Murphy 'can't wait' to ride Deirdre as Japanese racing fever hits Leopardstown

Oisin Murphy insists Japanese star Deirdre could not be in better form ahead of the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes on Saturday, when she attempts to enhance her burgeoning international reputation as she becomes her country's first runner in Ireland.

The Mitsuru Hashida-trained mare is a best-priced 12-1 chance for the Leopardstown feature after her courageous Nassau Stakes victory at Glorious Goodwood last month.

Murphy was on board at Goodwood, where he took over from Yutaka Take, who rode Deirdre on her European debut when sixth in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at a soggy Ascot, and says he is looking forward to being reunited with the daughter of Harbinger.

Deirdre was on Thursday morning declared for the eight-runner renewal, in which her rivals include Elarqam, Anthony Van Dyck, Headman and Madhmoon.

"I sat on her on Tuesday morning and she was in really good order," said Murphy, whose victory in last year's Irish Champion Stakes on Roaring Lion was one of only two as a professional in his homeland.

"Hopefully, the weather is kind and she gets fast ground. If she does, then I think she can run well. This is the obvious race to go for after Goodwood and she couldn't be in better form. It is one of the best races in Europe and it means a lot to me to have won it."

With the Irish Champion scheduled for 4.15 on Saturday to avoid a clash with the All Ireland football final replay at Croke Park, Murphy has had to give up on plans to ride Dashing Willoughby in the William Hill St Leger at Doncaster.

Oisin Murphy embraces trainer Mitsuru Hashida after Deirdre lands the Nassau at 20-1Credit: Edward Whitaker

But bringing the €1.25 million feature forward to a quarter past midnight Tokyo time means Japan's fanatical racing fans will be able to watch Deirdre's challenge in even greater numbers.

Murphy knows Japanese racing well after a three-month stint last season, and added: "It's amazing. There will be screens showing the race live in Japan, which is great, and I can foresee lots of Japanese racing fans going to Leopardstown to see her. It's really exciting."

Murphy, who is closing in on becoming champion jockey in Britain this season, confirmed he would ride the Declan Carroll-trained Shawaamekh and Machine Learner for Joseph Tuite on Saturday's card.

He said: "It would be nice to ride a winner for those Irish guys who train in England."

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