Is there still a rift between Godolphin and Ballydoyle?

Question

And if there is, who has come out of it best?

Answer 1

Yes I think it does still exist.

In the past (and I believe even now) Godolphin have refused to purchase any yearlings sired by Coolmore stallions.

Aidan O'Brien and John Magnier have not attended the Dubai World Cup Meeting.

Frankie Dettori has been banned from riding for Aidan O'Brien, the last horse he rode for them was Scorpion when he won the St. Leger in 2005, so that gives a guide to how long its been going on.

However by doing this Godolphin are depriving themselves of progeny from some top sires and to counteract this Darley are buying up all the horses they can that contain lines from horses such as Danehill, Galileo and Montjeu to obtain this through the back door, so to speak.

A prime recent example being Authorized last years Derby winner and of course New Approach was purchased for Sheik Mohammeds wife Princess Haya and won this years Derby.  There are lots more examples but I am no expert on breeding lines.

I think this could go on for some time but Coolmore are certainly coming out of it best at the moment.

Answer 2

Having worked in the past for Darley (the breeding arm of Godolphin) I can tell you that the rivalry is alive and well!

Coolmore are definitely coming off best at the moment, but that is the nature of racing - Godolphin are by no means also rans.

They do still have the policy of not buying yearlings/two year olds by Coolmore stallions, but they are not averse to buying horses in training by them - Teofilo and New Approach are by Galileo and Authorized is by Montjeu.

I do wish it was more like the real glory days of the early 00s with the likes of Fantastic Light and Galileo doing battle on the racecourse, but make no mistake Godolphin will be back!

In the meantime, all credit to the genius that is Aidan O'Brien!

Answer 3

the answer is always ballydoyle!!! aidan the master trainer! powerful stable! end of day who wins the most group1s....ballydoyle

Answer 4

dont know about that one, but i have heard that godolphins no2 stable jock....... kierrin mckavoy wants to be no1 rider for darley's autralian team.

watch this space!