'It was mind-blowing' - stunned O'Brien heaps praise on Moore after Delacroix defeats Ombudsman in epic Eclipse

A world-class race calls for a world-class jockey and few possess the ability to transform the improbable into the possible quite like Ryan Moore, whose inspired ride aboard Delacroix in a fascinating running of the Coral-Eclipse left Aidan O'Brien running out of superlatives.

It was a fourth success in five years in the Group 1 for O'Brien but at practically no point in the race did victory look remotely likely. The son of Dubawi, who disappointed when 2-1 favourite in the Derby, was at the rear of the field turning in and was then short of room multiple times as Moore looked to challenge.

However, when he was eventually switched to the outside, Delacroix flew home to deny the favourite Ombudsman in a thrilling finish that left many onlookers mouthing expletives and holding their heads in their hands. 

• How did he do it? Ryan Moore chucks plan A, B and C out the window to win a mad but memorable Coral-Eclipse 

Among those who could hardly believe what they had seen was O'Brien, who even after the trophy presentation had still not quite wrapped his head around it. However, one thing he was sure of was that in a small-field contest with a shifting complexion, Moore's quality made all the difference.

"It was mind-blowing to make up that ground from where he came from," said O'Brien. "I thought Ryan was going to make the running but obviously you don't tell him what to do. I didn't know what to make of it when I saw it all changing. Ryan said this week that he thinks Delacroix is a miler, whereas I always thought this was his trip, so that kept ringing in my head.

"Ryan stuck to his judgement. He kept calm and had one go at it. What a ride he gave him. It's incredible to have somebody riding with the power and confidence he has. Ryan said he had to change the plan four times during the race. There's always a plan but I dare say that was Plan Z! There was so much happening in the race but Ryan remained calm, collected and clinical."

Comparison is often the thief of joy but there was an impulse to ask where this ride sits in the Moore pantheon. Was this one of his finest efforts for O'Brien? "I'd say it was," said the trainer. "The race was a bit of a fog to me but it looked pretty special. We see him doing this sort of thing so often and year after year he keeps getting better."

The Eclipse field charges for home with Delacroix on the outsideCredit: Getty Images

Moore has always held Delacroix in high regard but it was still a brave decision to side with him. He failed to fire at Epsom and was stepping back in trip as the only runner in the field not to have won a Group 1. Contrastingly, stablemate Camille Pissarro arrived at Sandown after winning the Prix du Jockey Club.

The jockey's faith was rewarded and O'Brien said: "Ryan's always loved him, which is why he rode him in the Derby. He's just won a very good race. It's always tough when the three-year-olds meet the older horses and you need one who's a bit different to beat a horse like Ombudsman."

Delacroix was cut to 9-2 (from 16) for next month's Juddmonte International and was also more than halved in price to 14-1 (from 50) for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe over a mile and a half. However, Moore was cool on the idea of stepping him up in trip and his next target has not been decided.

Ryan Moore salutes the cameras after the EclipseCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

On whether he could have a busy campaign, the trainer said: "He's hardy but Ryan will be the best guide on how much he had left. Given where he came from and how he quickened you'd be surprised if he had anything left. I don't think going a mile would worry him but the lads will decide what to do. When you can relax and quicken like he does over a mile and a quarter it's very potent, which is a brilliant thing to have up your sleeve."

Juddmonte International (York, August 20)

Paddy Power: 5-4 Field Of Gold, 4 Ombudsman, 9-2 Delacroix, 5 Calandagan, 6 Henri Matisse, 7 Los Angeles, See The Fire, 8 Anmaat, 10 Almaqam, Daryz, Lead Artist, Whirl, 12 Ruling Court, 14 Danon Decile, Minnie Hauk, 16 Camille Pissarro, Detain, 20 Stanhope Gardens, 25 bar

Read this next:

John Gosden on Ombudsman's narrow Eclipse defeat: 'I did warn people it could be a messy race, I was correct' 

How did he do it? Ryan Moore chucks plan A, B and C out the window to win a mad but memorable Coral-Eclipse 

'I can't tell you how important he is' - Aidan O'Brien on Coolmore's Eclipse hero Delacroix 

'She likes a target and didn't get it' - Estrange fights for narrow Lancashire Oaks win to keep Arc hopes intact

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