Press Release
Wednesday 30th August 2006
Champions Clash At Leopardstown
Dylan Thomas & Ouija Board likely to clash in the €1 million Baileys Irish Champion Stakes atLeopardstownon Saturday 9th September.
The Champion Stakes is always one of the highlights of the racing year and the 2006 renewal is set to be another thriller. Despite his surprise defeat in the recent Juddmonte International Stakes at York, Aidan O’Brien’s brilliant winner of the Budweiser Irish Derby, Dylan Thomas, is an intended runner and may be joined in the line up bystable companion, Ace, as his trainer bids to win this prestigious race for the fourth time in his career.
Ed Dunlop’s Ouija Board is the most popular flat performer inGreat Britainat present and after her last gasp success in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood in early August, this six time Group One winner is on course to take part after pleasing connections in a recent gallop. Jim Bolger’s Alexander Goldrun, runner up to Ouija Board in the Nassau Stakes and a close third in the race twelve months ago, is also a likely contender although connections will leave it late before committing her as she holds an alternative engagement in the Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes on the same card.
The Kevin Prendergast trained Mustameet is one of the most improved horses in training this year and having proved successful in five of his last six outings, including the Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh, this ultra smart five year old fully deserves a crack at a Group One prize. No decision has been made as to whether recent Juddmonte International Stakes runner up, Maraahel, will take his chance while the ultra consistent Chelsea Rose is another who could make the line up in what should be another tremendously exciting contest.
Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes
Successful in the race in 2004,JamesFanshawe’s Soviet Song could bid for another triumph in the Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes, the second Group One event down for decision on a wonderful day’s racing. Although performing below par in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood last Sunday, connections are happy with the way she has come out of the race and are now considering options for this five time Group One winner.
Sir Michael Stoute saddled Chic to finish runner up to Attraction in last year’s renewal and he is likely to run either Echelon or Peeress while other possible English raiders are John Gosden’s Nannina and Mick Channon’s Flashy Wings, who finished first and second respectively in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot in mid-June. Michael Bell’s Red Evie, unbeaten on her only six races this season is likely to try and make it a perfect seven while Brian Meehan is considering the race for hisVioletPark. Aidan O’Brien’s recent Group 3 winner, Race For The Stars, could well be his chosen representative while Michael Halford will be hoping for softish ground for his charge, Jazz Princess, winner of the Athasi Stakes at the Curragh in May.JoeMurphy’s Ardbrae Lady, runner up in the Irish 1000 Guineas earlier in the year, is another intended runner with Kevin Prendergast relying on Tamazug.
For further information please contact:
LeopardstownRacecourse 01-289 0500