Awesome Almanzor swoops to conquer for France

Arc remains on the agenda for disappointing Harzand

DUBLIN, IRELAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Christophe Soumillon riding Almanzor (R, light blue) win The Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown racecourse on September 10, 2016 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Almanzor (right): posted an RPR of 126 after landing a top renewal of the Irish Champion StakesCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Almanzor swept from last to first to land a cracking renewal of the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes, becoming the first French-trained winner of the Group 1 event since Suave Dancer 25 years ago.

Irish Champion Stakes result

Eight of the 12 runners had won 17 Group 1 events between them and Almanzor, winner of the Prix Du Jockey Club, provided trainer Jean-Claude Rouget with a first success in Ireland on his first day with runners in the country by getting the better of Found by three-quarters of a length with Minding two and three-quarter lengths back in third.

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Tony O'HehirRacing Post Reporter

Published on 10 September 2016inIrish Champions Festival

Last updated 20:25, 10 September 2016

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