Aidan O’Brien admits virus has hit hard

Champion Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien admits his stable has been hit hard by a virus.

Champion Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien has admitted his season could be over if there is any recurrence of a virus which has affected his stable.

Last year O’Brien claimed a world record 28 Group One winners for the season but so far in 2018, has eight.

The virus hit all areas of his Ballydoyle stable.

“It was in all of our three yards. It was as bad as we’ve had at Ballydoyle,” O’Brien said after Fairyland won a Group Two race at York.

“I think we’re at the other side of it now, though, and the year is not over yet, but if there is a relapse the season is over.”