Leinster

The real story is at The Curragh. Leinster has won two of its seven races there, but more tellingly, it was at The Curragh where the horse was last successful—16 August 2025, which now sits nearly fourteen months in the past. That long absence from the winner's enclosure might worry some, but the trainer Joseph Patrick O'Brien is unmoved. Speaking earlier this year, he described Leinster as a "progressive stayer" and pointed to a strong run at Roscommon as proof the horse has the engine for longer distances. O'Brien also noted that a setback had sidelined Leinster for a spell, which explains the lean spell more convincingly than any lack of ability.

The trainer's comments about ground are worth noting too—Leinster "handles soft ground well"—and the plan involves Listed company at The Curragh on Guineas weekend, suggesting the yard believes there is improvement still to come. With McMonagle in the saddle and the track they both seem to favour within reach, Leinster has the pieces in place to break its recent drought.