View source for Irish Champion Stakes

{{about|the horse race|the greyhound race|Champion Stakes (Irish greyhound race)}}
{{short description|Flat horse race in Ireland}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox horseraces
|class         = [[Group One|Group 1]]
|horse race    = Irish Champion Stakes
| image = ASSERT.jpg
| caption = '''[[Assert (horse)|Assert]]''', oil on canvas <br />Painting by [[Albert Demuyser|Bob Demuyser (1920–2003)]]
|location      = [[Leopardstown Racecourse|Leopardstown]]<br />[[County Dublin]], Ireland
|inaugurated   = 1976
|race type     = [[Flat racing|Flat]] / [[Thoroughbred]]
|sponsor       = None (2020)
|website       = [https://www.irishchampionsweekend.ie/ Irish Champions Weekend]
|distance      = 1m 2f (2,012 metres)
|surface       = Turf
|track         = Left-handed
|qualification = Three-years-old and up
|weight        = 9 [[stone (unit)|st]] 1 [[pound (mass)|lb]] (3yo);<br />9 st 7 lb (4yo+)<small><br />'''Allowances'''<br />3 lb for [[Filly|fillies]] and [[mare]]s</small>
|purse         = €1,000,000 ''(2022)''<small><br />'''1st:''' €580,000</small>
}}
{{Jockey colours header
| name = Irish Champion Stakes}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2024
| image1 = File:Owner Isa Salman Al Khalifa.svg
| alt1 = Dark blue, white epaulettes, dark blue cap
| caption1 = Economics
| image2 = File:Owner Michael Tabor.svg
| alt2 = Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap
| caption2 = Auguste Rodin
| image3 = File:Owner Mr John Wade.svg
| alt3 = Maroon, white hooped sleeves, maroon cap
| caption3 = Shin Emperor
}}
|}
{{Jockey colours collapsible header}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2023
| image1 = File:Owner Michael Tabor.svg
| alt1 = Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap
| caption1 = Auguste Rodin
| image2 = File:Owner Westerberg,Mrs J Magnier,M Tabor,D Smith.svg
| alt2 = Maroon, royal blue hoop, royal blue sleeves, quartered cap
| caption2 = Luxembourg
| image3 = File:Owner Mr Imad Alsagar.svg
| alt3 = Dark green, white stars on sleeves
| caption3 = Nashwa
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2022
| image1 = File:Owner Westerberg,Mrs J Magnier,M Tabor,D Smith.svg
| alt1 = Maroon, royal blue hoop, royal blue sleeves, quartered cap
| caption1 = Luxembourg
| image2 = File:Owner The Cool Silk Partnership.svg
| alt2 = White, purple cap
| caption2 = Onesto
| image3 = File:Owner H H Aga Khan.svg
| alt3 = Emerald green, red epaulettes, emerald green cap
| caption3 = Vadeni
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2021
| image1 = File:Owner Mr Derrick Smith.svg
| alt1 = Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap
| caption1 = St Mark's Basilica
| image2 = File:Owner H H Aga Khan.svg
| alt2 = GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap
| caption2 = Tarnawa
| image3 = File:Owner Mrs J S Bolger.svg
| alt3 = White, purple panel, check cap
| caption3 = Poetic Flare
}}
{{Jockey colours no footer}}
{{Jockey colours named collapsible header
| name = 2020-2011 }}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2020
| image1 = File:Owner Mr Derrick Smith_white_cap.svg
| alt1 =  Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, white cap
| caption1 = Magical
| image2 = File:Owner Godolphin.svg
| alt2 = Royal blue
| caption2 = Ghaiyyath
| image3 = File:Owner Mrs John Magnier.svg
| alt3 = Dark blue
| caption3 = Armory
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2019
| image1 = File:Owner Mr Derrick Smith.svg
| alt1 = Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap
| caption1 = Magical
| image2 = File:Owner Michael Tabor.svg
| alt2 = Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap
| caption2 = Magic Wand
| image3 = File:Owner Mrs John Magnier.svg
| alt3 = Dark blue
| caption3 = Anthony Van Dyck
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2018
| image1 = File:Owner Qatar Racing Limited.svg
| alt1 = Claret, gold braid, claret sleeves, claret cap, gold tassel
| caption1 = Roaring Lion
| image2 = File:Owner Mr Derrick Smith.svg
| alt2 = Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap
| caption2 = Saxon Warrior
| image3 = File:Owner Mrs Fitri Hay.svg
| alt3 = Pink, emerald green chevron, halved sleeves, quartered cap
| caption3 = Deauville
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2017
| image1 = File:Owner Mr Saleh Al Homaizi.svg
| alt1 = Dark green, beige stars on sleeves, dark green cap
| caption1 = Decorated Knight
| image2 = File:Owner Mr Saeed Suhail.svg
| alt2 = Royal blue, yellow chevron, yellow cap, royal blue spots
| caption2 = Poet's Word
| image3 = File:Owner P Vela.svg
| alt3 = Royal blue and white hoops, grey sleeves, royal blue and white quartered cap
| caption3 = Eminent
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2016
