As the countdown to the 2024 Melbourne Cup gathers pace, three standout Irish-trained horses are set to make the long journey Down Under in search of one of the most prestigious prizes in world racing.
With the Melbourne Cup firmly established as a global event, this year’s running will feature a trio of top-class challengers from Ireland: Jan Brueghel, trained by Aidan O’Brien, and Willie Mullins’ dynamic duo of Vauban and Absurde.
The Irish have a storied history at Flemington, and with these elite runners in the mix, hopes are high that this year’s Cup could once again be claimed by an international contender.
Jan Brueghel – O’Brien’s Latest Melbourne Challenger
Aidan O’Brien is no stranger to success on the international stage, and his horse Jan Brueghel is his latest contender to tackle the Melbourne Cup. Named after the famous Flemish painter, Jan Brueghel comes with a reputation that has been steadily building throughout the season.
This lightly-raced stayer has been carefully managed by O’Brien, with the Melbourne Cup always a target in the back of his mind. After a series of strong performances on home soil, including a commanding victory at the Curragh earlier in the year, O’Brien believes that Jan Brueghel has the right blend of stamina and tactical speed to be a serious contender over the testing 3200m distance at Flemington.
O’Brien has previously come close to Melbourne Cup glory, and the legendary trainer has made no secret of his ambition to win the “Race That Stops a Nation.” Jan Brueghel may not be the most obvious pick from his stable, but O’Brien’s eye for detail and his expertise in preparing horses for big international targets means this horse should not be overlooked.
Vauban – Mullins’ Leading Light
Leading the charge from Willie Mullins’ yard is Vauban, a horse that has already become a familiar name in both jump and flat racing. Vauban’s versatility has been on full display over the past two seasons, and despite his roots in hurdling, he has shown that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level on the flat.
After a standout 2022 where he triumphed at Cheltenham, Vauban switched to flat racing last year and quickly made his mark with a decisive win at Royal Ascot. His Melbourne Cup debut in 2023 didn’t go as planned, with Vauban finishing 14th, but his class is undeniable, and he returns this year with even more experience and a hunger for redemption.
Mullins has expressed his confidence in Vauban’s ability to bounce back this November, and the horse’s form in recent months – most notably victory in York’s Lonsdale Cup, and a second place in the Irish St Leger – suggests he’s peaking at just the right time. A further run is expected at Ascot later this month, as the Mullins camp ensures Vauban is in peak condition for his second attempt at Cup glory.
Absurde – The Dark Horse
While Vauban has grabbed most of the headlines, Absurde, also trained by Willie Mullins, should not be forgotten. This gutsy stayer may not have the same profile as his stablemate, but he’s proven himself a tough competitor, both on the flat and over jumps.
Absurde’s most notable flat success came in last year’s Ebor Handicap at York, a key Melbourne Cup trial, which earned him his first shot at the race. He performed admirably in 2023, finishing seventh, and his connections believe there’s more to come from him this time around. His victory in Cheltenham’s County Hurdle earlier this year demonstrated his versatility, and with a flat campaign in full swing, Absurde will be battle-hardened and ready to give his all at Flemington.
Irish Eyes on the Cup
The prospect of two powerhouse trainers like Aidan O’Brien and Willie Mullins sending their top stayers to contest the Melbourne Cup has generated significant excitement in both Ireland and Australia. The Irish have a rich history in this race, and this year’s trio of challengers – Jan Brueghel, Vauban, and Absurde – are seen as some of the best-prepared horses to take on the challenge.
With their respective pedigrees, recent form, and the calibre of their trainers, each of these horses has a real chance of delivering a first Melbourne Cup win for their connections. As the November race draws nearer, anticipation will only grow, with Irish hopes pinned on seeing one of their own lift the famous trophy.
