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2d ago

Delacroix Seizes Irish Champion Stakes as Soumillon Steps In for O’Brien

Christophe Soumillon deputised for the injured Ryan Moore, underscoring Ballydoyle’s depth during Aidan O’Brien’s standout weekend.

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Overview

  • Christophe Soumillon delivered a tactically sharp ride, striking for home after the pacemaker Mount Kilimanjaro set it up, to hold Anmaat by three-quarters of a length with Royal Champion third, giving Aidan O’Brien a record-extending 13th win in the race.
  • The success marked Delacroix’s second Group 1 of the season after the Coral-Eclipse, reaffirming his stature following a Derby disappointment and a Juddmonte International defeat to Ombudsman.
  • Ryan Moore remains sidelined with a femoral stress fracture and missed Irish Champions Weekend, with Soumillon called up as cover while regular understudy Wayne Lordan served a whip ban.
  • Despite his absence, Moore offered World Pool analysis before racing and flagged Anmaat as a major danger under the prevailing conditions.
  • O’Brien’s cross-channel haul included the St Leger with Scandinavia at Doncaster, and the Leopardstown card also saw Fallen Angel land the Matron Stakes.