Eminent to take on Churchill in Ireland

Frankie Dettori
Frankie Dettori is set to ride Eminent in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown

Trainer Martyn Meade is ready to let Eminent take his chance in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown with Frankie Dettori set to take the ride.

Owned by New Zealander Sir Peter Vela, the Frankel colt had a confidence-boosting win in last month’s Group Two Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville after finishing sixth in the 2000 Guineas, fourth in the Epsom Derby and fifth in the Coral-Eclipse.

Meade was initially keen on a return to France for a tilt at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, but an appearance on Saturday now appears increasingly likely.

“We’ve left him in and a lot will depend on what else is going to run, but there’s definitely a strong possibility we’ll let him go,” Meade said.

“It will be down to what else is declared on Thursday. I’m happy to take on Churchill, but there’s Winter there as well, so we’ll see.

“We’re seriously considering it. The horse is in very good form and Frankie Dettori is booked to ride.

“I think the win in France did the horse a lot of good.”

With the Arc taking place three weeks after the Irish Champion Stakes, it is not inconceivable Eminent could run in both, but Meade said that was unlikely.

“He would need to win and win well for us to think about running in the Arc,” he said.

Eminent is one of 14 horses still in contention for the 10-furlong (2000m) Group One showpiece.

Dual 2000 Guineas winner Churchill and his dual 1000 Guineas-winning stablemate Winter are among six possible runners for Aidan O’Brien, along with Cliffs Of Moher, Lancaster Bomber, Taj Mahal and Hydrangea.

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