New Bay adds spice to Irish Champion Stakes mix

New Bay is on course to take on the best of this year’s Classic generation in what promises to be a fascinating renewal of the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday.

Last year’s French Derby winner is one of 17 names left in the mile-and-a-quarter Group One contest alongside dual Derby winner Harzand and English 1000 Guineas and Oaks heroine Minding at the latest confirmation stage.

Having failed to feature in the Prix d’Ispahan on his seasonal reappearance at Chantilly in May, the Andre Fabre-trained four year old returned from a short break with victory in a Group Three contest at Deauville last month.