Recent British-trained winners of the Irish Champion Stakes

With several top British-trained horses currently holding early entries for this year’s Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown—including Ed Walker’s Almaqam, the Owen Burrows-trained Anmaat, and Ombudsman for John and Thady Gosden—the 2025 edition promises to be another thrilling Anglo-Irish clash.

It’s a race that often attracts international attention, and punters are already scouring the latest prices from the biggest horse racing meetings to gauge how this year’s British contenders stack up. As ever, horse racing odds will fluctuate in the build-up, but history shows that British raiders have an excellent record in the feature.

Here’s a look back at some of the most memorable recent victories by British-trained horses in the Irish Champion Stakes.

2024 – Economics: William Haggas

One of the most exciting middle-distance horses of his generation, Economics confirmed his class with a decisive victory in the 2024 Irish Champion Stakes.

Having followed up on his maiden success at Newbury with an emphatic Dante win at York, he missed the Derby but scored in a Group 2 at Deauville before proving his class with Group 1 success in Ireland.

Economics went head-to-head with former British and Irish Derby winner Auguste Rodin inside the final furlong and beat his older rival by a neck as he finished stronger than Aidan O’Brien’s defending champion on the line.

2018 – Roaring Lion: John Gosden

A charismatic grey who became a fan favourite, Roaring Lion capped a glittering summer with a tough-as-nails victory at Leopardstown.

Already a dual Group 1 winner that season, he had to dig deep to overcome Saxon Warrior in a thrilling finish, confirming his status as the best three-year-old colt in Europe.

His Leopardstown triumph was his third consecutive Group 1 win and helped seal his Cartier Horse of the Year title.

2017 – Decorated Knight: Roger Charlton

A Tattersalls Gold Cup winner at the Curragh earlier in the campaign, Decorated Knight returned to the Emerald Isle somewhat overlooked for the Irish Champion Stakes as a 25/1 outsider after a few lacklustre performances at Sandown, York and Ascot.

However, he caused an upset when pouncing late under Andrea Atzeni to defeat a strong field that was headlined by Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Churchill.

While not the flashiest name on the list, his win was a testament to clever placement and experienced handling by Roger Charlton.

2012-15: A golden era for British-trained runners

– 2015 – Golden Horn: John Gosden

The Derby added another major trophy to his cabinet with a hard-fought win over Found. Despite the soft ground and fierce local opposition, Golden Horn showed his trademark class and grit to prevail in what turned out to be a tactical affair. He would go on to win the Arc, proving to be a generational talent.

– 2014 – The Grey Gatsby: Kevin Ryan

In one of the most memorable finishes in the race’s history, The Grey Gatsby denied Australia in the shadow of the post. A real upset on paper, but the colt showed he belonged at the top table with a gutsy effort and perfectly timed ride by Ryan Moore.

– 2013 – The Fugue: John Gosden

This top-class filly had shown flashes of brilliance, like when winning the Yorkshire Oaks by four lengths one month earlier, and she delivered on Irish soil by sweeping past her rivals with authority—delivering another win in the race for Gosden.

– 2012 – Snow Fairy: Ed Dunlop

Already a globetrotting sensation, Snow Fairy added the Irish Champion to her collection with a brilliant display. She returned from injury to outclass a strong field, proving her versatility and toughness yet again under Frankie Dettori.