Aidan O’Brien aims for historic 100th Royal Ascot winner on Gold Cup day

The Guardian Sport1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 10:22 AM

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

Aidan O’Brien aims for historic 100th Royal Ascot winner on Gold Cup day
Summary

On Gold Cup day at Royal Ascot 2026, Aidan O’Brien is poised to achieve his historic 100th winner at the event, having secured his 99th victory in the first race on Wednesday. This marks a significant moment in racing history, as he aims to surpass the previous record set by the late Sir Henry Cecil, who won 75 times. With more races available now than in earlier eras, O'Brien’s pursuit of this milestone underlines his dominance in flat racing over the past quarter-century. The day promises additional excitement as further races unfold.

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By the Numbers
  • Aidan O’Brien seeks his 100th Royal Ascot winner.
  • He won his 99th race at Ascot on Wednesday.
  • Sir Henry Cecil previously held the record with 75 wins.
  • More races today offer opportunities for trainers.
  • Gold Cup day events are active at the Royal meeting.
Latest Updates
  • 10:22 AMThe Guardian SportRoyal Ascot 2026, day three: news, tips and more on Gold Cup day – live
What they're saying
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All the latest from the royal meeting Thursday’s previews and tips | Mail Tony Good morning from Ascot on the third morning of the Royal meeting 2026 – Gold Cup day – where Aidan O’Brien is poised to become the first trainer to saddle a century of winners at Flat racing’s showpiece event, having moved to 99 with a winner in the first race on Wednesday. There are more races to aim at these days than there were in the era when the late Sir Henry Cecil racked up what was, at the time, a record 75 winners, and while the Sir Michael Stoute was active well into the five-day Ascot era and had saddled 82 by the time of his recent retirement, O’Brien’s record is still an astonishing achievement, even by the standards of the pre-eminent trainer of the last 25 years. Continue reading...

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