The Comer Group International Irish St.LegeR
The Curragh
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.
Al Qareem
Al Qareem, a six-year-old bay gelding by Awtaad out of Moqla, is trained by Karl R. Burke for Nick Bradley Racing & partners. A tough, honest stayer, he has enjoyed a productive 2025 with multiple strong efforts in long-distance races, including recent wins at York over about 1m 5f-2m. Now firmly aimed at the Comer Group International Irish St. Leger (G1, 1m 6f) at the Curragh on Irish Champions Festival, September 14, Al Qareem is expected to be primed by his York runs and consistent staying form. His owners and trainer have stated the Irish St. Leger is "the number one target" for him this autumn.
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.
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. Winner of the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group 2) and declared for the Irish St Leger (Group 1).
