The Leopardstown crowd rose in appreciation as Christophe Soumillon punched the air, Delacroix powering past the post with the confidence of a horse who knew the race was his. In the stands, Aidan O’Brien’s team exchanged knowing smiles — another page of history had just been written. For O’Brien, this was no ordinary victory. It was a record 13th triumph in the Irish Champion Stakes, a feat that only underlines his remarkable dominance on Champions Weekend.
A Masterful Ride, a Relentless Horse
The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (G1) — centerpiece of the opening day of the Irish Champions Festival — unfolded at a furious clip thanks to Delacroix’s stablemate Mount Kilimanjaro. Content to sit off the early burn, Soumillon bided his time, edging his mount towards the stands’ rail at the top of the straight. It proved decisive. When he asked Delacroix to stretch, the response was instant.
Anmaat gave chase but never looked like reeling in the Coral Eclipse winner, while Royal Champion stayed on for third. The winning margin — three-quarters of a length — hardly told the story of how emphatically the colt stamped his authority over the 1¼-mile contest, run in 2:04:69 on ground described as Good to Yielding.
“Christophe gave him an incredible ride,” said O’Brien, who has now won the race with the likes of Giant’s Causeway, Dylan Thomas, and Magical. “He’s a big, powerful horse, very hardy, and when you say ‘go’ he just takes over. What he did at Sandown was unusual and he’s shown it again here. We’re delighted with him — he has plenty of options ahead.”
Victory also carried added weight: Delacroix’s berth in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) at Del Mar in October is now secure, courtesy of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.
Fallen Angel Flies in the Matron
If Delacroix gave the crowd dominance, Fallen Angel (GB) gave them heart. Trained by Karl Burke and ridden by James Doyle, the filly fought tooth and nail to win the Coolmore America “Justify” Matron Stakes (G1), booking her ticket to the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
Chasing Vera’s Secret through the early fractions, Fallen Angel loomed up in the straight only to be met with a fierce rival in Exactly. For the final half-furlong, the two grey fillies slugged it out, Doyle driving his mount home by half a length in a stirring finish.
“She’s just so tough,” Doyle said. “Every time you ask, she finds more. Karl and his team have done a fantastic job, and it’s always special riding winners like this for Wathnan Racing.”
The mile was covered in 1:38:93, sealing a fourth Group 1 victory for the daughter of Too Darn Hot.
Benvenuto Cellini Announces Himself
Aidan O’Brien wasn’t finished making headlines. In the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes (G2), Benvenuto Cellini announced himself as a colt of serious potential, streaking away for a five-length success under Soumillon.
Tracking Hardy Warrior early, the son of Frankel moved smoothly into contention before quickening clear in a matter of strides. Owned in partnership by Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Westerberg, he stopped the clock at 1:42:35 for the mile trip — a performance that earned him an automatic spot in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.
It was O’Brien’s 11th victory in the juvenile feature, an extraordinary record that reinforces his grip on Leopardstown’s biggest weekend.
Irish Champion Stakes Day: A Launchpad for Del Mar
With Delacroix, Fallen Angel, and Benvenuto Cellini all securing “Win and You’re In” places, the Breeders’ Cup stage in Del Mar looms large. Beyond the victories, the day delivered what Irish Champions Weekend always promises — high drama, top-class racing, and the kind of performances that echo across the global stage.
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