TheIrish Champion Stakes(Irish:Curadh-Dhuais na hÉireann) is aGroup 1flathorse racein Ireland open to horses aged three years or older. It is run atLeopardstownover a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs (2,012 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in September.
The event was established in 1976, and it was initially held at Leopardstown as the Joe McGrath Memorial Stakes. It was named in memory of Joe McGrath (1887–1966), the founder of the Irish Hospitals' Sweepstake and a successful racehorse owner.
The race was transferred to Phoenix Park and renamed the Phoenix Champion Stakes in 1984. Its present title was introduced in 1991, when the event returned to Leopardstown after the closure of its former venue.
The Irish Champion Stakes became part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge series in 2009. The winner now earns an automatic invitation to compete in the same year's Breeders' Cup Turf.[1]
race conditions €1,250,000 guaranteedFor 3yo+Weights 3yo 9st 3lbs; 4yo+ 9st 9lbsWeight for age 3yo from 4yo+ 6lbAllowances fillies & mares 3lbsPenalty value 1st €712,500.00 2nd €237,500.00 3rd €112,500.00 4th €50,000.00 5th €25,000.00 6th €12,500.00
8 runners declared for Irish Champion Stakes over 10 furlongs at Leopardstown on soft ground .
2024 Ascot Champion stakes winner ANMAAT should go well with ground conditions in his favour.Lightly raced this season , though finished excellent second in Prince of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot in June ,behind the top class Ombudsman on ground that would been too quick. Goes well fresh and has excellent record on soft ground .Odds 4-1 look solid each-way value in this eight runner race .
Eclipse winner DELACROIX looks the main danger ,after finishing good second in Juddmonte International at York last month , though not match for impressive winner Ombudsman on the day, that was still fair effort in messy race .Has to be respected back at Leopardstown, though is unproven on ground this soft.
Of the others soft ground specialist WHITE BIRCH can't be ruled out on pick last seasons form , including winning the G1 Tattersals Gold Cup .Also Goes well fresh ,each-way claims .
12 Runners declared for good looking G2 contest on fast ground .
The likable 7-Y-0 Gelding REBELS ROMANCE is 5lb clear on offical ratings, having won 7 times in group one company. Clearly the one to beat on form, though only just scrambled home in Yorkshire Cup last time over 1M 6F last time .The Charlie Appleby stable are struggling for winners this week at Ascot (0 out 10) .So not for me at around 5-2 .
AL RIFFA looks interesting in first time blinkers, had some decent form last season, including finishing second in the Eclipse behind City Of Troy .Finished creditable third in 1M 2F G2 Neom Turf Cup in February behind Shin Emperor. Will be suited returning to 12 furlongs. Solid each-way claims at around 5-1 or bigger .
SPACE LEGEND looks
best of the rest, ran well in G2 company last season, including finishing
5L second in this race last year behind Calandagan .Place claims .
race conditions £150,000 guaranteedFor 3yoWeights colts & geldings 9st 3lb; fillies 9stPenalties after August 31st, 2024, a winner of a Group 3 race 3lb; of a Group 1 or Group 2 race 5lbEntries 26pay £1,500Penalty value 1st £85,065.00 2nd £32,250.00 3rd £16,140.00 4th £8,040.00 5th £4,035.00 6th £2,025.00
15 Runners declared for 7 furlong Jersey Stakes
The Donnacha O'Brien trained COMANCHE BRAVE , should go well returning to 7 furlongs after finishing fair fifth in Irish 2000 Guineas last time , had previously finished good second to French 2000 guineas winner Henri Mateste in the Red Rocks stakes over this trip. Will be suited returning to G3 company with Ryan Moore booked for first time .Odds 4-1 or above look fair value .
The main danger looks to be Andrew Balding trained MAVELMAN , has shown progressive form this season , including finishing good second in listed company in King Charles 11 stakes at Newmarket last time, behind the Irish 2000 guineas runner up Cosmic Year . Looks open to further improvement .
Of the others Irish 1000 guineas runner up CALIFORNIA DREAMS is consistent sort, no match for Lake Victoria last time , though drop back to 7 furlongs should suit, not best win record (1 out 11) though fair place claims in this lesser race .
Interesting contest with the first four home in the Lockinge stakes, all set to renew rivalry in this top class group one mile contest. I'm hoping today is a lucky one, as after the racing its good to relax a touch and visit https://au.crazyvegas.com/online-pokies for a go on the slots. A great way to sit back with a rum and coke and a bit of casino action.
The Richard Hannon trained 4-Y-0 colt ROSALLION has been put in clear favourite at around 11-4.Won five of his 8 starts, including winning the G1 St James Palace Stakes here at Royal Ascot last year.Made promising reappearance in Lockinge stakes at Newbury last month, finishing 2.5L third behind Lead Artist.Should improve for his first run of the season, though looks short enough in market in such strong race.
