Christophe Soumillon leaned over and planted a quick kiss on Delacroix’s neck as the colt strode back from morning exercise, a small gesture that spoke volumes. The Frenchman, booked for Saturday’s Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (G1), knows the favourite’s temperament could be just as crucial as his turn of foot when Leopardstown comes alive for Irish Champions Weekend.
Breeders’ Cup Berths on the Line
The spotlight will fall firmly on Delacroix in the feature race, which offers the winner an automatic place in the $5 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) at Del Mar. It’s one of three Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series races on the card — the Matron Stakes (G1) leading into the Filly & Mare Turf, and the Champions Juvenile Stakes (G2), pointing to the Juvenile Turf.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien, Delacroix arrives with the weight of expectation. The Dubawi colt was narrowly denied by Ombudsman in the Juddmonte International (G1) last month but has already shown his class at Leopardstown, landing the Ballysax (G3) and Derby Trial (G3) earlier this season. A disappointing Derby ninth is long forgotten now as Soumillon renews their partnership.
Rival Challenges
Among those hoping to spoil the party is Owen Burrows’ seasoned warrior Anmaat, winner of last year’s QIPCO Champion Stakes and proven in the mud. Local hope Zahrann, trained by Johnny Murtagh, adds intrigue after a fluent Royal Whip (G3) victory, while Japan’s Shin Emperor, who placed third in this race last year before winning Riyadh’s Neom Turf Cup, makes the journey again.
Then there is White Birch, a crowd favourite for John Joseph Murphy, who beat Auguste Rodin in last year’s Tattersalls Gold Cup. Assistant trainer George Murphy summed up the stable mood: “He’s thriving, we’re delighted with him, and Leopardstown has always been the plan.”
Completing the strong eight-horse field are Royal Champion, Hotazhell, and O’Brien’s supplementary entry Mount Kilimanjaro.
Fallen Angel Leads Matron Stakes
Away from the colts, the Matron Stakes brings together a glittering 11-runner field, spearheaded by Fallen Angel. Karl Burke’s filly has already delivered Classic glory and arrives off a Group 1 win in the Prix Rothschild. Aidan O’Brien’s January and Joseph Murphy’s Cercene — both consistent at the top level — ensure the mile contest has real depth.
Juvenile Stars in the Making
The five-runner Champions Juvenile Stakes may be small but is loaded with promise. Frankel’s son Benvenuto Cellini heads the field for Aidan O’Brien, though his brother Joseph counters with Hardy Warrior and Nil Bua Gan Dua, while Donnacha O’Brien relies on A Boy Named Susie.
A Global Stage
For all three contests, the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series offers more than prestige. Winners receive paid entry and travel to the World Championships at Del Mar, where international racing’s spotlight will shine brightest come October.
Irish Champions Weekend promises the blend of passion, heritage, and high stakes that Leopardstown delivers better than anywhere. And in the heart of it all, the Irish Champion Stakes will determine whether Delacroix can turn expectation into triumph.
Stay tuned to Racebuzz for more interesting updates.
