THE Irish Champions Festival was a triumph. A triumph because the two days showcased the real stars of any racing festival, which are the equine athletes. A Japanese runner in the Irish Champion Stakes added an international flavour to Leopardstown on Saturday and will hopefully encourage more foreign competition in the future. There were six Group 1 races over the two days, and it is refreshing that one trainer did not dominate them. Aidan O’Brien did land two of them, but the other four were won by different trainers.

Comer Group International Irish St Leger