantilly, October 1
Order Of St George (Irish St Leger) Curragh, September 10
Clemmie (Cheveley Park) Newmarket, September 30
Rhododendron (Prix de l'Opera) Chantilly, October 1
Saxon Warrior (Racing Post Trophy) Doncaster, October 28
