A Group One-winning two-year-old in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud, Joseph O’Brien’s charge was third behind Delacroix on his return to action in the Leopardstown Derby Trial last month ahead of his bid for Classic glory on the Surrey Downs.
Tennessee Stud was one of the few horses to get involved from off the pace as the front-running Lambourn provided Joseph’s father Aidan with an 11th Derby victory and O’Brien junior – who also saddled Wemightakedlongway to finish fourth in Friday’s Oaks – is happy to take on the winner again on home soil.
Tennessee Stud ran a HUGE race after a slow start and New Ground was flying home…
The stats that tell some interesting stories in the @Betfred Derby 📈 pic.twitter.com/PTgbUtay2o
— The Jockey Club (@TheJockeyClub) June 7, 2025
He said: “I was delighted with both runners over the weekend, particularly the horse in the Derby. He came home strongly and looks an exciting horse for the future.
“We felt that he’d improve for the run at Leopardstown, we had been working towards the Derby and he ran a fantastic race.
“I would imagine he’ll go back to the Irish Derby. You’d think a mile and a half at the Curragh would suit him well and he has had a good run there before (second in Beresford Stakes).”
O’Brien was similarly pleased with the performance of Wemightakedlongway, who looks set to to stick to Group One level after being beaten just over five lengths by Minnie Hauk in the Oaks.
“She ran great and we could have a look at the Pretty Polly maybe, or the Irish Oaks, or both,” the trainer added.
“She seems well after the race. We’d be happy to try the trip again anyway, that’s for sure.
“Hopefully one or both horses can get on the scoreboard at Group One level.”
