There’s a palpable buzz in the air around Ireland’s racing scene, and it’s easy to see why. This September, Leopardstown sets the stage for one of the most anticipated weekends in the flat racing calendar. The Irish Champions Festival launches in style on Saturday 13th September 2025. It’s an electric day packed with elite Group races, entertainment and festival flair, and it’s one of the most spectacular events for Irish racing fans.
Race day schedule
- 12:15pm – Gates open
- 2:15pm – The Ballylinch Stud Irish EBF Ingabelle Stakes (Listed)
- 2:50pm – The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Sovereign Path Premier Handicap
- 3:20pm – The KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes (Group 2)
- 3:50pm – The CMG Group Stakes (Group 3)
- 4:25pm – The Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes (Group 1)
- 4:55pm – The Tonybet Solonaway Stakes (Group 2)
- 5:30pm – The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1)
- 6:05pm – The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Petingo Premier Handicap
- 6:40pm – The HKJC World Pool Autumn Fillies Premier Handicap
On Saturday 13th September 2025 at Leopardstown racecourse, the gates open at precisely 12:15pm, inviting racing fans into a day of drama and unmissable action. The first race is scheduled for 2:15pm, kicking off the nine-race card that promises world-class performances – though, as always in racing, the precise schedule may shift closer to the day. Organisers advise keeping an eye on updates to account for any last-minute changes.
The racing unfolds in a compelling rhythm from the very first race. The Listed Ballylinch Stud Irish EBF Ingabelle Stakes starts the ball rolling at 2:15pm. Then, at 2:50pm, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Sovereign Path Premier Handicap puts stamina and strategy to the test.
At 3:20pm, the Group 2 KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes highlights rising juvenile stars. At 3:50pm, the Group 3 CMG Group Stakes tests both grit and speed at the highest level.
Group 1 action returns at 4:25pm with the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes, showcasing some of the very best fillies and mares on the planet. Not long afterwards, the Group 2 Tonybet Solonaway Stakes throws form into sharp contrast at 4:55pm. The crown of the day, the Group 1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes, is set to start at 5:30pm.
The racing continues with the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Petingo Premier Handicap at 6:05pm. Then, the HKJC World Pool Autumn Fillies Premier Handicap at 6:40pm closes the curtain on an unforgettable day of top-class racing.
Irish horse owners
Ireland’s racing heart beats through its iconic owners, and Day 1 of the Irish Champions Festival represents a glittering showcase for homegrown calibre.
Familiar names such as Susan Magnier and Michael Tabor, deeply influential in global racing and often racing in partnership with Aidan O’Brien, figure prominently in ownership of top contenders. While group entries are still evolving, their horses are always ones to watch.
Susan Magnier is a central figure in both Irish and international racing, operating alongside Derrick Smith through Coolmore Stud. The daughter of legendary trainer Vincent O’Brien and wife of John Magnier, her horses – including many trained by Aidan O’Brien – regularly feature in top races at Leopardstown. A multiple-time Leading Flat Owner in Ireland, Magnier’s influence is felt through the quality of her entries, from promising juveniles to seasoned Group 1 contenders, making her a key presence on Day 1 of the Irish Champions Festival.
Aidan O’Brien himself, though primarily a trainer, is intertwined with many ownership operations, while names such as Joseph O’Brien and Willie Mullins represent the training-owner nexus that fuels Irish success.
Another top trainer is Ger Lyons, who has established himself as one of Ireland’s most reliable flat trainers with Leopardstown among his most successful tracks. Known for producing classy juveniles and developing them into Group performers – such as classic winner Siskin – Lyons consistently makes his mark at top festivals. While his yard lacks the numerical firepower of Ballydoyle, his runners in the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes are always dangerous – especially when underestimated in the betting.
A former top jockey turned trainer, Johnny Murtagh ranks fourth in the Irish standings and has an excellent strike rate at both Leopardstown and the Curragh. His horses often peak for the big handicaps, where tactical placement and shrewd jockey choices can make all the difference. On Day 1, expect his runners in the Sovereign Path or Petingo Handicaps to attract strong support, given his proven ability to deliver on big occasions.
Elsewhere, Adrian Murray is a fast-rising name to note. He is sitting fifth in the standings with an impressive 23% strike rate at the Curragh. Best known for improving sprinters and milers, Murray has developed a reputation for keeping horses fresh for festival targets. His Leopardstown entries may not come in large numbers, but his runners are usually well-prepared and respected by punters, making him a trainer to watch closely across the festival’s handicaps.
