Delacroix Captures Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes in Thrilling Finish

UPDATE: In a thrilling display at Leopardstown on Saturday, Delacroix surged to victory in the prestigious Group 1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes, marking a remarkable 13th triumph in this event for legendary trainer Aidan O’Brien. The 2/1 favorite, expertly ridden by Christophe Soumillon, outpaced formidable contenders to secure the win, solidifying O’Brien’s dominance in the racing world.

The race saw strong competition from English challengers, with Anmaat finishing as runner-up at 4/1 and Royal Champion taking third at 18/1, both guided by jockeys Chris Hayes and Clifford Lee, respectively. This victory not only adds to O’Brien’s impressive record but also highlights Delacroix’s growing reputation on the international stage.

In another exciting race earlier in the day, Fallen Angel, the 9/4 favorite, clinched the first Group 1 contest of the Irish Champions Festival by winning the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes for trainer Karl Burke. This four-year-old grey filly, who previously triumphed in the Group 1 Moyglare Stakes and the Tattersalls Ireland 1000 Guineas, showcased her talent once again, ridden by James Doyle.

Burke also celebrated an earlier victory when Convergent won the Group 3 CMG Group Stakes under Clifford Lee, completing a swift double for the trainer on this thrilling day of racing.

In the Group 2 KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes, Benvenuto Cellini emerged victorious, backed as the 1/2 favorite. The son of Frankel, trained by Aidan O’Brien and also ridden by Christophe Soumillon, demonstrated impressive speed, finishing with a five-length lead over Hardy Warrior. This win earns him an automatic entry into the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar later this season.

The day concluded with a notable performance from Diamond Necklace, who won the Listed Ballylinch Stud Irish EBF Ingabelle Stakes for Aidan O’Brien as the 1/2 favorite. In a commanding effort, Soumillon replaced the injured Ryan Moore and the suspended Wayne Lordan, steering the bay juvenile daughter of St Mark’s Basilica to a comfortable two and a quarter-length victory.

Additionally, Rahmi, trained by Johnny Murtagh, claimed victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Sovereign Path Handicap with seven-pound claimer Rory Mulligan aboard, highlighting an extraordinary day of racing at Leopardstown.

As the Irish Champions Festival continues, racing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate what the next days will bring. Stay tuned for more updates as the excitement unfolds.