'He has Almanzor's acceleration' - Soumillon excited by Vadeni's Champion chance

Christophe Soumillon believes Irish Champion Stakes favourite Vadeni bears similarities to his brilliant 2016 Leopardstown hero Almanzor, with the world-class rider blown away by an "amazing" performance from this year's Coral-Eclipse star.

Soumillon was speaking to the Racing Post for a major interview in Sunday's newspaper in which he reflects on his storied career and counts down to his big-race ride in the Bahrain Turf Club-backed feature next week.

France's ten-time champion jockey has already labelled Vadeni a "monster", "superstar" and "machine" in recent weeks, and the 41-year-old expects Leopardstown to suit his mount.

"Vadeni and Almanzor are quite similar," said Soumillon.

"In their races, they can be a little keen and they needed a few races to settle in order to help them in the closing stages. Almanzor was probably a bit quicker than Vadeni in the beginning of his races, and when you asked him to quicken he was more on the bit, but both have great acceleration.

Christophe Soumillon is ecstatic after winning the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on VadeniCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"To me, what Vadeni did at Sandown was amazing because it's probably one of the UK's toughest tracks and beating so many great horses with a lot of experience – with a pace that wasn't crazy – it was something great. When you have a great horse, everything is possible."

On Vadeni's preparation, Soumillon added: "He had a small break for a month and a half. Jean-Claude [Rouget] will have given him a chance to grow up a bit and take a bit of muscle. I'm sure he's going to change physically a little. Hopefully, he'll have the same ability to quicken.

"It's always easier when you have a horse like him with a great turn of foot, but also when they relax. Especially when racing overseas in the best races. The way he did it at Sandown indicated to me he'll be able to do well at a track like Leopardstown."

Read more from Christophe Soumillon in The Big Read, available in Sunday's newspaper or online for Members' Club Ultimate subscribers from 6pm on Saturday. Click here to sign up

Irish Champion Stakes (3.45 Leopardstown, September 10)

Paddy Power: 6-4 Vadeni, 7-2 Mishriff, 4 Luxembourg, 10 Onesto, 12 Titleholder, Native Trail, La Petite Coco, 14 Nashwa, Bay Bridge, Lord North, Do Deuce, 20 bar

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