Top horses to watch
Day 1 of the Irish Champions Festival promises an extraordinary lineup, led by the Japanese globe-trotter Shin Emperor – though Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Field Of Gold won’t be competing.
Due to Field Of Gold’s joint injury, he won’t be in action this September, which has been tough for his yard and also racing fans eager to see him back in action.
Juddmonte’s racing manager Barry Mahon said: “He’s not done any fast work and he’s probably heading towards Champions Day, I would imagine. Hopefully the ground isn’t too soft and that’s where we’ll see him next.
“The Prix du Moulin and the Irish Champion Stakes are obviously coming too soon because he hasn’t done any fast work since the Sussex, but he’s doing steady canters, he’s sound and the joint has tightened up well and the team are very happy with his well-being.”
However, according to Shin Emperor’s camp, they are happy with his preparation: “He is improving. Physically and mentally, he has gotten more mature compared to last year.” It has also been confirmed that jockey Ryusei Sakai will ride him once again in Ireland.
Among overseas challengers, Owen Burrows’ Anmaat and Ed Walker’s Almaqam offer strong form for punters to consider.
Meanwhile, Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle-trained entries are star-studded, featuring the Coral-Eclipse winner Delacroix, the Tattersalls Gold Cup hero Los Angeles, and the progressive three-year-old The Lion In Winter. All are capable of shaping the narrative in Ireland’s most prestigious races.
For those looking for betting value, Tonybet offers real-time odds on these marquee runners – covering every single race throughout the festival – where careful attention to last-minute declarations and market shifts could uncover potential advantages.
In other key contests, Sunday’s St Leger will see O’Brien represented by Illinois and Jan Brueghel, while Willie Mullins’ dual-purpose performer Absurde brings both stamina and versatility to the mix.
Continental and international form is also on display, with France’s Prix Royal-Oak winner Double Major (trained by Christophe Ferland) and Britain’s Dubai Honour, a Group 1 winner at Rosehill, Sydney, in April, adding depth to the card. Punters can monitor Tonybet for dynamic odds as these entries progress toward the post.
Additional runners with strong potential include Joseph O’Brien’s dual Group 1 scorer Al Riffa, Karl Burke-trained Al Qareem, Gerry Keane’s Crystal Black, and Charlie Appleby’s Arabian Crown. Juvenile races, Group 1 contests, and top handicaps all offer strategic opportunities.
Bettors seeking value may look to progressive two-year-olds in the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes or lightly raced fillies in the Matron Stakes, where odds can fluctuate sharply based on early market sentiment.
Overall, Day 1 at Leopardstown combines proven international stars with emerging local talent. With Tonybet providing up-to-date markets, fans and punters have the tools to make informed decisions while enjoying one of Ireland’s most prestigious racing festivals.
Our expert predictions
Day 1 at Leopardstown offers a thrilling mix of proven stars and competitive handicaps, making it both exciting and challenging for punters. In the headline Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes, Shin Emperor looks formidable based on international form, but Delacroix offer strong winning chances, especially given Aidan O’Brien’s record at Leopardstown.
For bettors, Tonybet odds currently suggest a tight market, making value bets on outsiders such as The Lion In Winter potentially rewarding.
In the Matron Stakes, experience often triumphs, but emerging fillies could upset expectations. Porta Fortuna and other seasoned mares are likely to dominate early markets, yet keeping an eye on late declarations or jockey changes via Tonybet can reveal high-value opportunities. The Juvenile Stakes also offers intrigue, and lightly raced two-year-olds could provide generous returns for those willing to speculate.
Handicap races such as the Sovereign Path Premier Handicap and the Autumn Fillies Premier Handicap are often won by well-handicapped runners peaking for the day. Jonny Murtagh’s and Adrian Murray’s entries in these contests should not be overlooked, as both trainers have excellent records in festival handicaps. Watching Tonybet’s live odds can help punters spot subtle market shifts that may reflect insider confidence in these runners.
Across all races, the combination of international talent, Irish stars and smartly placed juveniles ensures that each race on Day 1 can be highly competitive. Keeping tabs on Tonybet odds allows fans to track changing market sentiment and make informed decisions right up to the post. For those following the festival closely, blending form knowledge with market insight provides the best chance to enjoy the races – and perhaps secure a return.
As you plan to stay on top of the action, it’s worth noting that Tonybet will only enhance your betting experience. Offering attractive prices, boosts and coverage of every race, you won’t find anywhere else easier to place your bets.
The Irish Champions Festival isn’t just an ordinary race meet – it’s a celebration of the sport, and puts the best flat horses from across the globe together. Enjoy every stride and every thrilling finish that Day 1 at Leopardstown delivers.
