Royal Bahrain IrishChampion Stakes
Leopardstown
White Birch
White Birch, a 2020 grey colt by Ulysses out of Diagnostic, is trained by John Joseph Murphy for owner Mrs. C. C. Regalado-Gonzalez. A consistent and high-class performer, he swept all three of his Curragh starts last season, most notably a three-length triumph over Auguste Rodin in the Tattersalls Gold Cup (G1), alongside victories in the Mooresbridge Stakes (G2) and the Alleged Stakes (G3). This season he returned to the Tattersalls Gold Cup, where he lined up against fellow Irish Champion Stakes hopefuls Los Angeles and Anmaat. Unlucky in running, White Birch was repeatedly caught in traffic and never found a clear passage, leaving connections frustrated that he couldn’t show his full ability on the day. After a spring campaign affected by unsuitable ground, his team opted to skip the summer with an autumn return in mind. Now firmly targeted at the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (G1) on Irish Champions Festival, White Birch brings proven Group 1 form, a strong Curragh record, and genuine middle-distance class to Leopardstown’s ten-furlong showpiece, where he remains one of Ireland’s most compelling contenders.
Delacroix
Delacroix, a Dubawi colt out of Tepin, foaled April 2, 2022, is trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore. He kicked off 2025 with dominant wins in the Ballysax Stakes (Mar 30) and Leopardstown Derby Trial (May 11). He finished ninth in the Epsom Derby (Jun 7) but rebounded to win the Coral‑Eclipse (G1, Sandown, Jul 5) by a neck from Ombudsman. Juddmonte international 2nd place to Ombudsman, O’Brien has quoted “We learnt if he’s well we will go back to Leopardstown with Delacroix and hopefully this won’t happen again.” Now entered in the Irish Champion Stakes, hoping to stamp his authority over the 1m 2f division. Certainly one to watch in the lead up to Irish Champions Festival.
Zahrann
A 2022 colt by Night Of Thunder out of Zannda, is trained by Johnny Murtagh for the Aga Khan. Progressive through the year, he followed a wide-margin Cork maiden win with the Listed King George V Cup at Leopardstown, ran a brave second in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, then captured the Royal Whip Stakes (G3) at the Curragh beating notable group winner Galen & Los Angles. Firmly on the upgrade, Zahrann now has the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (G1) on Irish Champions Festival as his prime target. With tactical speed, ten-furlong versatility, and recent Group-class form, he shapes as a live contender to stamp himself among Europe’s elite in the feature at Leopardstown.
Shin Emperor
Shin Emperor (Siyouni–Starlet’s Sister), trained by Yoshito Yahagi and ridden by Ryusei Sakai, claimed the Group 2 Neom Turf Cup at Riyadh on Feb 22, dominating by 1¾ lengths. He then finished 7th in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan on Apr 5 (G1, 1m 4f). After an impressive 3rd last year in the Irish Champions Stakes, and with a rating near 123 and aimed at top-tier targets including the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, he's one to track. All roads lead to Irish Champions Festival.
Royal Champion
Royal Champion, a 2019 gelding by Shamardal trained by Roger Varian, has developed into a high-class performer over ten furlongs. Already the winner of the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2023, he stepped forward again this summer when producing a career-best to land the Group 2 Sky Bet York Stakes at York, showcasing his sharp turn of foot and strength at the finish. That victory underlined his credentials at the top level, and connections have now set their sights firmly on the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (G1) at Leopardstown. With his proven consistency, tactical speed, and upward trajectory, Royal Champion enters Irish Champions Weekend as a live contender against Europe’s elite in one of the season’s defining middle-distance contests.
Anmaat
Anmaat, trained by Owen Burrows and ridden by Jim Crowley, is a 2025 standout middle-distance runner. He narrowly missed out on the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh on May 25, finishing second, and followed up with another runner-up finish in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Ascot on June 18. The veteran is a strong contender for top-tier races including Juddmonte International and Irish Champion Stakes.
