Madhmoon charts path towards Irish Champion Stakes with cosy Leopardstown win

Derby runner-up Madhmoon got his season back on track with victory in the Group 3 Desmond Stakes at Leopardstown on Thursday evening, a performance that more or less ensures his place in next month’s Irish Champion Stakes according to his legendary trainer Kevin Prendergast.

Madhmoon, who has captured the public's imagination all season representing 84-year-old Prendergast and Chris Hayes, received a generous reception on his return to the winner's enclosure after recording a cosy victory over Zuenoon.

Bigger days await for the three-year-old, with Prendergast keen to have a crack at the Irish Champion Stakes in three weeks before tackling the English equivalent at Ascot.

Prendergast, who admitted he left plenty to work on with Madhmoon, said: "He did it well – won nice. The run will do him good and as you can see he’s fairly burly and will come on a lot from that.

"The Irish Champion Stakes will be next and, if he puts up a good show there, he’ll go to Ascot. I thought he did it well."

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