Trainer Aidan O’Brien remains optimistic about his colt Gstaad’s prospects after another runner-up finish behind Bow Echo in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday. The latest result extended the winning streak of George Boughey’s Bow Echo to three consecutive victories over the Ballydoyle-trained rival.

Despite the ongoing rivalry favoring Bow Echo, O’Brien expressed satisfaction with Gstaad’s performance and is preparing for further strategic adjustments ahead of potential future meetings. “We’re always happy to finish second because you always want to run against the best horses,” O’Brien said, noting the possibility of the two colts facing off in France later this season.

Looking ahead, O’Brien identified the Prix de Moulin and the Prix Jacques le Marois as likely targets for Gstaad’s next campaign, with the timing of the former offering additional recovery and preparation time. He emphasized Gstaad’s physical development, describing him as a larger and potentially more robust horse compared to Bow Echo. “As a physical specimen, he’s much bigger than George’s horse and they do get stronger as the year goes on,” O’Brien commented.

While acknowledging Bow Echo’s current unbeaten record against Gstaad, O’Brien suggested that their progression through the season could alter the competitive balance. He noted Bow Echo’s smaller stature and implied that Gstaad’s continued growth might provide an advantage as the year progresses. “Maybe [Bow Echo] might not progress as much as the year goes on, and maybe he will, but the only way to find out is when they run against each other,” he added.

The rivalry between Bow Echo and Gstaad remains a key storyline in this year’s mile division, with their forthcoming encounters in French Group 1 races expected to draw considerable attention from racing observers.