Aidan O'Brien's genius leads to Newbury triumph for Rhododendron

Yet this only tells part of his dominance. He still needs to train his horses to perfection and then, crucially, place his equine thoroughbreds in the races where they can fulfil their potential.

After landing a world record 28 Group One wins in 2017, the Ballydoyle genius produced another training performance of note when Rhododendron won the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes over one mile at Newbury.

She might have been sired by the legendary Galileo, but it nevertheless took an inspired decision by O’Brien to drop the filly back in trip to a mile after she finished fourth to John Gosden’s champion Cracksman at Longchamp.

For a moment it looked as though Lightning Spear was going to go one better than in 2017 and record a much-deserved win at the highest level, but the Ryan Moore-ridden Rhododendron – second to the now retired Wuheida in last year’s Breeders’ Cup – was in full bloom late on to give O’Brien just his second victory in the race after the mighty Hawk Wing prevailed in this contest as long ago as 2003.

“I was delighted because she had run well either way,” said O’Brien after the horse’s third win at this elite level. “She probably got there a little bit early and she was left there a bit lonely and left there a bit by herself, but Ryan gave her a brilliant ride.

“She is brave and stuck her head out and toughed it out. I was delighted really. It was a worry coming back to a mile. We thought the last day in France she travelled well through the race, John’s (Gosden) horse (Cracksman) won and won well, but we were always going a step slower than we would have liked through the race.

“If you looked you would have thought she would be happy going a gear or two higher and that often suggests they have plenty of pace.

“One day in France she bled the worst you’ve ever seen in the Oaks (Prix de Diane). I’ve never seen anything bleed so bad. It was the most unbelievable thing of all – she exploded in the race and sprayed blood all over the jockeys.

“She got very faint in herself and it is very rare you see a horse come back from that. She ran very well in Ireland on Champion Stakes day and won in France on Arc day after that. She is an incredible filly and has never done it before or since.”

As connections contemplate Royal Ascot options, Moore, who was celebrating his first Lockinge victory, had nothing but praise for O’Brien’s role in getting the winner back to her best.

He said: “She’s been a great filly at two, three and now four.

“It’s testament to everyone who puts in the hard work at home. She’s been unfortunate not to have won more in her time. She’s very adaptable with ground, distance and has got a great attitude.

“I thought she had a massive chance [on Saturday]. It’s a great achievement by Aidan.”

As for the David Simcock-trained Lightning Spear who produced a career-best performance under Oisin Murphy, he is eyeing Royal Ascot’s Queen Anne Stakes – a race won by Richard Fahey’s Ribchester last year – and a potential rematch with Rhododendron.

Simcock said: “I haven’t had the wind taken out of my sails like that for a while.

“I am just a little gutted, but very proud of the horse and it was a great ride. We are very fond of him and he has never let us down.

“He has been placed in so many G1s, you just feel you really would have liked to have won one. He has run a great race and the first two have finished a good two lengths clear of the third. Fair play to the filly

“I would say the Queen Anne is the obviously place to go.”

The Queen Anne Stakes – the opening race of Royal Ascot – could also feature Limato after the former Group One winner produced a listless display under Harry Bentley who exuded confidence beforehand.

“I was very disappointed with the way my horses ran at York and I was disappointed how he ran. I think they are just a bit off-colour. I would ignore it,” said trainer Henry Candy who has become accustomed to such reverses in recent weeks.

“He’s absolutely fine. He pulled a front shoe off in the race, but I wouldn’t attach any importance to that. He’s in good form.

“We just have to sit tight with the horses and it will be a different scene in two or three weeks.

“I expect we’ll go to Ascot if he’s back in top form, more likely for the Queen Anne.”