High drama as Chaparral crowned Champion

HIGH CHAPARRAL proved his star quality with a gutsy victory over Falbrav in a controversial Ireland The Food Island Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained dual Derby-winner proved he has fully recovered from the shoulder injury sustained in the spring when fighting courageously to hold Falbrav and Islington by a head and a neck in a thrilling climax.

And he then survived a Stewards Enquiry and an objection lodged by Falbrav’s rider Darryll Holland for “intimidation” inside the final furlong.