Lockinge winner LEAD ARTIST, should go well for new combination Colin Keane & John & Thady Gosden, landed big gamble at Newbury last time 25-1 into 17-2, beating three of todays rivals.All his best form has been on fast ground over mile , including winning Lockinge & Thoroughbred stakes over the trip .Will be suited by this stiff straight mile .Solid each-way claims at 5-1 or above , especially with bookmakers paying 4 places .
2024 Guineas winner NOTABLE SPEECH can't be ruled out on his best form , finished fair fourth in Lockinge stakes on his reappearance last month, had some useful form last season ,including winning 2000 guineas at Newmarket & Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, though was well beaten in St James Palace stakes at Royal Ascot last year behind Rosallion .
DANCING GEMINI has been in great form this season, winning twice and finishing close second in Lockinge , though seemed to just get outstayed in closing stages at Newbury. This stiffer track and fast ground not sure to suit.All his winning form been on easier ground .
Last Years winner ASFOORA has to be respected returning to Ascot, won G3 contest in Australia in April , though was bit disappointing in group one company last time over 6f at , finishing seventh of 14.The return to this stiff five furlongs should suit, though hasn't had prep race in Uk this year .Runs in first time blinkers .
At the prices the consistent 7-Y-0 gelding REGIONALshould go well at decent odds, finished good second last year, just lengh behind Asfoora. Made promising return in April finishing close third in G1 Al Quoz at Meydan behind Believing .Looks well drawn in stall 17 , high drawn numbers often favoured in big field sprints at Ascot on fast ground.Goes well fresh, Solid win & place claims at 8-1 or bigger .
Of the others AL Quoz winner BELIEVING has to be respected with Ryan Moore booked , ran some excellent races last season , including finishing second in Nunthorpe at York & third in Prix De l 'Abbaye at Longchamp, though has yet to fire at Ascot in three starts, finishing only fourth in this race last year.Stall one also looks negative .
Former French trained mare MGHEERA looks best of the rest, has shown improved form this season since switching to Ed Walker stable , winning both starts , including winning the G2 Temple Stakes at Haydock last time. Has bit to find on official rating , though looks open to further improvement.
FIELD OF GOLD will be difficult to beat, looked unlucky loser in 2000 Guineas when given lot to do, made no mistake in Irish Guineas when winning impressively at Curragh under Colin Keane, can reverse form with Ruling Court.This stiffer track will suit .As expected bookmakers are not giving much away at top price 4/5 . NO BET RACE .
2000 Guineas winner RULING COURT, looks the only danger, though looked fortunate winner at Newmarket, getting first run though can chase home Field Of Gold .
race conditions £120,000 guaranteedFor 4yo+ which have not won a Group 1 or Group 2 Pattern race after August 31st, 2024Weights colts & geldings 9st 5lb; fillies 9stPenalties after August 31st, 2024, a winner of a Listed race 3lb; of a Group 3 race 5lbEntries 30pay £600Penalty value 1st £68,052.00 2nd £25,800.00 3rd £12,912.00 4th £6,432.00 5th £3,228.00 6th £1,620.00
16 runners go to post for competitive listed contest over 10 furlongs for Wolferton Stakes .
The four-year-old Harry Charlton Gelding KINGS GAMBIT looks intresting taking drop in class, had some decent form last season , including finishing good second in G3 Hampton Court stakes over C&D at Royal Ascot last year .Also finished creditable second in G2 Sky Bet stakes at York behind Alflaila.Will need bounce back after poor run last time in Aston Park Stakes, though was too free in first time blinkers ,though the return to 10 furlongs with no headgear will suit .Odds around 9-1 look fair win & place value.
Last years second HAUNTED DREAM can't be ruled out, ran career best last time finishing excellent fourth in G2 Neom Cup at Riyadh behind the useful Japanese colt Shin Emperor last time .Goes well fresh on fast ground, place claims at around 14-1
ENFJAAR has
been put in clear favourite at around 9-2, showed progressive form last
season winning twice in handicap company, though ran his best race when
finishing second to Persica in listed company at Ayr .Only fifth in G3
company on reapperance at Sanown, though should improve for that run for
stable that has good record in the race .
Of the others Jersey Stakes winner HAATEM, had some useful form in better
company last season over 7 & 8 furlongs, obvious claims if staying this trip
though far from certain to stay 10 furlongs on pedigree .
Over its 300-year history, Ascot has established itself as a national
institution, with Royal Ascot being the centrepiece of the British
summer social calendar.[1]
The racecourse was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne.
When out riding from Windsor Castle, she came upon an area of open
heath that looked, in her words, 'ideal for horses to gallop at full
stretch'.[2] Her plans for a new race meeting were subsequently announced in The London Gazette of 12 July 1711.
