Another Magical moment as Aidan O’Brien’s star takes Irish Champion Stakes

Magical ridden by Seamus Heffernan (centre) beats Ghaiyyath (right) to win the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes on day one of the Longines Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown Racecourse. Photo: PA Wire

Magical. Just magical. Aidan O’Brien’s brilliant mare bounced back to her best to win the Irish Champion Stakes, the feature on the opening day of the 2020 Champions Weekend, for the second consecutive year.

The pre-race emphasis was on Ghaiyyath, who was bidding for a fourth consecutive Group 1 this season and he duly took his place at the head of affairs. Magical, who was no match for him in the Juddmonte International at York on their previous outing, sat almost upsides from an early stage on this occasion and maintained that position until the turn for home.