THE Group 1 Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot is Poet's Word's likely next port of call after his cracking effort in the Irish Champion Stakes.

Beaten just half a length into second by Decorated Knight at Leopardstown, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained four-year-old was stepping up in class and down in distance after winning the Group 3 Glorious Stakes at Goodwood.

Bruce Raymond, racing manager for owner Saeed Suhail, said: "He ran a great race and was just a bit unfortunate to get beaten by a horse that was following him.

"He certainly showed he has the speed for a mile and a quarter. They went very fast in front and that suited him.

"He's an improving horse and his home work has definitely improved a lot in the last few weeks. I was getting the vibe that Sir Michael was keen to go to Leopardstown and he ran very well.

"He definitely goes for the Champion Stakes next. That was the plan beforehand, at least. The owner was quite insistent that is where he wanted the horse to run.

"Knowing how Sir Michael likes to look after his horses, I would imagine that will be his last run of the season. He'll stay in training next year, for sure."

SON OF FRANKEL

Martyn Meade's stable star Eminent rounded off a British one-two-three. The son of Frankel made much of the running under Frankie Dettori, only giving way in the final furlong.

"I thought he ran a great race," said Meade. "It's always difficult under those sort of tactics, but he's been beaten by two better horses on the day.

"I think maybe the ground was a bit softer on the rail and those in the middle of the track had a bit of an advantage.

"The ground was a bit quicker when he won the Group 2 at Deauville and if we had our ideal conditions, which you need if you're going to win Group 1s, we'd have liked faster ground."

Eminent holds a Champion Stakes entry, but is set to be given a well-earned break.

"I think we'll finish him for the season now and as we've said all along, I think he'll be bigger and stronger as a four-year-old once he's grown into his frame," Meade added.

"It's a shame we haven't managed to win a Group 1 with him this year, but he's won a Group 3 and Group 2 and run creditably in the classics.

"I don't think we'll start him off too early next year. We'll maybe look at something like the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.

"I don't think we'll need to give him a prep run. He's a clean-winded horse who is pretty easy to get fit, so it could be that we go straight there.

"We live to fight another day."