Kyprios (horse)

Last updated

Kyprios
Sire Galileo
Grandsire Sadler's Wells
DamPolished Gem
DamsireMultiplex
SexColt
Foaled18 May 2018 [1]
CountryUnited Kingdom
Color Chestnut
Breeder Moyglare Stud
OwnerMoyglare Stud, Michael Tabor, Susan Magnier & Westerberg
Trainer Aidan O'Brien
Record15: 11-2-0
Earnings£1,281,747
Major wins
Vintage Crop Stakes (2022, 2024)
Saval Beg Stakes (2022, 2024)
Ascot Gold Cup (2022, 2024)
Goodwood Cup (2022, 2024)
Irish St. Leger (2022, 2024)
Prix du Cadran (2022, 2024)
Long Distance Cup (2024)
Timeform rating: 131
Last updated on 4 October 2022

Kyprios (foaled 18 May 2018) is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse. He was lightly raced in his early career, winning one race from two starts in each of his first two seasons. As a four-year-old in 2022 he emerged as a top-class stayer, winning the Vintage Crop Stakes and Saval Beg Stakes in Ireland before taking the Ascot Gold Cup, Goodwood Cup, Irish St. Leger and Prix du Cadran.

Contents

Background

Kyprios is a chestnut colt with a broad white blaze and two white socks bred by the Moyglare Stud. He races in the ownership of Moyglare Stud in partnership with Coolmore Stud's Michael Tabor and Susan Magnier. In 2022 the horse's ownership team was joined by Georg von Opel. The colt was sent into training with Aidan O'Brien at Ballydoyle.

He was from the sixteenth crop of foals sired by Galileo, who won the Derby, Irish Derby and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2001. His other progeny include Australia, Frankel, Waldgeist, Nathaniel, New Approach, Rip Van Winkle, Found, Minding and Ruler of the World. [2] Kyprios's dam, Polished Gem won one minor race from five attempts, [3] but has been a very successful broodmare, producing several other winners including Search For A Song, Free Eagle, Sapphire (British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes) and Custom Cut (Sandown Mile). Polished Gem is a daughter of the Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Trusted Partner. [4]

Racing career

2020: two-year-old season

Kyprios began his racing career in an eight and a half furlong maiden race on heavy ground at Galway Racecourse on 8 September when he started at odds of 9/4 in a seven-runner field. Ridden by Seamie Heffernan he settled just behind the leaders before producing a sustained late run to take the lead in the final strides and win by three quarters of a length from Lifetime Legend. [5] A month later the colt was sent to England and moved up sharply in class to contest the Group 3 Zetland Stakes over ten furlongs at Newmarket Racecourse. With Ryan Moore in the saddle he started favourite but never looked likely to win and came home sixth of the eight runners behind Lone Eagle, beaten more than sixteen lengths by the winner.

2021: three-year-old season

On 23 April Kyprios began his second season in the Blackwater Race over ten furlongs at Cork Racecourse when he was ridden by Heffernan and started the 15/2 fourth choice in a six-runner field. In a rough race, Kyprios hung to the right in the straight, recovered after being bumped by a rival, gained the advantage a furlong out and won by half a length from O'Reilly. [6] Moore was in the saddle two weeks later when the colt was sent to England for a second time and started 7/2 second favourite for the Novibet Derby Trial Stakes over one and a half miles at Lingfield Park. He was in contention for most of the way but faded in the closing stages and finished fourth, ten lengths behind the winner Third Realm. [7]

Kyprios was sent to Royal Ascot to contest the Queen's Vase over fourteen furlongs but was withdrawn from the race after becoming distressed and breaking out of the starting stalls. He sustained bad bruising to his back and missed the rest of the season. [8]

2022: four-year-old season

Kyprios began his third campaign in the Listed Vintage Crop Stakes over fourteen furlongs at Navan Racecourse on 23 April when he was ridden by Moore and started the 5/1 second favourite behind his older sister Search For A Song in a nine-runner field which also included Baron Samedi (Belmont Gold Cup Stakes) and Leo De Fury (Mooresbridge Stakes). Kyprios settled in second place behind the pacemaker Effernock Fizz before taking the lead inside the last quarter mile and after repelling a challenge from Search For A Song he drew away in the closing stages to beat his sister into second place by two and three quarter lengths. [9] After the race O'Brien said: “We always thought he was going to be very nice. He went to Ascot last year and jumped out under the stalls and he hasn’t run since then. He looks like a stayer with a bit of class, he relished that trip. We liked him a lot last year and he has done well since then. He relaxes and he quickens." [10]

