Chaparral and Alamshar set to clash
High Chaparral and Alamshar could clash in the Ireland The Food Island Champion Stakes at Leopardstown next month.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien is considering sending the four-year-old High Chaparral, winner of last year’s Vodafone Derby, for the 10-furlong race after his win in the Royal Whip Stakes over the same distance on Sunday.
Alamshar’s trainer John Oxx has already indicated that he intends to send his Budweiser Irish Derby and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes winner for the Group One event on September 6.
High Chaparral was making his seasonal debut at the Curragh after suffering an injury setback but O’Brien reports him to be well after his run.
“High Chaparral was out walking on Monday morning and he seems to have taken Sunday’s race well,” the Ballydoyle handler told the Racing Post.
“Obviously, we’d love to bring him to Leopardstown for the Irish Champion Stakes.
“Everything will depend on the ground. He’ll run wherever the ground is safe and France (the Prix Foy on September 7) is there as an alternative.”
