The Comer Group International Irish St.LegeR
The Curragh
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Al Riffa
Al Riffa is a French‑bred bay colt (foaled 18 February 2020), sired by Wootton Bassett out of Love On My Mind, trained by Joseph P. O’Brien and owned by Al Riffa Syndicate. A consistent performer, he has run around a dozen times in his career, and this season, enjoyed a strong campaign: he was third in the Neom Turf Cup (Saudi Arabia) in February 2025, fourth in the Group 1 Prix Ganay at Longchamp in April, second in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, and won the Group 2 Curragh Cup by five lengths in July, excelling over 1m 6f after stepping up in trip.
Illinois
Illinois, a 4-year-old Galileo colt trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, looks ready made for the Comer Group International Irish St. Leger. He opened his 2025 campaign with a gritty win in the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes at Chester in May before running a huge race behind Trawlerman in the Ascot Gold Cup (G1, 2m 4f) the following month. While he narrowly lost out to his younger stable companion Scandinavia at Goodwood in July, Illinois continues to hold his form well and could be a serious contender for top honours at the Curragh on September 14.
Sober
a 2019 gelding by Camelot out of Burma Sea, is trained by Willie Mullins for OTI Racing & The Why Knot Partnership. A proven stayer, he produced a dominant five-length victory in the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot in June 2025, confirming his class over extreme distances. Now six, Sober is being aimed squarely at the Comer Group International Irish St. Leger (G1) on Irish Champions Weekend at the Curragh, where his blend of stamina, experience, and recent winning form makes him a major contender for Classic-level staying honours.
Crystal Black
A 2018 gelding by Teofilo out of She’s Our Mark, is trained by Gerard Keane for the Wear A Pink Ribbon Syndicate. A proven stayer, he claimed the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2024 and returned in 2025 with a solid runner-up finish at Leopardstown in August, showing he remains in top form. Entered in the Comer Group International Irish St. Leger (G1) on Irish Champions Festival, Crystal Black’s blend of stamina, durability, and consistent Group-level performances makes him a strong contender for Ireland’s premier staying prize.
Scandinavia
A 2022 colt by Justify out of Fabulous, is trained by Aidan O’Brien for the Coolmore partners. After breaking his maiden at Navan he announced himself in style with an emphatic Bahrain Trophy (G3) win at Newmarket and followed up by taking the Goodwood Cup (G1), showing both class and staying scope. Now being aimed at the Comer Group International Irish St. Leger (G1) on Irish Champions Festival, Scandinavia brings proven stamina, upward momentum and Group-1 form to the Curragh—making him a leading contender for Ireland’s premier staying Classic.
Jan Brueghel
Jan Brueghel, a Galileo colt trained by Aidan O’Brien, is rising fast in the older middle-distance ranks. He finished second in the Alleged Stakes (G3, Curragh, Apr 12) and delivered a powerful victory in the Coronation Cup (G1, Epsom, Jun 6) under Ryan Moore. With strong form over 1m4f, but unfortunately coming in fourth at the King George (July 26th). With entries in the Irish Champion Stakes and Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe, he's firmly in the elite mix for top summer and autumn targets.
Trustyourinstinct
Trustyourinstinct, a May 8, 2020‑foaled Churchill gelding trained by Joseph O’Brien and owned by John P. McManus, has enjoyed a strong 2025 flat campaign. He placed third in the Group 2 Al Basti Equiworld Stakes (Curragh, May 5), then returned to form with a four‑length win in a Curragh Listed race (May 24) . He topped the pattern with a dominant win in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai International Stakes (G3, Curragh, June 28). Rated around 109, he’s entered in the Irish St Leger and could step back up to G1 company.
Amiloc
Amiloc, a gelding by Postponed trained by Ralph Beckett and ridden by Rossa Ryan/Hector Crouch, remains unbeaten in three 2025 starts. He claimed a Conditions Stakes at Goodwood on May 2 by 3¼ lengths, then dominated the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood on May 24. He capped his rise with victory in the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Ascot on June 20. Now entered in major midsummer targets such as the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group 2) and the Irish St Leger (Group 1).
