Doyen to run in Champion Stakes

Godolphin have confirmed that Doyen’s next run will be in the Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on September 11.

The Group One race was suggested as the colt’s probable target in the wake of his magnificent performance in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

Doyen looked every inch a champion as he swept to victory by three lengths from American challenger Hard Buck in the midsummer highlight.

Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford told BBC Sport today: “We talked to Sheikh Mohammed last night and agreed he would go to the Irish Champion Stakes, as we indicated after the Ascot race.

“He came out of the race absolutely super and is a great champion.

“We’ll get the Irish Champion out of the way first and then look at the Arc, and see what everybody wants to do.

“If he stays in training next year there’s more to come. He’s only just now beginning to fulfil his real potential.”

Doyen will be dropping back from 12 furlongs to 10 at Leopardstown, a trip that will be new to him.

After making his debut in a nine-furlong event, Doyen was upped to a mile and a half and has been kept to that trip in eight successive races.