IRISH Champions Weekend kicked off at Leopardstown with the Goffs Champions Sale in association with Brown Thomas.

Lot 1, the imposing War Diary, consigned by John Murphy’s Highfort Stables topped the sale selling to Michael Halford for €200,000. War Diary won a mile-and-a-half premier handicap at the Curragh in June before being placed in a €65,000 contest at Galway.

Also offered by John Murphy’s Highfort Stables was Lot 5, Think Big, who sold to Gordon-Watson Bloodstock for €100,000.

The Night Of Thunder juvenile was a maiden winner in July who caught the eye when finishing strongly in the Listed Roses Stakes last month at York.

At the conclusion of the Champions Sale, Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby said: “The Champions Sale is set up to give a unique opportunity to owners of quality flat horses, to showcase their horses in front of an international audience.

"We judge our flat boutique sales by different standards in that vendors are delighted if they sell for a good price, but equally are not overly disappointed if they do not sell.

"That was very much the case today, the two that sold, sold very well and the three that did not will race on for their existing connections and we wish them all well.

"The Goffs Champions Sale provides Goffs with another showcase on the international stage and has a bright future.”

Offered: 5

Sold: 2

Aggregate: €300,000

Average: €150,000

Median: €150,000

Full results