ASCOT – Aidan O’Brien said he was looking forward to “his marmalade and toast” after Paddington’s victory in the feature St James’s Palace Stakes made him the all-time record winning trainer at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.

Irish 2000 Guineas winner Paddington strode clear of Frankie Dettori on English 2000 Guineas champion Chaldean to give O’Brien his 83rd victory at the meeting, moving one clear of Michael Stoute.

Stoute had set the record in front of Queen Elizabeth II but with her death last year it was King Charles III and Queen Camilla – who have some runners this week – who led the Royal Procession down the course prior to racing.

O’Brien’s ninth win in the St James’s Palace came after River Tiber had given him his 10th victory in the Coventry Stakes – both ridden by Ryan Moore.

Moore’s double moved him to 75 wins, two shy of 52-year-old Dettori, who had a miserable opening day in his final Royal Ascot.

“I am looking forward to my marmalade and toast,” said a grinning O’Brien after welcoming back Paddington, named after the famous bear whose favoured food was a marmalade sandwich.

O’Brien was in awe of the improvement the winner had shown since starting his career as a handicapper – on Tuesday he became the 13th horse to achieve the Irish 2000 Guineas, St James’s Palace double.

“He is an incredible horse, coming from being a handicapper to this level,” purred the 53-year-old Irishman.

“He is a smart horse and very exciting to watch race.”

Moore eulogised about his performance.

“He is a very good colt, he is improving and improving,” said Moore.

“He has a big engine and a lot of class.” AFP

• Tags: Aidan O’Brien, St James’s Palace Stakes