Gatsby likely to defend Champion Stakes The Grey Gatsby is likely to defend his crown in the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown next month after the ground reportedly went against him at York last week. Connections of the high-class four-year-old felt the terrain was too demanding on the Knavesmire after he finished third in the Juddmonte International. The Grey Gatsby defeated Australia in last season's Irish Champion Stakes and will again travel to Ireland if conditions are suitable. "It was too soft for him," owner Frank Gillespie told the Yorkshire Post. "It was the same with the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster two years ago when he was seventh to Kingston Hill. "If it is good to firm like last year, we will go for the Irish Champion Stakes and try and win it again. "He's in the Arc and the Ascot race, but it has to be good ground. "He never runs a bad race. Even when the ground is bad, he's still run his heart out. He's very consistent."
