Sunday’s Phoenix Stakes has been dominated by Aidan O’Brien – no real shock there as the Ballydoyle handler has a top record on most of the Irish Group One races.
He’s mopped up a staggering 17 wins in the big Curragh race over the years.
However, for his high standards, O’Brien is on a bit of a mini-drought in the race – having not won the pot since 2022.
So, can he end this three year run without a Phoenix Stakes win in 2026?
Phoenix Stakes Race Details 2026
- Date Sunday, 9th August 2026
- Time: 16:00 IST / BST
- Track: Curragh (Turf)
- Distance: 6 Furlongs (1,200 meters)
- Purse: €240,000 (Winner’s prize)
- TV Coverage: Racing TV / RTÉ
DID YOU KNOW? 8 of the last 10 Phoenix Stakes winners came from stalls 1-4
How Many Times Has Aidan O’Brien Won the Phoenix Stakes?
Ballydoyle maestro Aidan O’Brien has won the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes an incredible 17 times.
His dominant record in Ireland’s premier juvenile sprint began in 1998 with Lavery, who was guided home by Walter Swinburn (watch below).
While his most recent win was with Little Big Bear in 2022 under Ryan Moore – with the jockey winning the race for a second time (watch below).
In between these successes, he’s landed the prize with star names that include George Washington, Mastercraftsman and Caravaggio.
O’Brien Has Had Two Big Odds-On Phoenix Stakes Losers In Recent Years
Last year (2025), O’Brien followers were expecting him to get back on the winning trail in the Phoenix Stakes, with True Love going off the hot 1/4 favourite (watch below).
However, she was turned over by Power Blue – giving trainer Adrian Murrary his second win in the race, having won the prize with Bucanero Fuerte in 2023.
A year earlier (2024), Ballydoyle had another hot-pot in the race turned over in Whistlejacket.
He was sent off 8/13 in the betting, but only managed second to Juddmonte’s Babouche.
Aidan O’Brien’s Phoenix Stakes Winners
• 1998: Lavery (First winner)
• 1999: Fasliyev
• 2000: Minardi
• 2001: Johannesburg
• 2002: Spartacus
• 2003: One Cool Cat
• 2005: George Washington
• 2006: Holy Roman Emperor
• 2008: Mastercraftsman
• 2009: Alfred Nobel
• 2010: Zoffany
• 2012: Pedro the Great
• 2014: Dick Whittington
• 2015: Air Force Blue
• 2016: Caravaggio
• 2017: Sioux Nation
• 2022: Little Big Bear (Most recent winner)
ALSO SEE: Andy Newton’s Shergar Cup best bets and tips from Ascot
O’Brien’s Top Phoenix Stakes Contenders for 2026
Heading into the 2026 renewal, O’Brien looks poised to target an 18th victory with two leading fancies – if they both go.
Great Barrier Reef
Unbeaten in three starts, including a victory in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot (watch below).
The No Nay Never colt stands out as one of the top two-year-old prospects in Europe.
He’s also a CD winner at the Curragh after winning at the track twice in April and May.
With a 54-day break since his Ascot win, he will be primed to keep his unbeaten record in-tact.
Sun Goddess
A talented Sioux Nation filly who has impressed with sharp performances, including a win in maiden company and solid black-type placing.
She’s also won at the Curragh, so the track will pose no issues – winning there in late May.
Since then, she’s been second in the Albany Stakes behind Libertango, but bounced back to winning ways when landing the G2 Airlie Stud Stakes – again at the Curragh.
Being a filly, she’ll get a handy 3lbs weight allowance too.
