Nassau heroine Deirdre set to become first Japanese-trained runner in Ireland

There will be an international flavour to the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown next month as Japanese star Deirdre is set to be aimed at the race following her victory in the Nassau Stakes at the Qatar Goodwood festival.

Deirdre became only the second Japanese-trained Group 1 winner in Britain with an impressive success at Goodwood and her appearance will see her become the first Japanese-trained runner in Ireland.

"Bringing Deirdre over to Europe has been a wonderful adventure, and we have been overwhelmed with the friendliness of the welcome," said Mitsuru Hashida.

The trainer added: "Winning the Nassau Stakes was a fabulous day, not just for us but for Japanese racing, and we now can't wait for her to become the first Japanese runner in Ireland, especially in such a globally renowned race as the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes.

"It'll be a great honour for us, and we'll be doing our very best to make sure our mare will again represent her country so magnificently."

Leopardstown and Curragh CEO Pat Keogh is understandably thrilled with the decision of Deirdre's connections to travel to Leopardstown next.

"We're delighted to have a horse of Deirdre's calibre come to compete at Longines Irish Champions Weekend," said Keogh.

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