Curragh likely next stop for Anthony Van Dyck as O'Brien eyes Derby double

Aidan O'Brien indicated Anthony Van Dyck was likely to head to the Curragh in search of a Derby double after the Galileo colt had given him a record-equalling seventh Epsom triumph.

Anthony Van Dyck is a 2-1 chance with Paddy Power for the Classic on June 21 and O'Brien said: "I think the lads will decide, like they always do, but we thought the winner would go back to Ireland [for the Irish Derby] as that's what we always do.

"It is a good progression for horses, it is a three-year-old only race and after that they have to take on older horses. It is only his second run but we will see how he comes out of the race and the lads will talk about what they want to do and we will come up with a plan."

Aidan O'Brien: a seventh Derby successCredit: Edward Whitaker

O'Brien added: "It's a dream come true [to win the Derby again]. To win this race is so tough every year – that's why we run so many horses. We just try to keep them sound to compete in these races. The Derby is the ultimate test, it tests their speed, stamina, agility and mentalilty.

"He [Anthony Van Dyck] was a solid horse and he had very good form last year. We always thought he was going to be a middle-distance horse and John [Magnier] had said to me he thought he had the profile [for the Derby].

"He will have no problem dropping back to a mile and a quarter, and he handles fast ground. He ran at a lot of tracks last year and in the end he went to America. He has passed the ultimate test and that was only his second run of the year."

Anthony Van Dyck (Seamie Heffernan, far rail) had bookmakers cheering as he won the Investec DerbyCredit: Mark Cranham (Racingpost.com/photos)

O'Brien's record-equalling achievement was complemented by his best team performance in the race, with the Ballydoyle team filling third, fourth, fifth and sixth from his seven runners in the 13-runner field.

The Ballydoyle trainer has twice had the 1-2 in the race, with High Chaparral leading home Hawk Wing in 2002 and, two years ago, Wings Of Eagles beating Cliffs Of Moher, with two others filling sixth and seventh in a six-runner team.

Madhmoon prevented O'Brien equalling Michael Dickinson's achievement of training the first five home in the 1983 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

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