Atomic City strengthens Triumph Hurdle claims at Cheltenham
Joseph O'Brien's Atomic City remains unbeaten over hurdles after a four-length victory in the Grade 2 Triumph Trial at Cheltenham.
Atomic City maintained his unbeaten record over hurdles with a four-length victory in the Grade 2 JCB Triumph Trial at Cheltenham on Saturday, giving Joseph O'Brien and jockey JJ Slevin a significant early-season success with the three-year-old.
The Ghaiyyath gelding, sent off the 11-10 favourite, travelled comfortably behind the leaders before moving into contention alongside Charles Darnay. Although he was not entirely fluent at the second-last flight, he recovered his momentum and quickened clear after the final hurdle to win decisively. Charles Darnay held second, with Don Dandy another four and a quarter lengths away in third.
Atomic City had made a winning hurdling debut at Cork last month and was taking a substantial step up in grade. His performance at Cheltenham was therefore an important test of his ability to translate that initial promise into stronger company. He became the first Irish-trained winner of the race since Duffle Coat in 2020.
The winner races for Sean and Bernardine Mulryan, whose colours were also carried to victory in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival by Lark In The Mornin. Sean Mulryan indicated after Saturday's race that Leopardstown over Christmas could be the next destination, while acknowledging that the juvenile division will become more competitive as the season develops.
Slevin's success also carried a personal dimension following the death earlier in the week of his cousin, former jockey Tom O'Brien. The rider referred to his late relative after the race, an occasion that combined an important professional result with a difficult period for his family.
Atomic City's previous Flat experience included a third-place finish behind stablemate James J Braddock. His speed and ability to travel strongly were apparent at Cheltenham, although his hurdling remains a developing part of his profile. His connections will have the opportunity to assess his progress against further graded opposition before deciding on a spring target.
Charles Darnay and fourth-placed Magnetude gave trainer James Owen useful performances in defeat. Owen suggested that both could be better suited by Cheltenham's other course and would benefit from further experience.
Atomic City has now established himself among the more interesting juvenile hurdlers seen in Britain or Ireland this autumn. The Triumph Hurdle in March is a possible longer-term objective, but the Christmas programme is likely to provide a more immediate indication of his standing.
By TP Editorial
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