Champers Elysees bought by top Japanese owner but will remain with Murtagh

The remarkable rise of Champers Elysees from handicaps to Group 1 success has been one of the standout stories of the 2020 Irish Flat season, and Johnny Murtagh's star filly is set to write the next chapter of her sensational journey in the colours of leading Japanese owner Teruya Yoshida after being sold privately.

The Coolmore Matron Stakes scorer at this month's Longines Irish Champions Weekend went unsold at €95,000 after not entirely satisfying buyers physically at the Horses in Training Sale last October, but that has proved a massive stroke of luck for connections.

Unbeaten in four starts this season, earning €220,660 in prize-money, the major improver is undoubtedly worth significantly more now and the private deal looks set to keep the three-year-old in training with Murtagh until the end of next year.

A statement on behalf of the owner, who has enjoyed success on these shores with the likes of Elusive Kate and Sahpresa, and globally through his world-renowned Shadai Farm, said: "Mr Teruya Yoshida has privately purchased Champers Elysees.

Johnny Murtagh registered his first Group 1 winner as a trainer with Champers Elysees at Longines Irish Champions WeekendCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"She has given the members of [former owners] Fitzwilliam Racing their greatest day in racing winning the Matron Stakes and they are delighted that her career will now continue in the colours of Mr Yoshida to remain in training at Fox Covert Stables with Johnny Murtagh.

"She will now be aimed at the Kingdom Of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes in Newmarket on October 3. Eugenio Colombo, Mr Yoshida's bloodstock agent, has confirmed the deal and stated that the plan is for the filly to remain in training with Johnny until the end of 2021."

The daughter of Elzaam, who provided Murtagh with a first Group 1 winner as a trainer, is priced up at 9-2 for another top-level success in the Sun Chariot but will need to be supplemented at a cost of £20,000.

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