Los Angeles stole the show in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, making a name for himself under the bright lights of Los Angeles as he outclassed the competition in a thrilling finale.
After finishing third behind the City Of Troy, Los Angeles had ground to make up with Epsom runner-up Ambiente Friendly, the favourite at the Curragh.
O'Brien had four horses competing in the Classic, with his quartet dominating the race's early stages. The Ballydoyle horses set the pace, with Euphoric, Grosvenor Square, and The Euphrates leading the way for Los Angeles.
Ambiente Friendly challenged Los Angeles for the lead in a fierce battle as they entered the straight. Despite jockey Robert Havlin's best efforts, he couldn't catch Los Angeles, who crossed the finish line with a three-quarter length lead at odds of 13-8.
O'Brien praised his horse for his progress and class, noting that he showed a lot more than expected in the race. The victory marked O'Brien's 16th win in the Irish Derby, solidifying his legacy in the sport.
With bookmakers touting Los Angeles as a favourite for the Betfred St Leger, O'Brien remained cautious, noting that the horse may have more class than initially thought.
Coolmore boss John Magnier praised the horse's performance, highlighting his potential for further improvement. He emphasised the importance of the Epsom form in determining the quality of the race and expressed confidence in Los Angeles' future prospects.
As speculation swirled about potential changes to the Irish Derby distance, Magnier defended the tradition of the mile-and-a-half race, likening it to the Belmont Stakes in America.
Overall, Los Angeles' victory in the Irish Derby showcased his talent and potential, leaving fans and experts eager to see what the future holds for this promising young horse.