O'Brien Salutes Magical After Epic Ghaiyyath Battle

Star mare Magical, so often the bridesmaid against the mighty Enable, had another big day in the spotlight Sept. 12 when defeating Ghaiyyath in the Irish Champion Stakes (G1) at Leopardstown—a race she won in fine style 12 months ago.

She likely improved on that effort as Ghaiyyath is rated the best flat horse in the world by official handicappers, but he had to settle for second place behind the ultra-consistent 5-year-old, who was ridden by Seamie Heffernan. Armory was third in a photo with Sottsass.

The Irish Champion Stakes was a "Win and You're In" qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Longines Turf at Keeneland Nov. 7.

Successful in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes (G1) when beating Enable (GB), Ghaiyyath was impressive in landing the Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) at York last time, so it was no surprise he went off the 8-13 favorite for Ireland's best all-age contest, which provided a captivating spectacle.

He adopted his customary front-running tactics under William Buick and seemed to be going well, although Magical and Heffernan kept close tabs.

Her Aidan O'Brien-trained stablemate Japan sat third for Ryan Moore, who surprised many when choosing to ride him instead of the daughter of Galileo.

His faith in Japan looked misplaced when the 4-year-old flattened in the straight just as Magical—a well-beaten second to Ghaiyyath at York—was picking up powerfully, returning at 9-2.

Beaten four times by Enable, she is 8-1 (from 20) with Betfair and Paddy Power to exact revenge on her old rival in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) at Longchamp next month.

Magical is just the second horse to win two editions of the Irish Champion Stakes, with the same connections' Dylan Thomas the last horse to do the double in 2006 and 2007. 

O'Brien, who trains her for Coolmore partners Derrick Smith, John Magnier, and Michael Tabor, was winning the €750,000 group 1 for a record-extending ninth time.

He said: "She's a great mare and all credit to the lads for keeping her in training. They made the call through the winter and other than that we wouldn't have her here. She's an incredible mare.

"She's tough, genuine, determined, has speed—she has everything. I'm over the moon and Seamie gave her a brilliant ride.

"We were delighted Ghaiyyath was coming because we were going to get another go at him. We just felt York didn't work 100% for us and today she eyeballed him all the way, so we're delighted.

"We were very happy to make the running today and if Ghaiyyath wanted to take a lead we'd be happy and if he made the running we were going to go with him.

"It was always going to be a solid even match all the way and whoever was behind could have come along and come and got us, but we just took the chance that we'd let her and him match up, go stride for stride and see."

Magical has finished 10th and fifth in the last two Arcs and O'Brien added: "We think she gets a mile and a quarter really strongly and you probably have to ride her to get a mile and a half. They are the things we've learned over the years and she's very classy over a mile and a half, but can dish it out with anyone over a mile and a quarter. 

"You can't expect to win everyday, but when your turns come you're delighted. Ghaiyyath is a great horse and it was great he came."