Auguste Rodin primed to defend Irish Champion Stakes crown 

A Group1 winner as a juvenile, Ylang Ylang will bid for further top-level success in the Coolmore America Justify Matron Stakes

Auguste Rodin and groom Rachel Richardson leading the string back to the stables after morning exercise at Ballydoyle on Monday.

City Of Troy may be focused elsewhere but Aidan O’Brien has a whole host of Group 1 winners primed for the challenges of the Irish Champions Festival at Leopardstown and the Curragh.

The feature of the weekend’s action is the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes, the highlight of Saturday’s programme in Leopardstown, and last year’s first and second, Auguste Rodin and Luxembourg, are on track for the return.