Aidan O'Brien's Five Greatest Phoenix Stakes Victories Few races have been dominated by one trainer to the same extent as the Phoenix Stakes, as Aidan O’Brien has won it 17 times in the last 27 years. Frankly, that is an ultra-impressive haul and one would fancy him to take it again in 2025. We’re going to take a look at five of his most significant winners over the years and they include the likes of George Washington and the classy sprinter Caravaggio. 5. Little Big Bear O’Brien’s most recent winner, Little Big Bear claimed the prize back in 2022. He was visually impressive on the day and dominated his four rivals. Coventry Stakes winner and future King’s Stand Stakes scorer Bradsell could only manage fourth that day. Ryan Moore sent the son of No Nay Never straight to the front and he made virtually all the running. The rest of the field had no answer to his finishing kick and he went on to score by a margin of seven lengths, which is virtually unheard of in a Group 1 sprint. 4. Johannesburg This horse won the race back in 2001, in the middle of a particularly dominant period for O’Brien, who won the race for six years in a row between 1998 and 2003. Johannesburg won all seven starts as a juvenile, four of which came in Group and Grade 1s. The first of those top-level successes was in this race and he obliterated the field by five lengths, with Mick Kinane on board. Victories in the Prix Morny, Middle Park and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile followed, proving his versatility by winning on the dirt in America. 3. Caravaggio Caravaggio was an excellent two-year-old, winning all four starts that season. Impressive when taking the Phoenix Stakes, Seamie Heffernan employed patient tactics and he travelled like a dream throughout the race. The response was immediate once Heffernan said go and he quickly put four lengths between him and the runner-up. 2. Mastercraftsman This son of Danehill Dancer was a very talented juvenile, winning two Group 1s, before going on to be a top miler the following year. He won the Phoenix by a wide margin back in 2008 and he beat subsequent Golden Jubilee Stakes winner Art Connoisseur. Mastercraftsman then followed up in the National Stakes, before losing his unbeaten record in France. He could only manage fifth in the 2000 Guineas, but improved significantly to win the Irish equivalent and the St James’s Palace Stakes. 1. George Washington An iconic name, George Washington is potentially more famous (or infamous) for his failed stud career. The son of Danehill won by a whopping eight lengths back in 2005 and he also managed to follow up in the National Stakes. Held up in the early stages, he made smooth progress before kicking clear in dominant fashion. His three-year-old campaign got off to the perfect start and he was an impressive winner of the 2000 Guineas, with Derby winner Sir Percy back in second.
