Joseph O'Brien: Luxembourg's the one in another great Irish Champion Stakes

The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes is one of few Group 1s in Ireland to have eluded Joseph O'Brien as a rider and trainer, but the former dual champion jockey says he would ride Luxembourg in this year's race if returning to the saddle and given the choice.

Unbeaten but for an excellent third to Coroebus in the 2,000 Guineas, Ballydoyle's star three-year-old looks set for his biggest test yet as he clashes with French ace Vadeni, as well as potentially Mishriff, Onesto and Bay Bridge.

O'Brien was impressed by Luxembourg's winning return from injury in the Fitzdares Royal Whip Stakes and believes his father Aidan could be set to record a record-extending 11th win in the €1 million feature.

The dual Melbourne Cup-winning trainer appears unlikely to have a runner himself in this year's race after international stable star State Of Rest was retired earlier this week, while his other entry Above The Curve looks destined for the Moyglare Blandford Stakes.

"It looks like it's going to be a great race again this year," said O'Brien.

"For the last number of years the Irish Champion Stakes has been among the top-rated races in the world, and I don't think it's going to be any different this year. I only wish we had a live one in there ourselves."

On this year's line-up, O'Brien added: "Vadeni has been really good. Mishriff has been a world-class horse over the past few seasons, Bay Bridge looks a Group 1 winner waiting to happen and I thought Onesto was very good in the Grand Prix de Paris.

"I'm probably slightly biased, but the one I'd like to ride is Luxembourg. He's on the comeback trail and I thought he did well to win the Royal Whip last time. The race kind of transpired against him, but he still won. I'm really looking forward to the race."

Joseph O'Brien: unlikely to be represented in this year's raceCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The 2022 running of the Irish Champion Stakes marks the race's inaugural sponsorship with the Bahrain Turf Club in a major six-year deal – a move the organisation hopes can help to showcase the Group 3 Bahrain International Trophy on November 18.

In the long-term, officials are eager to see their £600,000 prize elevated to Group 1 status, with the ultimate ambition of attracting the Irish Champion Stakes winner to compete in Bahrain when reaching that level.

Bahrain Turf Club head of racing Ed Veale said: "This is a golden opportunity to be associated with one of the world's most prestigious and highest-performing races, while also tying it in with what we're doing. It's such a perfect fit.

"We're respectful that we've just begun a sponsorship with a leading race globally – and it's our ambition to see the Bahrain International Trophy get to that [level] – but it's too early to be thinking about seeing horses do the double.

"In the coming years I would like to think that we can have serious conversations with connections of runners in this race about what we're trying to achieve in Bahrain.

"With all sponsorships you're trying to get something across, and for us it's really to show that what we have to offer is a really exciting racing jurisdiction on the way up."

The Bahrain Turf Club has also forged an Irish link-up with the Racing Academy and Centre of Education to coach homegrown riding talent, with Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Paddy Flood among those coaching the country's apprentices.

Irish Champion Stakes card and betting

Read more here

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