We spend a huge amount of time considering how we can best bring events of world class standing to Ireland. Horse Racing Ireland have succeeded in some style with the Champions’ Weekend concept in only it’s second year.
Entries closed yesterday for the €1.1 Million Quipco Irish Champions Stakes and it has attracted a cast list of the genuine equine superstars in world sport.
Seven Japanese entries feature among a strong overseas challenge of 32 horses for the main feature on the opening day of the Longines Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown. The race takes place on Saturday, September 12th.
Japan Cup winner Epiphaneia was the second highest rated horse in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings at the end of last year and three-time Group 1 winner Criterion could become the first horse trained in Australia to run in Ireland.
The seven-time Group 1 winner Cirrus Des Aigles and Karakontie, winner of the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita, California in November stand out among an entry of six from France while Guiliani could represent Germany.
The British challenge numbers 17 at this stage.
“We are delighted to see so many top quality horses entered this year and it is particularly pleasing to see the international spread of entries including horses from Japan and Australia,” said Pat Keogh, Chief Executive of Leopardstown Racecourse.
“The race is currently rated in the top ten in the world and this looks like being another vintage renewal of this famous race.”
With a line up of sponsors that includes Longines, Jaguar, KPMG, Coolmore and John Deere, this is the bluest of blue chip events and is taking place right here in September. It deserves to be celebrated as a showcase event for what Ireland can do on a global sporting stage.
