O'Brien Issues Dylan Warning

Aidan O'Brien has warned that the effects of a long season could have a bearing on Dylan Thomas' performance in the Japan Cup next weekend.

The four-year-old, recently named horse of the year after victories in the King George and the Prix de l'Arc de Triopmphe, will be ridden by Johnny Murtagh as both horse and jockey attempt to cap off a brilliant year.

But O'Brien is aware that his unfortunate experience at the Breeders' Cup and the fact that he has been on the go since April could finally catch up with him.

He is also due to meet some of the best horses in the world with Meisho Samson, Admire Moon and possibly Vodka, the first filly to win the Japanese Derby in 68 years, in opposition.

'He left Ballydoyle during the week and travelled over well,' said the trainer.

'He seems to be fine but to be fair to the horse it's the end of a long hard season and his race in America on soft ground probably took a fair bit out of him.

'I don't know anything about the opposition,' he told the Racing Post.

(C) PA Sport