Aidan O'Brien scales new heights with Dee Stakes winner Mount Kilimanjaro

Aidan O'Brien completed a clean sweep of Classic trials at Chester this week when he became the outright leading trainer in Dee Stakes history, courtesy of Mount Kilimanjaro's hard-fought victory under yet another Ryan Moore masterclass.

After winning his ninth Cheshire Oaks and 11th Chester Vase the previous day, O'Brien made it a record-breaking 12th in the Dee Stakes to surpass the tally set by Barry Hills.

The race looked out of reach for the even-money favourite two furlongs out, but, not for the first time, Moore slipped his mount into top gear on the straight run to the line and got up by a neck from High Stock.

Coolmore representative Paul Smith said: "Ryan gave him a great ride, he was very patient. The pace was very honest and he didn't panic and the horse quickened up well and showed a nice attitude. A Derby of some sorts – the Epsom Derby or French Derby – are options for him, and we'll see how the trials go and where they'll all go."

Mount Kilimanjaro, who finished second to Twain in last year's Group 1 Criterium International, bounced back from an odds-on defeat at Dundalk in March on his return to turf. He was cut to a general 20-1 (from 40) for the Derby.

O'Brien has raised the bar in the Dee Stakes by winning it seven times in the last eight years, and Smith added: "It's incredible really. As we've always said they learn so much here, it's almost like they have two races in one. He'll come forward from this and we're delighted with him."

None of those past Ballydoyle winners went on to win the Derby, with the last horse to do the double Kris Kin in 2003.

Course record

There were joyous and emotional scenes in the winner's enclosure after Roman Dragon equalled the modern-day record for victories at Chester with his sixth track success.

The Hugo Palmer-trained six-year-old, owned in partnership by Nick Hughes and stable owner Michael Owen, joined Powerallied and Gabrial The Tiger as the most prolific horse on the Roodee when powering home in the 5f handicap under Oisin Murphy.

"It's been a dream in the making for me and my dad," said Hughes. "We've been coming here all my life and to get the record is incredible.

"Our passion is football and racing and this horse is named after Chester [Roman] and Wrexham [Dragon], which is our team. We got promoted and we're delighted about this year."

Palmer added: "He loves Chester, we love Chester and Nick loves Chester. We had a nice enough draw [five] and everything went perfectly."

Promising apprentice Warren Fentiman finished second on Rosenpur as he competed against father Duran in a race for the first time.

"He ran really well and I beat Dad, that's the main thing!" said Fentiman.

Michael Owen (left) and Franny Norton with 5f maiden winner Tricky TelCredit: Edward Whitaker

Palmer, Owen and Murphy combined for a double when the well-backed Tricky Tel made a successful debut in the 5½f maiden to earn a step up in grade.

The trainer had a helping hand from recently retired Chester legend Franny Norton, who has been riding out some of the yard's young horses.

"We've liked him loads at home," said Palmer. "Chester is a tricky place to win first time but he was so professional from the gates, having been in there a long time.

"Oisin said he's probably not a five-furlong horse and probably wants six furlongs. I guess we'll contemplate the National Stakes, as Sandown is a stiff track, on the way to the Coventry."

Crowley finds a way through

El Burhan prevailed in a blanket finish to the 7½f three-year-old handicap after Jim Crowley weaved his way through a tight gap.

Twice a winner last year, the Shadwell Estate-owned son of New Bay was gelded over the winter and looks the type to continue to progress.

"He got the split just in time and did well," said Crowley. "He's a big horse and we feel he should appreciate going up in trip. We've not got to the bottom of him just yet."

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