While the Champion Stakes took the spotlight, the €250,000 Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes was no less attractive, with the classic winners Virginia Waters and Saoire taking on, and losing out to, the older fillies Attraction and Chic.

It was Mark Johnston’s Attraction, racing for her owner/breeder the Duke of Roxburghe, who bounced back to her best and denied Chic and Virginia Waters. The previous season she had seemed invincible and became the first filly to complete the English/Irish 1000 Guineas double. She was runner-up to Soviet Star in the race as a three-year-old. She was a doubtful runner until the day due to ground worries. Deirdre Johnston gave her the green light.