Snow Fairy statue unveiled at Leopardstown

Mrs Cristina Patino today unveiled a statue of her legendary mare Snow Fairy at Leopardstown Racecourse alongside Snow Fairy and trainer Ed Dunlop who travelled over for the event.

Snow Fairy won the Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes in 2012 beating Nathaniel and St Nicholas Abbey, establishing a new course record.

Mrs Patino commissioned Emma McDermott to create the bronze statue and it now stands overlooking the winner’s enclosure.

Snow Fairy who failed to raise any interest at the sales in 2008 was bought back by her owner-breeder for €1,800 and went on to win close to £4 million in prize-money having won six Group 1 races across the globe.

She remains the only international horse to have won two Group 1's in Japan. Snow Fairy, now 7-years-old, was retired in 2013 due to an injury and resides in Simmonstown Stud in Co Kildare and is in foal by her owner Cristina Patino's Craven Stakes winner Elusive Pimpernel.

The QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes takes place this year on Saturday 13th September, Day 1 of the inaugural Irish Champions Weekend and will see top Irish and International horses compete for the title.

Mrs Patino said: “I’m delighted that Leopardstown have agreed to honour my champion race mare Snow Fairy by accepting a gift of a life-size bronze. Snow Fairy had two of her most exciting races in the Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes.”

Pat Keogh CEO of Leopardstown said: “We are delighted to welcome Snow Fairy back to Leopardstown. She will always be remembered for her success in the Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes and we are very grateful to Mrs Patino for such a wonderful gift.”