Darkness Falls provides the perfect backdrop to a stunning Champions Festival Day One
Ryan Moore on Darkness Falls wins The HKJC World Pool Golden Fleece Stakes (Group 1)
The opening day of the Irish Champions Festival at Leopardstown delivered a high-class afternoon of racing, with Group 1 winner Blue Bolt producing arguably the performance of the card in the Matron Stakes.
The meeting got underway with a victory for Maire Rua in the Ingabelle Stakes, giving Ger Lyons and Colin Keane an early success. Lyons quickly doubled up when Krasimir battled to victory in the Sovereign Path Premier Handicap under Reese Holohan.
One of the day's most anticipated contests was the first Group 1 running of the Golden Fleece Stakes and it was Aidan O'Brien's Darkness Falls who came out on top under Ryan Moore. The impressive winner further enhanced his reputation as one of the leading juveniles in training.
The international challenge enjoyed success in the Group 3 Kilternan Stakes as Arabian Crown struck for Charlie Appleby and James Doyle, while Doyle returned to the winner's enclosure later when Quddwah landed the Group 2 Solonaway Stakes for Simon and Ed Crisford.
The highlight for many racegoers came in the Group 1 Matron Stakes, where Blue Bolt cemented her position among Europe's leading milers. Ridden by Colin Keane, the Andrew Balding-trained filly travelled strongly throughout before quickening clear in the straight to defeat City Of Memphis, with Fallen Angel taking third.
While the Irish Champion Stakes is covered separately, the feature race produced a major upset as Hotazhell, trained by Jessie Harrington and ridden by Shane Foley, sprang a 50/1 surprise with a narrow victory.
The closing handicaps went to Immutable in the Petingo Premier Handicap and Rebel Wave in the Autumn Fillies Premier Handicap, bringing a successful conclusion to Leopardstown's contribution to this year's festival.
As attention turns to Sunday's action at The Curragh, the opening day provided quality across the programme, from the emergence of promising juvenile Darkness Falls to the commanding display of Blue Bolt and the shock success of Hotazhell in the feature event.
