O'Brien turns to history books following heart-breaking defeat

Flemington trainer Danny O'Brien found solace by looking through the history books following his colt Bondeiger's heart-breaking half-head defeat in Saturday's AAMI Victoria Derby.

Bondeiger, left in Black with an Orange Check Sash Silks, joined the likes of Octagonal, Naturalism, Sky Heights, Tie The Knot, Savabeel, Shogun Lodge, Whobegotyou and Super Cool to have been the bridesmaid in the VRC Derby within the past 25 years.

"Some great horses have finished second in this time honored-event, so hopefully he can follow in their footsteps," O'Brien said.

All the horses mentioned early went on to win Group 1 races later in their careers, with some becoming greats of the turf.

"I could not be prouder of the horse, he was brave and James Winks gave him one of the best big-race rides you will ever see, but we just ran into one better on the day.

"We will give him a break now and give him the chance to come out back-up and this performance in the Autumn."

The son of War Pass ends his spring campaign with two wins and two placings from five starts this preparation and prizemoney pushing close to $400,000.

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