Japanese star confirmed for Leopardstown

A SIGNIFICANT Japanese presence is expected at Leopardstown on Saturday, September 14th, when the mare Deirdre runs in the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes. The recent Goodwood Group 1 winner will be the first runner from her country in Ireland.

Leopardstown CEO Pat Keogh has for many years been trying to lure a Japanese runner to the track. He said: “Creating an international dimension to the biggest weekend in Irish flat racing was an integral part of the concept, so to have Deirdre come here is exceptional news. She is a prolific mare that proved her brilliance at Goodwood and it will be a wonderful spectacle to see her at Leopardstown.”

“Bringing Deirdre over to Europe has been a wonderful adventure, and we have been overwhelmed with the welcome,” said trainer Mitsuru Hashida.