17:00 Leopardstown

Saturday 12 September 2026

All13:3514:1014:4515:1515:5516:2517:0017:3518:10

Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1)

Off time: 17:01 | Winning time: 2m 2.53s

(8)

Almaqam²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: Kieran Shoemark| T: E Walker| OR: 125| D

9/2

Gained a breakthrough success at the highest level in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh on return and, after making the frame at Royal Ascot, proved at least as good as ever when narrowly denied by Item in the International at York. Credit to his stable and can make his presence felt.

Form: 233-142

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

(1)

Hotazhell^p⁴⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Shane Foley| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 116| BF| C| D

50/1

Made the frame 3 times at the highest level last year, including when an encouraging fourth in this race. Has worked his way back to winning ways this season, proving determined from the front to land a Group 1 at Munich in July. Faces a tougher ask in this contest.

Form: 440-D31

(6)

Lambourn⁴⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Declan McDonogh| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 119| D

40/1

Completed the Epsom/Irish Derby double in 2025 and added a Chester Group 2 (10.5f) on this year's return. Not in the same form next 3 starts (acted as pacemaker on first 2 occasions) but fared better when fourth in the King George at Ascot. Could be back to pacemaking duties here, though.

Form: 4-13054

(7)

Wimbledon Hawkeye²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: C Soumillon| T: George Scott| OR: 115| D

33/1

Grade 3 winner at Kentucky last summer for James Owen and has made a positive start in 2 runs for his new yard this season, third behind Hotazhell in Group 1 at Munich before scoring in a Group 3 at Deauville last month. Has something to find returned to this level.

Form: 10-5231

(2)

A Boy Named Susie²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Oisin Murphy| T: Donnacha O'Brien| OR: 117| D

9/1

Has shown improved form this year with a pair of in-frame efforts behind Constitution River, fourth in the French Derby and runner-up in the Eclipse at Sandown (beaten 3 lengths). Comfortably landed the odds in a Curragh Group 3 on latest outing, but more needed back up in grade.

Form: 22-3421

(3)

Constitution River²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 123| D

11/8

Dual Group 1 winner this season, landing the French Derby before stretching his winning run to 5 with a decisive success in the Eclipse at Sandown. Not seen to best effect (raced freely) when 3½ lengths third of 8 to Item in the International at York, so he's much respected for his leading yard.

Form: 11-1113

(5)

Hawk Mountain²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Pierre-Charles Boudot| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 116

20/1

Group 1-winning juvenile who completed a 4-timer in Group 3 at Chantilly on return. Even better form in defeat when placed behind Constitution River in the French Derby and Eclipse at Sandown, before having excuses (the one to force the pace) when sixth in the International at York last time.

Form: 11-1236

(4)

Item²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Colin Keane| T: A M Balding| OR: 126| D

2/1

Barring a blip on soft ground at Epsom in the Derby, has been most progressive with 5 wins from 6 career starts. Successful 3 times at York this season, finding plenty to overcome trouble and get the better of Almaqam on the line in the International last month. Major player.

Form: 11-1911

Forecasts

Constitution River (11/8), Item (2/1), Almaqam (9/2), A Boy Named Susie (9/1), Hawk Mountain (20/1), Wimbledon Hawkeye (33/1), Lambourn (40/1), Hotazhell (50/1)

Having done well to land the Juddmonte International at York last month, ITEM is fancied to confirm the form with the potential for even better still to come. The son of Frankel can see off the challenge of Constitution River, who isn't taken lightly in his bid to add to Aidan O'Brien's excellent record in this race, with Almaqam also in the mix in a fascinating renewal.