Aisling Oscar Makes Racing History with Eighth Consecutive Win
The extraordinary gelding Aisling Oscar has etched his name into the annals of horse racing history by securing his eighth straight handicap victory, equalling a prestigious 30-year record. Trained by Adrian Keatley, this five-year-old horse achieved this remarkable feat at Southwell on Thursday night, demonstrating unparalleled consistency and skill on the track.
From Humble Beginnings to Record-Breaking Success
Originally purchased from Ireland for a modest sum of just 3,200 guineas, Aisling Oscar has undergone a meteoric rise in the racing world. Starting from a handicap mark of only 46, he has impressively climbed to a rating of 71 during his prolific winning streak. This journey highlights not only the horse's innate talent but also the expert training and dedication of Keatley's team.
A Shift in Venue for Historic Achievement
While Aisling Oscar's previous seven victories were all secured at Newcastle, trainer Adrian Keatley strategically targeted Southwell for this record-equalling triumph. The race, known as the Win £250,000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Handicap, provided the perfect stage for this historic moment. Ridden by jockey Oisin McSweeney, who had piloted him to two earlier wins, the 3-1 favourite delivered a commanding performance.
Matching a Legendary Record
With this victory, Aisling Oscar has matched the achievement of the Reg Akehurst-trained Ballynakelly, who won eight handicaps in a row between 1995 and 1996. McSweeney expressed his admiration for the horse and the team, stating to Sky Sports Racing, "It's unbelievable, he's a credit to Adrian, his team at home and to Dan (Astbury) who bought him." He added, "It's fantastic and it doesn't happen every day of the week. It's just great to be a part of it."
Versatility and Resilience on Display
McSweeney further praised Aisling Oscar's adaptability and determination, noting that the race did not go entirely as planned. "It probably didn't go as straightforward as we thought, I didn't really want to come all the way across but I had enough horse underneath me to get us all the way to the line," he explained. The jockey highlighted the horse's thriving condition and versatility, saying, "He loves it and he just seems to be thriving. That's his eighth win on the bounce and he's fairly versatile, everything doesn't always have to go his way."
This historic win not only cements Aisling Oscar's status as a standout performer in contemporary horse racing but also serves as a testament to the skill and perseverance of all involved in his journey. As the racing community celebrates this achievement, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see if this remarkable gelding can continue his winning ways and perhaps even set new records in the future.
