'We'd be honoured to have him' - Leopardstown excited about possible Baaeed run

Officials at Leopardstown are excited at the prospect of welcoming Baaeed after trainer William Haggas revealed the Irish Champion Stakes was under consideration for the world’s highest-rated racehorse.

Haggas mapped out three possible routes to retirement for his unbeaten superstar, with one of the possibilities being the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes on September 10.

That would lead on to the Qipco Champion Stakes on October 15, or Baaeed could skip Leopardstown and go straight to Ascot. The third option is a crack at the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on October 2.

If Baaeed goes for the Leopardstown showpiece, it would set up a mouthwatering clash with Eclipse winner Vadeni and long-time ante-post Derby favourite Luxembourg.

Jane Hedley, racing and operations manager at Leopardstown, said: “We’d be honoured to host him at Leopardstown. It would be a phenomenal day if he came. It’s shaping up to be a brilliant race already, and if Baaeed were to turn up it would be one of the races of the year. It would be amazing.

“We’d be absolutely over the moon if he came to us. It’s very much a wait and see game now.”

Trainer William Haggas and owner Sheikha Hissa are pondering options with BaaeedCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Leopardstown will be able to welcome a full-capacity crowd on Irish Champion Stakes day for the first time since 2019, when just over 13,000 attended the fixture.

Only 9,500 saw Baaeed’s sire Sea The Stars win the Irish Champion in 2009, but Hedley expects a big turnout if the unbeaten superstar were to turn up.

She added: “It’s all systems go. We expect a big crowd. If all these horses show up, there's no doubt we’ll be packed to the rafters. It would be great, especially with it being the first time in three years that we’ll have no restrictions for the day.”

Baaeed is now officially rated 135, a figure bettered only by Frankel (140) and Sea The Stars (136) since the World's Best Racehorse Rankings were introduced in 2004, and is a general 4-7 favourite for the Irish Champion ahead of Vadeni and Luxembourg.

State Of Rest, Bay Bridge, Mishriff, Native Trail, Onesto and La Petite Coco are other potential runners.

Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (Saturday, September 10)

Paddy Power: 4-7 Baaeed, 9-4 Vadeni, 6 Luxembourg, 10 Bay Bridge, Mishriff, Native Trail, Onesto, State Of Rest, Titleholder, 12 Do Deuce, Nashwa, 14 La Petite Coco, Lord North, Stone Age, 16 bar

Read more on this subject:

From Leicester maiden to international superstar: how Baaeed became the best

William Haggas reveals the Arc and Irish Champion will be considered for Baaeed

'Perfect racehorse' Baaeed cements legendary status in stunning style

'I've been going racing for 50 years and I've never seen anything like that'

Where should Baaeed run next: Champion Stakes or Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe?

Stay ahead of the field with 50 per cent off the ultimate racing subscription. Enjoy the Racing Post digital newspaper and award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing. Plus, make informed betting decisions with our expert tips and form study tools. Head to the subscription page and select 'Get Ultimate Monthly', then enter the code WELCOME22 to get 50 per cent off your first three months.

First three payments will be charged at £17.48, subscription renews at full monthly price thereafter.

Customers wishing to cancel will need to contact us at least seven days before their subscription is due to renew.