ROARING LION PIPPED rival Saxon Warrior to first place at the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday evening.
Just like the Coral-Eclipse in Sandown two months ago, Saxon Warrior came out on top as the duo dramatically clashed in the final furlong.
The pair battled throughout a fraught affair, with Roaring Lion edging ahead in the final stretch.
“The race changed complexion about three times. Saxon Warrior got a great ride from Ryan [Moore] and he got first run,” jockey Oisin Murphy told RTÉ Sport afterwards.
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“It was very tactical and John [Gosden] and I thought it might turn out that way.
Roaring Lion produces a brilliant run to beat Saxon Warrior late on in the QIPCO Champion Stakes pic.twitter.com/klAwlviP6a
“I just wanted to get into a nice rhythm, get him balanced and then see which was the better horse. I had to get him into top gear and he’s come home really well.
“I don’t have much experience around Leopardstown and I’m learning on the job, but I had the right horse.
“It means the world to me. It’s one of my best days for sure and one I’ll not forget for a long time. It’s surreal.”
Elsewhere on Saturday, Kew Gardens came out on top in the William Hill St Leger at Doncaster, giving Aiden O’Brien a sixth success after holding off the challenge of favourite Lah Ti Dar.
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Roaring Lion outclasses Saxon as rivals go head-to-head at Champions Stakes in Leopardstown
ROARING LION PIPPED rival Saxon Warrior to first place at the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday evening.
Just like the Coral-Eclipse in Sandown two months ago, Saxon Warrior came out on top as the duo dramatically clashed in the final furlong.
The pair battled throughout a fraught affair, with Roaring Lion edging ahead in the final stretch.
“The race changed complexion about three times. Saxon Warrior got a great ride from Ryan [Moore] and he got first run,” jockey Oisin Murphy told RTÉ Sport afterwards.
“It was very tactical and John [Gosden] and I thought it might turn out that way.
“I just wanted to get into a nice rhythm, get him balanced and then see which was the better horse. I had to get him into top gear and he’s come home really well.
“I don’t have much experience around Leopardstown and I’m learning on the job, but I had the right horse.
“It means the world to me. It’s one of my best days for sure and one I’ll not forget for a long time. It’s surreal.”
Elsewhere on Saturday, Kew Gardens came out on top in the William Hill St Leger at Doncaster, giving Aiden O’Brien a sixth success after holding off the challenge of favourite Lah Ti Dar.
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Champion Stakes Horse Racing John Gosden Leopardstown oisin murphy Qipco Irish Champion Stakes roaring lion saxon warrior