Both tracks set for Champions Weekend Officials at Leopardstown and the Curragh can hardly wait for Irish Champions Weekend. The Foxrock track gets matters under way on Saturday with a stacked card highlighted by the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at 6.40, which follows hot on the heels of another Group One in the shape of the Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes. Three other Group events feature and Leopardstown chief executive Pat Keogh said: "After 12 months' preparation, the waiting is nearly over. "We are all set to stage one of the best day's racing ever seen in Ireland. We would encourage people to come early on Saturday and become part of this historic occasion." The big weekend moves to the Curragh on Sunday, where the star attraction is the Palmerstown House Estate Irish St Leger, where Brown Panther is expected to bid for back-to-back victories. The Moyglare Stud Stakes is headed by ante-post 1000 Guineas favourite Ballydoyle, while Air Force Blue is one of the big names in the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes. Curragh general manager Paul Hensey said: "I'm delighted with the entries for all the Curragh races after final forfeit. "In particular, the number of international horses that remain engaged is very pleasing. "The entries for the three Group Ones at the Curragh are of the highest quality and the Group Two Derrinstown Stud Flying Five has attracted what is essentially a Group One field."