On 13 May only three horses appeared to oppose Kyprios when he started at odd of 1/10 for the Group 3 Saval Beg Stakes over fourteen furlongs at the Leopardstown Racecourse. With Moore in the saddle he led from the start, drew away in the last quarter mile and won by fourteen lengths from the five-year-old Sunchart. [11] O'Brien's representative Chris Armstrong commented "Aidan is very happy with him. He’s progressing nicely this year and has stepped up again from his last run. It was always the plan to go Navan, then here for the Saval Beg and head on to the Gold Cup at Ascot. It’s a tried and tested route so hopefully he follows in the footsteps and fingers crossed the next stop will be Ascot... His last furlong was probably his best. He was out in front and probably a bit idle but he really stretched in the last furlong." [12]

The 2022 edition of the Ascot Gold Cup was run over two and a half miles on good to firm ground at Royal Ascot on 16 June and Kyprios, ridden by Moore, started the 13/8 favourite. His eight opponents were headed by Stradivarius and also included Princess Zoe, Mojo Star (runner-up in the Epsom Derby), Burning Victory (Triumph Hurdle) and Bubble Smart (Prix Gladiateur). Kyprios settled in mid-division as the outsiders Earlofthecotswolds and Tashkhan set the pace, before moving to the outside and making progress approaching the final turn. He took the lead two furlongs from the finish and fought off a sustained challenge from Mojo Star to win by half a length, with Stradivarius a further three quarters of a length back in third place. [13] Aidan O'Brien said "We think he's a horse who is going to come forward again. He's brave, genuine and a great horse. Ryan gave him a marvellous ride and had belief in him. When he really wanted him, he answered." Moore said that the horse had not been suited by the slow pace commenting "It wasn't a nice race to ride. I didn't like the spot we were in as we were going slow. They were getting an easy time up front and I had to move him to the outside – I don't like doing that. We got going and got to the front, and when Mojo Star has come to us, that's when he's clicked in. It wasn't a true test today but he was much the best and there will be lots of good days with him." [8]

Kyprios followed up his success with victory in the Group I Goodwood Cup in July, once again seeing off a hard-charging Stradivarius in a close finish.

Pedigree

Pedigree of Kyprios (IRE), chestnut colt, 2018 [1]
Sire
Galileo (IRE)
1998		 Sadler's Wells (USA)
1981		 Northern Dancer (CAN) Nearctic
Natalma (USA)
Fairy Bridge Bold Reason
Special
Urban Sea (USA)
1989		 Miswaki Mr. Prospector
Hopespringseternal
Allegretta (GB)Lombard (GER)
Anatevka (GER)
Dam
Polished Gem (IRE)
2003		 Danehill (USA)
1986		 Danzig Northern Dancer (CAN)
Pas De Nom
Razyana His Majesty
Spring Adieu (CAN)
Trusted Partner (USA)
1985		 Affirmed Exclusive Native
Wont Tell You
Talking Picture Speak John
Poster Girl (Family: 9-f) [4]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">George Washington (horse)</span> Irish-bred Thoroughbred racehorse

George Washington was an Irish thoroughbred racehorse. Having won four Group 1 races including the 2,000 Guineas, he was retired to stud at the end of 2006 only to be brought back to racing in June 2007 after it emerged that he had fertility problems. He suffered a fracture of his right foreleg during the Breeders' Cup Classic at Monmouth Park in the United States on 27 October 2007 and was euthanised on course.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kingsbarns (Irish-bred horse)</span> Irish-bred Thoroughbred racehorse

Kingsbarns was an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse who won the Racing Post Trophy in 2012 on his second career start. He was owned by Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith and was trained by Aidan O'Brien.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Magician (horse)</span> Irish-bred Thoroughbred racehorse

Magician is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse. After showing unremarkable form as a two-year-old in 2012, he established himself as a top-class performer in May 2013 with wins in the Dee Stakes and the Irish 2000 Guineas. After a long break, he returned in November to win the Breeders' Cup Turf and a month later was voted Cartier Champion Three-year-old Colt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leading Light</span> Irish-bred Thoroughbred racehorse

Leading Light is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse. As a two-year-old, he was well-beaten in his first race before winning a maiden race. In 2013, he established himself as a leading stayer, winning his first four races, including the Gallinule Stakes, the Queen's Vase, and the classic St Leger Stakes. As a four-year-old, he won the Vintage Crop Stakes before winning the Ascot Gold Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gleneagles (horse)</span> Irish-bred Thoroughbred racehorse

