With the British flat season entering its final weeks, Irish trainers—particularly the all-conquering Aidan O’Brien—look set to mount a strong challenge across several major end-of-season contests.

races could the Irish dominate Punters eyeing the big fixtures will be keeping a close watch on horse racing odds for these potential Irish victories. If you’re looking for where to find value on raceday, history suggests the Emerald Isle’s finest have a knack for delivering in the autumn.

St Leger – Doncaster

The final British Classic of the season has been something of a Ballydoyle benefit in recent years, with O’Brien winning the last two renewals. He has an excellent chance of completing the hat-trick with Scandinavia, the short-priced favourite after victories in the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket and the Goodwood Cup. 

Derby-winning stablemate Lambourn is the second favourite, while Carmers—trained by Paddy Twomey—is fourth in the betting. Joseph O’Brien also has a live contender in Tennessee Stud, giving Ireland a very real shot of sweeping the placings.

Middle Park Stakes – Newmarket

O’Brien has lifted this Group 1 sprint for two-year-old colts seven times since 2000, and he appears primed for another crack with the top two in the market. Charles Darwin has been a revelation this season, rattling off three straight wins—including a Group 2 at Royal Ascot—since finishing fourth on debut.

He currently shares favouritism with stablemate Gstaad, who has won both starts impressively, including the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Fillies’ Mile – Newmarket

A race steeped in prestige for female juveniles, the Fillies’ Mile has been farmed by Ballydoyle in the past, with O’Brien claiming six victories since 1998. This year, he saddles the top three in the betting. 

Beautify looked a filly of real potential when beating the highly-regarded Lady Iman in Group 2 company at the Curragh on just her second start. 

Diamond Necklace has been seen only once, but her Curragh win earlier this month propelled her straight into the reckoning. Composing—a dual winner from three runs, including a Group 3—completes the formidable trio.

Dewhurst Stakes – Newmarket

Widely considered the most prestigious two-year-old race of the season for colts, the Dewhurst has been won by O’Brien eight times, producing future Classic stars such as City Of Troy and St Mark’s Basilica.

The unbeaten Gstaad heads the market for 2025, while stablemate Daytona, also perfect in two starts, is a tempting 8/1 fourth favourite.

Long Distance Cup – Ascot

British Champions Day brings the curtain down on the flat season, and the Long Distance Cup looks set to feature a strong Irish challenge. 

While Ascot Gold Cup hero Trawlerman leads the market, O’Brien has three major players in Scandinavia, Illinois, and likely St Leger winner Jan Brueghel. 

Joseph O’Brien’s Al Riffa, who recently landed the Curragh Cup, adds further depth to Ireland’s challenge over staying trips.

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Whether it’s on the Rowley Mile, Town Moor or the grand finale at Ascot, Irish stables look poised to finish the season in style.