Magical challenging Ghaiyyath for Cartier Horse of the Year honours

Magical's Irish Champion Stakes victory over Ghaiyyath did not just net Aidan O'Brien's wondermare a seventh career Group 1, €427,500 in prize-money and yet another Coolmore victory over Godolphin – it also resulted in the five-year-old mare closing the gap to him in the prestigious Cartier Horse of the Year rankings.

The gap at the top is now just six points after Magical moved to 112 with her thrilling Leopardstown success. The two ownership behemoths dominate the standings with Love (96), Sunday's Grosser Preis von Baden winner Barney Roy (92) and Matron third Fancy Blue (88) rounding out the top five slots.

Irish Champions Weekend also brought changes in the juvenile division, with Shale's win in the Moyglare Stud Stakes moving her to 48 points in the filly category alongside Campanelle, with runner-up Pretty Gorgeous 12 behind.

Thunder Moon's sensational performance in the Vincent O'Brien National Stakes moved him to 32 points among the colts alongside Coventry winner Nando Parrado, with Norfolk hero The Lir Jet and one of Thunder Moon's victims, Phoenix Stakes winner Lucky Vega, tied at the top on 40.

Pinatubo (72) still leads Palace Pier (64) in the three-year-old colt category, while Battaash (80) is well clear of Dream Of Dreams and Golden Horde (48) in the sprinter division. Stradivarius (64) still leads Nayef Road (44) in the stayer competition.

Cartier Horse of the Year

Ghaiyyath 118
Magical 112
Love 96
Barney Roy 92
Fancy Blue 88
Battaash 80
Stradivarius 80
Pinatubo 72
Way To Paris 72
Addeybb 64
Alpine Star 64
Circus Maximus 64
Palace Pier 64

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