Minding set for Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown

Aidan O’Brien’s brilliant filly Minding heads 37 entries for the Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes on the first day of Longines Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown on September 10th.

The dual Classic winner added to her Group One tally when taking the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh.

Her only defeat this term was to Jet Setting in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and the Adrian Keatley-trained filly has also been given an entry.

Minding is one of six possibles from the O’Brien stable, which has been successful just once, with Lillie Langtry in 2010, since the race became a Group One event in 2004.

Dermot Weld has entered the unbeaten Raymonda and Tanaza, while Ger Lyons could be represented by last year’s third Ainippe.

Willie McCreery, who saddled Fiesolana to win this event in 2014, has entered Devonshire, winner of the Lanwades Stud Stakes at the Curragh in May.

A strong overseas challenge sees four French-trained contenders and 10 British-trained fillies among the initial entries.

Jean-Claude Rouget has put in his last two winners of Royal Ascot’s Coronation Stakes, Ervedya and Qemah.

Among the British possibles are John Gosden’s highly progressive Royal Ascot winner Persuasive and the Hugo Palmer-trained Hawksmoor, winner of the German 1000 Guineas.

Leopardstown chief executive Pat Keogh said: “The entries for the Group One Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes represent the best of European fillies and should deliver another thrilling renewal of this exceptional race.”