Christophe Soumillon steals the show and proves why Aidan O'Brien was right to turn to him

Soumillon silences doubters

That’s why Aidan O’Brien turned to Christophe Soumillon when the Ryan Moore injury bombshell dropped.

Delacroix was the best, and clearly the quickest, horse in the Irish Champion Stakes, but in a Group 1 he still needs his jockey to help him show that ability, and Soumillon delivered in spades.

The race-winning move at Leopardstown on Saturday that came as the field turned for home was spectacular to watch. Soumillon pushed the button on Delacroix and the instant acceleration was a sight to behold as the pair swept past the front-runners, before making a dart across the track to grab the prime position on the stands’ side rail.

It was a move timed to perfection as Soumillon grabbed the race by the scruff of the neck, and, although Chris Hayes and Anmaat followed him every step of the way, Delacroix was always in control

Soumillon's temporary role as Ballydoyle’s number one had not got off to an ideal start after defeats on six favourites at Longchamp and Doncaster in the preceding week, but his performances at Leopardstown on Saturday showed exactly why O’Brien has placed his faith in the Belgian ace.
Sam Hendry

Aidan O'Brien blown away by Delacroix in Irish Champion Stakes - but reveals star colt may have run his last race

Shadwell have an exciting filly on their hands

Could we have seen a star filly of the future at Leicester on Tuesday?

Touleen, a Shadwell homebred, could not have been more impressive when taking her record to 2-2 in the 7f fillies’ novice.

Zanthos had been heavily backed into 4-11 at Leicester yet refused to settle, which made Touleen’s life easier, but whether the favourite would have been a match for the daughter of Lope De Vega is up for debate anyway.

Touleen’s trainer Owen Burrows labelled her “a very exciting filly” and pointed to the Fillies’ Mile as a potential next target. The professionalism she has displayed in both of her runs means she is sure to command plenty of respect wherever she next appears.
Sam Hendry

'You can be nothing but impressed' - unbeaten Touleen made favourite for Rockfel Stakes after smooth success

Burke becoming even more potent overseas

Fallen Angel highlighted her potency when racing overseas, with a fourth Group 1 success outside Britain, in winning the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday.

Wathnan’s grey filly is now four wins from six starts in international Group 1s compared with her 0-2 record at the top level back home. Her victory also underlined the success Karl Burke continues to have beyond British shores.

Burke had two winners and a third on the Leopardstown card. He has now saddled 19 Group 1 winners, and a sizeable chunk of them have come in Ireland and France.

Fallen Angel with happy connections after landing a fourth Group 1 success

The team behind Fallen Angel celebrate at LeopardstownCredit: Patrick McCann

As well as Fallen Angel’s three Group 1 wins in Ireland, Burke has recorded a further nine Pattern-race successes across the Irish Sea, including two more at the top level, going back to 2017. His record in France is even more impressive, where he has had eight wins in Group 1s.

The Spigot Lodge trainer has long been seen as the rising force in northern racing in Britain, especially in the juvenile division, but his successful foreign raids are becoming ever more eye-catching.
James Hill