TUESDAY, the home-bred filly trained by Aidan O'Brien, celebrated her third birthday in enviable style at Epsom racecourse's Derby Festival last season. No actual birthday cake (that we saw anyway), but plenty of special attention. She was saddled on the grass in the middle of the parade ring – no stalls on the sidelines for this star – by Aidan himself. The trainer, in a super-league of one, is known for his attention to detail and also brushed her mane, tail and quarters with great care.
Amid the pomp of top hats, high heels and the almost tangible mounting excitement, it was a moment of calm, designed with the horse's best interests at heart. She went on, with Ryan Moore, to take the Grade One Oaks by a short head from the favourite, Emily Upjohn, who slipped leaving the stalls.
That attentiveness is just one of Aidan's tried-and-tested methods, and the results speak
