‘I might never get to ride another one like him again’

Aidan O’Brien is banking on further progress from dual Derby hero Australia as the master of Ballydoyle strives to win the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes for an eighth time at Leopardstown today.

The Epsom and Curragh Classic winner was not inconvenienced by the drop back in distance for the Juddmonte International Stakes at York which he won in great style from The Grey Gatsby.

O’Brien made it clear Australia was only just ready to return to the track when he turned up on the Knavesmire last month.