That first meeting was held on 11 August 1711, the original date (and
a race scheduled for 6 August) having been postponed for reasons
unspecified, although it has been speculated that the course was simply
not ready.[4] The Queen and a "brilliant suite"[4] drove from Windsor Castle to witness it, with the first race being a seven horse £50 plate, won by a horse called Doctor owned by the Duke of St Albans.[4] The original racecourse was laid out by William Lowen for the first meet.[2]
Queen Anne's gift to racing, founding the Royal Racecourse, is marked
by the tradition of opening Royal Ascot with The Queen Anne Stakes run
over the straight mile.
Royal Ascot evolved from the first four-day race meeting held at
Ascot in 1768, although the meeting as it is known today only really
started to take shape with the introduction of The Gold Cup in 1807.[17]
Until 1939, Royal Ascot was the only race meeting held at the
racecourse. The Gold Cup remains the feature race of the third day of
Royal Ascot, traditionally the busiest day of the week. During the
racecourse's redevelopment in 2005, the Royal Meeting was held at York Racecourse.
Each of the five days of Royal Ascot begins with the Royal Procession at 2pm, when the monarch and other members of the royal family
arrive down the straight mile in the royal Landaus, accompanied by the
playing of the National Anthem and the raising of the Royal Standard.
This tradition was started in 1825 by George IV.
Royal Ascot is Britain's most valuable race meeting, with millions of pounds in prize money (just over £10 million in 2025 ).[18]
About 500 horses race across the five days. Eighteen Group races, eight
of them Group 1, are staged each year, and are broadcast to audiences
in almost 200 territories around the world.
race conditions £1,500,000 guaranteedFor 3yo colts &
fillies NOTE: Horses will only be eligible to run in this race provided
that they have a current BHA Handicap Rating of 80 or higher at midday
of the confirmation stage. Horses which do not qualify for a rating may
also be eligible providing the BHA Handicapper is satisfied that the
horse's racecourse performances up to and including 31 May merit a
provisional assessment of 80 or higher. Horses which have not run will
not be eligible.Weights colts 9st 2lb; fillies 8st 13lbpay £3,000Penalty value 1st £909,628.40 2nd £344,860.00 3rd £172,590.40 4th £85,974.40 5th £43,147.60 6th £21,654.00
19 runners declared for the Epsom Derby, the biggest field since 20003 when Kris Kin came home first of the 20 runners .Ground conditions are likely to be good/soft or softer With further showers forecast .
Aidan O'Brien seeks a
record-extending 11th victory in the £1.5 million contest with three
chances, Delacroix, The Lion In Winter and Lambourn
Ryan Moore will ride
Delacroix, with Colin Keane partnering The Lion In Winter and Wayne
Lordan aboard Lambourn. The draw was made at 11am on Wednesday with Delacroix in
stall 14, Ruling Court in seven, PrideOf Arras in 16 and The Lion In
Winter widest of all in 19.
Last month's 2,000
Guineas hero Ruling Court bids for a Classic double at Epsom, while
Dante winner Pride Of Arras will look to provide a first Derby success
for trainer Ralph Beckett, who also saddles Stanhope Gardens .
2000 Guineas winner RULING COURT is clear on official BHA ratings on 121, after winning strong Guineas at Newmarket last month, that looked decent form with second Field Of Gold winning Irish 2000 Guineas next time, though hasn't looked short of speed ,winning both starts at mile this season.There has to be big question mark of staying this half-mile longer trip at Epsom. Not for me with big stamina doubts,especially with more rain forecast .
The unbeaten PRIDE OF ARRAS should go well for Ralph Beckett & Rossa Ryan, after winning the Dante Stakes in good style at York last month, that looked decent effort on only his second start,beating Damysus and the reliable 110 rated Wimbledon Hawkeye. Looks open to further improvement over this longer trip with trainer Ralph Beckett reporting the horse likely to take big step forward after his Dante victory.Unraced on ground worse than good ,though has soft ground pedigree. Odds 5-1 or above look solid value.
DELACROIX looks the pick of the Aidan O'Brien three runners, after winning twice at Leopardstown this season, including the Cashel Palace Derby trial in good style last month ,though that didn't look the strongest race, run in slow time.Has Yet to finish outside the first two in seven starts, though the Dubawi colt needs prove his stamina over this longer trip in strongly run race .
Former Ante Post favourite THE LION IN WINTER is difficult to weigh up after finishing disappointing sixth in Dante Stakes,though Can't be ruled out on his useful two-year-old form, has been weak in market with Ryan Moore preferring Delacroix,will need bounce back over this longer trip .
Chester Vase winner LAMBOURN is one the few guaranteed stayers in the field, needing every yard of 1M 4F trip at Chester to beat Lazy Griff , had previously finished staying on second to Delacroix in 10F Ballysax Stakes in March .Will be staying on in closing stages.Further rain will suit .Place claims .
Of the others the John & Thady Gosden trained DAMYSUS looks the most interesting after finishing promising second in Dante behind Pride Of Arros, staying on nicely in closing stages after having wide trip.The Frankel colt looks open to further improvement over this longer trip on only his third start. Place claims .
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