12 horses remain in contention for the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes, arguably the biggest contest of Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown this Saturday, 13th September. Defending champion Economics may not be back to defend his title, but the field looks deep in quality, with the standout member of the dozen being Eclipse hero Delacroix.
A disappointment when favourite for the Derby back in June, Delacroix restored his reputation with an extraordinary come-from-behind success in the Eclipse at Sandown a month later. He could not get to grips with a messy race for the Juddmonte International Stakes at York last month, but it is he who may have a pacemaker this time, with trainer Aidan O’Brien leaving habitual front-runner Serengeti in the line up as well.
There is a further trio of potential Ballydoyle representatives although Whirl would appear an unlikely runner having run in the Prix Vermeille just last weekend. O’Brien could also rely on Dee Stakes winner Mount Kilimanjaro and last year’s Dewhurst runner-up Expanded, though neither at this stage possess the profile of Delacroix.
There is international opposition provided by Shin Emperor in the race. Trained in Japan, he was a gallant third 12 months ago and is clearly well-suited by the race’s conditions. This may well have been a long-term target.
British interest is also held by a pair of runners trained by Owen Burrows and Karl Burke respectively. Anmaat won the Champion Stakes at Ascot last season in a 40/1 shock, but has proven himself regularly at this level now for the former, while the latter could send impressive Group 2 York Stakes winner Royal Champion over too. Both would be veterans of the party at the age of seven.
Other Irish trainers beyond Ballydoyle’s doors are set to be represented. John Joseph Murphy’s White Birch has excelled over this trip in Irish Group races and completes the battalion of older horses. The remaining trio are all three-year-olds, with Jessica Harrington responsible for Hotazhell, Dermot Weld sending out Purview and Johnny Murtagh the trainer of Zahrann.
Irish Champion Stakes Runners 2025
| Number | Horse | Trainer |
| 1 | Anmaat | Owen Burrows |
| 2 | Royal Champion | Karl Burke |
| 3 | Shin Emperor | Yoshito Yahagi |
| 4 | White Birch | John Joseph Murphy |
| 5 | Delacroix | Aidan O’Brien |
| 6 | Expanded | Aidan O’Brien |
| 7 | Hotazhell | Jessica Harrington |
| 8 | Mount Kilimanjaro | Aidan O’Brien |
| 9 | Purview | Dermot Weld |
| 10 | Serengeti | Aidan O’Brien |
| 11 | Zahrann | Johnny Murtagh |
| 12 | Whirl | Aidan O’Brien |