Trainer Aidan O'Brien smiling while being interviewed after winning The Betfred Derby.EPSOM, ENGLAND – JUNE 06: Trainer Aidan O’Brien being interviewed after winning The Betfred Derby withChristmas Day during The Betfred Derby Day at Epsom Downs Racecourse on June 06, 2026 in Epsom, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images) Credit: Getty

AIDAN O’BRIEN says dual Derby winner Lambourn would be ‘very interesting’ over a brand new trip at the York Ebor festival.

The legendary Ballydoyle boss has suggested the staying-on King George fourth – who has a number of upcoming entries – could be upped to two miles for the Lonsdale Cup.

The Epsom DerbyLambourn won the Derby and Irish Derby last year and could be set for a step up to staying trips in the near future Credit: Reuters

He may be the No1 Coolmore rival to market leader Trawlerman in the absence of Scandinavia.

The Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup king is missing the race and likely enjoying some time off ahead of an Irish St Leger run in a month’s time.

O’Brien has entered four horses in the Group 2 York Ebor festival contest worth a shade under £150,000 to the winner.

Illinois would be the other main candidate.

The Queen Alexandra winner roared back to life at Royal Ascot but has not finished better than fifth on his past two outings.

The most recent of which saw him pumped 20 lengths by stablemate Scandinavia at the Glorious festival.

Lambourn, who won the Derby in 2025, showed some of his old tenacity when being right up with the pace in the King George last month.

But rather than wilt at the end of a punishing 1m4f, last year’s St Leger fourth rallied strongly late on behind winner Kalpana, suggesting he could be ripe for a step up.

At 20-1 he may prove amazing each-way value with the race certain to cut up before its run next Friday.

But it should be noted he also has entries in the St Leger Trial the following day, the Irish Champion Stakes over 1m2f on September 12 and the Irish St Leger on September 13.

But talking up the possibility of Lambourn running in the Lonsdale, O’Brien said: “Lambourn had a big run in the King George and it would be very interesting if he went to that (Lonsdale Cup).

“And it’s possible he could. He’s in good form.

“He would be a very classy stayer if that’s what the lads decide to do with him – and it’s very possible he could go there.”

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