THE QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday proved to be a magical contest for trainer Aidan O’Brien, who provided not just the winner Magical but second and third Magic Wand and Anthony Van Dyck.

Magical was achieving no more than she had done previously – she is long-established as a top-class and notably consistent filly – so an unexceptional overall time and 119 figure when sectionals have been allowed for, compared to her best of 123, is nothing to be bothered about. But this was a marginal personal best by Magic Wand (115 on sectionals) and confirmation from Anthony Van Dyck (118) that he is very smart indeed, for all that the Derby he won was slightly substandard. Deirdre (118 at Goodwood and 116 here on sectionals) shaped quite a bit better than the result.