O'Brien plots Camelot campaign

Tuesday 11 December 2012, 6:58am

Trainer Aidan O'Brien has outlined 2013 plans for champion colt Camelot at the Horse Racing Ireland awards at Leopardstown.

The Coolmore-owned three-year-old became the first son of his late sire Montjeu to win a mile (1600m) Classic when he claimed the 2000 Guineas in May.

He added the Derby at Epsom to his laurels and further glory awaited in the Irish Derby at the Curragh.

He came up short in his bid for the triple crown in the St Leger but his deeds were enough for him to be named Ireland's Horse of the Year.

Camelot will stay in training as a four-year-old and is set to be campaigned at around 10 furlongs (2000m) having made a full recovery from a bout of colic.

"He's good. He had a colic as everyone knows but he's in great order now and back cantering," O'Brien said.

"He's heavier now than he's ever been before.

"It looks like he's physically done well from three to four, so if everything goes well next year we'll look forward to him.

"We always felt his best trip was somewhere from a mile to a mile and a quarter, so he'll probably be campaigned that way.

"Hopefully he might start off at the Curragh in the Mooresbridge Stakes or one of those mile and a quarter races, then come to the Tattersalls (Gold Cup) and maybe have a look at (Royal) Ascot then.

"He's an unbelievable looking horse with unbelievable use of himself and great balance."

O'Brien picked up the award as champion trainer at Monday's ceremony while his son Joseph collected his trophy as Ireland's leading Flat jockey.

– PAA

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