Gleneagles is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse. After finishing fourth on his debut, he finished first in his remaining five races as a two-year-old in 2014 and was named Cartier Champion Two-year-old Colt. He won the Tyros Stakes, Futurity Stakes and National Stakes in Ireland before being disqualified after crossing the line in first place in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère in France. On his three-year-old debut he won the 2000 Guineas and followed up in the Irish 2,000 Guineas three weeks later. In June he added a win in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fascinating Rock</span> Irish-bred Thoroughbred racehorse

Fascinating Rock is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse. After finishing unplaced on his only appearance as a juvenile he emerged as a high-class middle distance colt in the spring of 2014 with wins in the Ballysax Stakes and the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial but was well-beaten in both The Derby and the Irish Derby. In 2015 he won the Mooresbridge Stakes and the Enterprise Stakes before recording his biggest win in the Champion Stakes. In 2016 he won the Tattersalls Gold Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Gurkha</span> Irish-bred Thoroughbred racehorse

The Gurkha is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse. Unraced as a juvenile he made a considerable impact in the spring of 2016 by winning the Poule d'Essai des Poulains on his third appearance. He went on to finish second in the St James's Palace Stakes and the Eclipse Stakes before winning the Sussex Stakes. He underwent surgery for a displaced colon in August 2016 and was retired from racing a month later.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Order of St George (horse)</span> Irish-bred Thoroughbred racehorse

Order of St George is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse. He is a specialist stayer whose wins include two Irish St. Legers and an Ascot Gold Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Highland Reel</span> Irish-bred Thoroughbred racehorse

Highland Reel is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse. In a career running from June 2014 to December 2017 he raced in Ireland, Britain, France, the United States, Australia, Hong Kong and Dubai, and recorded seven victories at Group 1 or Grade 1 level in the Secretariat Stakes, Hong Kong Vase (twice), King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Breeders' Cup Turf, Coronation Cup and Prince of Wales's Stakes. He was also placed in the Prix du Jockey Club, Cox Plate, International Stakes, Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and Champion Stakes. He holds the record for the greatest amount of prize money earned by a racehorse trained in Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Idaho (horse)</span> Irish-bred Thoroughbred racehorse

Idaho is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse. In four years on the track he raced in seven countries, namely Ireland, France, England, Canada, the United States, Japan and the United Arab Emirates. In 2016 he finished third in The Derby and second in the Irish Derby before winning the Great Voltigeur Stakes. He was the odds-on favourite for the St Leger Stakes but stumbled and unseated his rider. In the following year he ran poorly in the Coronation Cup but then won the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot and finished third in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. The highlight of his final season was a win in the Ormonde Stakes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Capri (horse)</span> Irish-bred Thoroughbred racehorse

Capri is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse. As a two-year-old in 2016 he won three of his five races including the Canford Cliffs Stakes and the Beresford Stakes as well as finishing third in the Critérium de Saint-Cloud. In the following year he was beaten in his first two races and finished sixth in The Derby before emerging as one of the best colts of his generation in Europe with wins in the Irish Derby and the St Leger. He won the Alleged Stakes on his four-year-old debut but failed to win in eleven subsequent starts and was retired from racing at the end of 2019.

Dick Whittington is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. He showed his best form as a two-year-old in 2014 when he won three of his six races including the Anglesey Stakes and Phoenix Stakes. After finishing fourth on his only appearance of 2015 he returned as a four-year-old to win the Ballycorus Stakes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caravaggio (horse)</span> American-bred Thoroughbred racehorse

Caravaggio is an American-bred, Irish-trained Thoroughbred racehorse. As a two-year-old he was one of the best colts of his generation in Europe when he was unbeaten in four races including the Marble Hill Stakes, Coventry Stakes and Phoenix Stakes. In the following year he took his winning run to six with victories in the Lacken Stakes and the Commonwealth Cup but his only success in four subsequent starts came in the Flying Five. He was retired from racing at the end of 2017 having won seven of his ten starts. Aidan O'Brien described him as the fastest horse that he had ever trained.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saxon Warrior</span> Japanese Thoroughbred racehorse

Saxon Warrior is a Japanese-bred, Irish-trained Thoroughbred racehorse. As a two-year-old in 2017 he was one of the best colts of his generation in Europe, winning all three of his races including the Beresford Stakes and the Racing Post Trophy. On his three-year-old debut the colt won the 2000 Guineas before finishing fourth when odds-on favourite for the 2018 Epsom Derby. He went on to be placed in the Irish Derby, Eclipse Stakes and Irish Champion Stakes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stradivarius (horse)</span> Irish-bred Thoroughbred racehorse

