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The Lion In Winter

Horse Form Profile

Age: 4 years

Owner: Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier

Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

25

24th May 2026

1m 2f 110y

15:20 Curragh

The Lion In Winter

9st 5lb

T: A P O’Brien

5th

9

(5)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:35 Newbury

The Lion In Winter

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Disappointing in last year's Dante and Derby but subsequently showed very smart form back down in trip, including placed efforts in three top-level races over 1m, third to Notable Speech at the Breeders' Cup (firm) the final time; took advantage of a good opportunity in Leopardstown Listed event on reappearance; possibilities back up in class, provided he takes well to first-time headgear.

6/1

1st

8

(12)

15th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 0f 0y

15:07 Leopardstown

The Lion In Winter

9st 7lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Impressed in a Curragh maiden and the Group 3 Acomb Stakes at two; failed to win in a high-profile campaign last year; flopped in the Dante and the Derby; redeemed himself with smart placed form in 1m Gr 1s at Longchamp/Ascot and in the Breeders' Cup Mile; never threatened in Hong Kong Mile; easy ground a worry, though he ran well on soft in the Prix Jean Prat.

10/11

14

(2)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Ascot

The Lion In Winter

9st 3lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: A P O’Brien

Won Group 3 Acomb at York (7f, good to firm) last term and this one-time Derby favourite has been a close third in two Group 1 races in France this season (7f/1m, soft/good to soft), most recently the Moulin at Longchamp; trained by Aidan O'Brien and it's possible he'll find further improvement at some stage, but it's necessary if he's to be a threat today.

14/1

17

(19)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

15:30 Epsom

The Lion In Winter

9st 2lb

J: Colin Keane

T: A P O’Brien

Bred for middle distances but he was the sharpest tool in the box when having Ruling Court back in third in a 7f Group 3 at York (good to firm) in August on final 2yo start; inconclusive reappearance in Group 2 Dante at York in May, when he wanted to tear off early before plugging on at one pace when the cause was lost; however, he was said to be only just ready for that return and he did run a lot better there than the last two Derby winners from this yard had on their comebacks; some second-guessing is needed about the trip but he can't be ruled out with confidence.

7/1