Ranking Ireland’s top current flat racing trainers
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Ireland has long been synonymous with excellence in flat racing, producing some of the world's finest trainers. These trainers’ skill, dedication, and strategic acumen of these trainers have brought them international acclaim and often solidifies their favouritism in the horse racing odds ahead of the biggest across the globe.
Here, we rank Ireland's top current flat racing trainers, highlighting their significant achievements and contributions to the sport.
1. Aidan O’Brien
Aidan O'Brien stands as the preeminent figure in not just Irish flat racing but the entirety of the sport, commanding respect and admiration from all corners of the community. As the head trainer of the renowned Ballydoyle stables, O'Brien has cultivated a remarkable legacy with the powerhouse Coolmore Stud partnership.
His record speaks for itself, with over 400 wins at Group or Grade 1 level, 91 victories at Royal Ascot and an incredibly long list of Classic triumphs — including 10 wins in the 2000 Guineas, 10 victories in the Epsom Derby and 16 Irish Derby successes.
2. Joseph O’Brien
Following in his father's illustrious footsteps, Joseph O'Brien has quickly made a name for himself in the world of horse handling. After a successful career as a jockey, where he rode multiple high-profile winners, Joseph transitioned seamlessly into dual-purpose training, tasting success over both obstacles and on the flat.
Despite having his training license for less than a decade, he has already achieved significant success. Joseph's standout achievements include winning the prestigious Melbourne Cup twice in 2017 and 2020, respectively, an Irish Derby triumph in 2018 and the St Leger with Galileo Chrome in 2020.
3. Jessica Harrington
Another hugely successful dual-purpose trainer, Jessica Harrington is best known for her triumphs in National Hunt racing but she has built an impressive CV on the flat over the last decade or so.
She has become one of Ireland’s leading flat trainers, finishing in the top five of the Trainers’ Championship every year since 2017 and she has recorded some big victories along the way — including wins in the Irish 2000 Guineas, Irish Oaks and various other top-level contests.
4. Dermot Weld
Dermot Weld is a name synonymous with excellence and longevity in Irish racing. With a career spanning over five decades, Weld has accumulated a wealth of experience and success. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and scientific approach to training, Weld has achieved numerous landmark victories.
Weld’s Melbourne Cup victory with Vintage Crop in 1993 is noteworthy, as the Irishman became the first European trainer to win the iconic Australian contest, while his recent Epsom Oaks success with Ezeliya came over 40 years after his maiden win in the British Classic with Blue Wind in 1982 — a perfect example of his longevity.
5. Ger Lyons
Ger Lyons has steadily risen through the ranks to become one of Ireland's leading flat trainers. Known for his straightforward and no-nonsense approach, Lyons has built a reputation for producing consistent and high-quality performers. His training career has been marked by a steady accumulation of significant victories and a strong presence in Group races, specifically in Ireland.
One of Lyons' standout moments came in 2020 when he trained Siskin to win the Irish 2,000 Guineas, his first Classic victory. Lyons' ability to develop young talent and compete at the highest level continues to earn him respect and recognition within the racing community.