The 2026 Irish Champion Stakes has a final field of eight for September 12 at Leopardstown, setting up one of the strongest international turf races of the weekend.
The €1.25 million Group 1 is run over 1 mile and 2 furlongs. Constitution River, Item and Almaqam bring the highest profile recent form, while A Boy Named Susie, Wimbledon Hawkeye, Hawk Mountain, Hotazhell and Lambourn complete the field.
Constitution River returns for another major test
Constitution River represents Aidan O’Brien with Ryan Moore aboard. The three year old has already shown elite form at this distance range and now returns to Ireland for another top level assignment.
His draw in stall three places him close to several of the other major contenders, making the early tactical shape an important part of the race.
Item arrives with major momentum
Item gives Andrew Balding a serious international chance and will be ridden by Colin Keane. He comes into Leopardstown as one of the most accomplished runners in the field and is drawn in stall four.
Almaqam, trained by Ed Walker, adds another proven Group 1 presence. Kieran Shoemark takes the ride from stall eight.
Depth throughout the field
A Boy Named Susie has already competed against Constitution River this season and returns with Oisin Murphy aboard. Wimbledon Hawkeye, Hotazhell and Hawk Mountain all add further Group race form, while Lambourn gives Aidan O’Brien another runner in the contest.
The final eight are Almaqam, Hotazhell, Lambourn, Wimbledon Hawkeye, A Boy Named Susie, Constitution River, Hawk Mountain and Item.
A key international race before autumn championships
The Irish Champion Stakes remains an important bridge between the European summer season and the major autumn championships. Performances at Leopardstown can influence plans for races such as the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the Breeders’ Cup.
For more context, visit the OTB Bet Irish Champion Stakes guide, the Irish Champions Festival 2026 guide and the Breeders’ Cup 2026 guide.
OTB Bet will update the race hub after the official result is confirmed.
Featured image: Jamie Quirke via Unsplash.