Stradivarius is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse. After winning one minor race as a two-year-old, he emerged as a top-class stayer in the following year, winning the Queen's Vase and Goodwood Cup as well as finishing a close third in the St Leger. As a four-year-old he won the Yorkshire Cup, Ascot Gold Cup, a second Goodwood Cup and the Lonsdale Cup, securing a £1 million bonus for winning all four races, and ended the year by winning the British Champions Long Distance Cup. In 2019 he repeated his victories in the Yorkshire Cup, Ascot Gold Cup and Lonsdale Cup, and won a third Goodwood Cup, giving him a second £1 million bonus. With jockey Frankie Dettori on board, on 18 June 2020, Stradivarius won his third Ascot Gold Cup and on 28 July 2020, he won his record fourth Goodwood Cup. In 2021 he won the Lonsdale Cup for the third time and in 2022 he achieved a third victory in the Yorkshire Cup. He was retired to stud at the end of the 2022 season, having won a record 18 European Group races.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kew Gardens (horse)</span> Irish-bred Thoroughbred racehorse

Kew Gardens is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse. He showed considerable promise as a juvenile in 2017 when he won two of his five races including the Zetland Stakes. In the following year he developed into a top class stayer, taking the Queen's Vase, Grand Prix de Paris and St Leger. As a four-year-old he added another major win as he took the British Champions Long Distance Cup as well as finishing second in the Coronation Cup and the Irish St. Leger.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anthony Van Dyck (horse)</span> Irish-bred Thoroughbred racehorse

Anthony Van Dyck was an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse, best known for winning the 2019 Epsom Derby. He was a top-class two-year-old in 2018 when he won three of his seven races including the Tyros Stakes and the Futurity Stakes as well as finishing second in the National Stakes and third in the Dewhurst Stakes. He won the Derby Trial Stakes on his three-year-old debut before taking the Epsom Derby on 1 June. Later that year he was placed in the Irish Derby, Irish Champion Stakes and Breeders' Cup Turf. He remained in training as a four-year-old in 2020, winning the Prix Foy and running second in both the Coronation Cup and the Caulfield Cup. He was euthanized after breaking down in the 2020 Melbourne Cup on 3 November 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sovereign (horse)</span> Irish-bred Thoroughbred racehorse

Sovereign is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse, best known for winning the 2019 Irish Derby. He showed promising form as a juvenile in 2018 when he won one minor race as well as finishing third in the Eyrefield Stakes and fourth in the Beresford Stakes. In the following year he was placed in the Ballysax Stakes and the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial before running unplaced when acting as a pacemaker in the 2019 Epsom Derby. He was given little chance in the Irish Derby but won easily at odds of 33/1. He failed to win in 2020 but was placed in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Vintage Crop Stakes and Bahrain International Trophy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Santiago (horse)</span> Irish Thoroughbred racehorse

Santiago is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse. He showed some promise as a two-year-old in 2019, running second on his first two starts before taking a maiden race on his final appearance of the year. In 2020 he improved when moving up in distance to win the Queen's Vase and the Irish Derby.

Broome is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse. He showed very good form as a juvenile in 2018 when he won one minor race and ran second in both the Champions Juvenile Stakes and the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère. He improved in the following year to win the Ballysax Stakes and the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial before finishing a close fourth in the Epsom Derby. After running poorly in two races in 2020 he returned to form as a five-year-old to win the Devoy Stakes, Alleged Stakes, Mooresbridge Stakes and Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.

References

  1. 1 2 "Kyprios pedigree". Equineline.
  2. ↑ "Galileo stud record". Racing Post.
  3. ↑ "Polished Gem – Record By Race Type". Racing Post.
  4. 1 2 "Toxophilite Mare – Family 9-f". Thoroughbred Bloodlines.
  5. ↑ "Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden result". Racing Post. 8 September 2020.
  6. ↑ "Blackwater Race result". Racing Post. 23 April 2021.
  7. ↑ "Novibet Derby Trial Stakes result". Racing Post. 8 May 2021.
  8. 1 2 Porteous, Lewis (16 June 2021). "Kyprios ushers in new dawn in the staying division as Stradivarius falls short". Racing Post.
  9. ↑ "Vintage Crop Stakes result". Racing Post. 23 April 2022.
  10. ↑ Press Association staff (23 April 2022). "Kyprios highlights Navan five-timer for Aidan O'Brien". The42.
  11. ↑ "Saval Beg Stakes result". Racing Post. 13 May 2022.
  12. ↑ Jennings, David (13 May 2022). "Relentless Kyprios 7-2 for Gold Cup glory after 14-length Leopardstown romp". Racing Post.
  13. ↑ "Ascot Gold Cup result". Racing Post. 16 June 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.