‘If we’re not happy, she’s finished’ – Aidan O’Brien’s Royal Ascot-winning superstar could be OUT for rest of season

AIDAN O’BRIEN says his Royal Ascot-winning superstar filly Victorious could be out for the rest of the season. One of the most precocious two-year-olds at Ballydoyle, Victorious headed the ante-post market for last Sunday’s Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh. Aidan O’Brien admitted Royal Ascot winner Victorious – one of the top two-year-old talents at Ballydoyle – could miss the rest of the season if he is not 100 per cent happy with her Credit: PA But the filly was not declared for the six-furlong Group 1 won in her absence by stablemate Sun Goddess, who also brought Royal Ascot-winning form. Unbeaten Victorious won the five-furlong Group 2 Queen Mary at the June meeting and saw the form franked in style when runner-up Senorita Bonita won the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket’s July meeting next time out. But quizzed on why Victorious missed her planned Curragh engagement, her legendary trainer, who won the Phoenix for a record 18th time, admitted she had not looked herself. O’Brien said: “Victorious was a little bit off, so she’ll have a little bit of time off. “Whether we run her for the rest of the season I’m not sure, but if there’s anything (wrong) we’ll wait with her because she’s travelled and she has a lot of experience. “If we’re not 100 per cent happy with her she’s finished for the season.” O’Brien, who is readying a crack squad for next week’s York Ebor festival, said two more of his stable stars were not at full fitness. Gstaad is probably sick of the sight of Bow Echo’s backside – and the two will not do battle again this weekend. Most read in Horse Racing George Boughey could opt to run his unbeaten 2,000 Guineas winner in Sunday’s Jacques le Marois at Deauville. O’Brien had previously indicated Gstaad, who has finished runner-up to Bow Echo three times this season, could lock horns with his foe again. But an infection in his leg as a result of being knocked into during the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood has probably put an end to the chances of another head-to-head. While Great Barrier Reef, who also had been pencilled in for the Phoenix, is set for a short spell on the sidelines. O’Brien added: “Great Barrier Reef had a spot of ringworm, that’s why he didn’t come here for the Phoenix Stakes. “It’s gone and it’s dead, but you have to give them a couple of weeks when that happens.” FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Comment now