Magical performance to win Irish Champion
Magical has claimed a third Group One success in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown to give trainer Aidan O’Brien an eighth win in the race.
The mare has spent much of her admirable career chasing the brilliant Enable at the top level and could take her on again in next month’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
The 11-10 favourite had a dream passage under Ryan Moore to beat stablemate Magic Wand by 2-1/4 lengths with Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck another head third.
Japan’s Deirdre was the unlucky horse in the race, trapped for racing room when the pace quickened before finishing fourth.
Magical has been cut from 14-1 to 6-1 for the Arc.
“We were delighted,” O’Brien said.
“She had a midsummer break and her first run back was in York. She ran Enable to a couple of lengths and we knew she was going to come forward a good bit.
“”She was just ready to go to York. Obviously Enable is a great filly and when we saw her running that well against her we were looking forward to this race and the autumn after that.
“We knew she was going to be in real good shape for today and I couldn’t have been happier with her.
“The plan was to go to the Arc from here, but usually what happens is we see how they come out of it, talk to the lads and they see if they stay on the programme or go a different way.
“It’s something great to have to think about.”
The trainer said Magic Wand was likely to travel overseas.
“She’s a lovely filly as well,” he said.
“She can do the likes of Hong Kong and all those places. She loves fast ground and anywhere from a mile to a mile and a half.
“She’s very versatile.”