| image1 = File:Owner Ecurie Antonio Caro and Gerard Augustin-Normand.svg
| alt1 = Light blue, dark blue spots, light blue sleeves and cap
| caption1 = Almanzor
| image2 = File:Owner Michael Tabor.svg
| alt2 = Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap
| caption2 = Found
| image3 = File:Owner Mr Derrick Smith.svg
| alt3 = Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap
| caption3 = Minding
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2015
| image1 = File:Owner Mr A E Oppenheimer.svg
| alt1 = Black and white halved, sleeves reversed, red cap
| caption1 = Golden Horn
| image2 = File:Owner Michael Tabor_blue_cap.svg
| alt2 = Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves, Royal Blue cap
| caption2 = Found
| image3 = File:Owner Moyglare Stud Farm.svg
| alt3 = Black, white slvs, red cap, black star
| caption3 = Free Eagle
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2014
| image1 = File:Owner Mr F Gillespie.svg
| alt1 = Light green and dark green diamonds
| caption1 = The Grey Gatsby
| image2 = File:Owner Mr Derrick Smith.svg
| alt2 = Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap
| caption2 = Australia
| image3 = File:Owner Godolphin_Ireland.svg
| alt3 = Royal blue, dark blue seams, royal blue sleeves and cap
| caption3 = Trading Leather
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2013
| image1 = File:Owner Lord Lloyd-Webber.svg
| alt1 = Pink, grey sash, pink cap
| caption1 = The Fugue
| image2 = File:Owner Mr D J Deer.svg
| alt2 = Royal blue and white diamonds, white sleeves, royal blue armlet, royal blue and white quartered cap
| caption2 = Al Kazeem
| image3 = File:Owner Mrs J S Bolger.svg
| alt3 = White, purple panel, check cap
| caption3 = Trading Leather
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2012
| image1 = File:Owner Anamoine Ltd.svg
| alt1 = Yellow, red epaulettes and sleeves, yellow cap
| caption1 = Snow Fairy
| image2 = File:Owner Lady Rothschild.svg
| alt2 = Dark blue, yellow chevron hoop, yellow cap
| caption2 = Nathaniel
| image3 = File:Owner Mr Derrick Smith.svg
| alt3 = Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap
| caption3 = St Nicholas Abbey
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2011
| image1 = File:Owner Mr Derrick Smith.svg
| alt1 = Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap
| caption1 = So You Think
| image2 = File:Owner Anamoine Ltd.svg
| alt2 = Yellow, red epaulettes and sleeves, yellow cap
| caption2 = Snow Fairy
| image3 = File:Owner Mr K Abdulla.svg
| alt3 = Emerald green, pink sash, white sleeves, pink cap
| caption3 = Famous Name
}}
{{Jockey colours no footer}}
{{Jockey colours named collapsible header
| name = 2010-2001 }}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2010
| image1 = File:Owner Mr Derrick Smith.svg
| alt1 = Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap
| caption1 = Cape Blanco
| image2 = File:Owner Mrs John Magnier.svg
| alt2 = Dark blue
| caption2 = Rip Van Winkle
| image3 = File:Owner Mr K Abdulla.svg
| alt3 = Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves
| caption3 = Twice Over
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2009
| image1 = File:Owner Mr Christopher Tsui.svg
| alt1 = Yellow, purple cap, yellow star
| caption1 = Sea The Stars
| image2 = File:Owner Mr Derrick Smith.svg
| alt2 = Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap
| caption2 = Fame And Glory
| image3 = File:Owner Mr Derrick Smith_white_cap.svg
| alt3 = Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, white cap
| caption3 = <small>Mastercraftsman</small>
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2008
| image1 = File:Owner H R H Princess Haya of Jordan.svg
| alt1 = EMERALD GREEN, black chevrons on sleeves, emerald green cap
| caption1 = New Approach
| image2 = File:Owner Mrs Fitri Hay.svg
| alt2 = Pink, Emerald Green chevron, halved sleeves, quartered cap
| caption2 = Traffic Guard
| image3 = File:Owner Iona Equine Syndicate.svg
| alt3 = WHITE, emerald green star, diabolo on sleeves, orange cap
| caption3 = Mores Wells
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2007
| image1 = File:Owner Mrs John Magnier.svg
| alt1 = Dark blue
| caption1 = Dylan Thomas
| image2 = File:Owner Mrs John Magnier_2nd.svg
| alt2 = Pink
| caption2 = Duke Of Marmalade
| image3 = File:Owner Michael Tabor.svg
| alt3 = Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap
| caption3 = Red Rock Canyon
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2006
| image1 = File:Owner Mrs John Magnier.svg
| alt1 = Dark blue
| caption1 = Dylan Thomas
| image2 = File:Owner Lord Derby.svg
| alt2 = Black, White cap
| caption2 = Ouija Board
| image3 = File:Owner Mrs N O'Callaghan.svg
| alt3 = White, dark blue diamond, blue sleeves, white armlets, quartered cap
| caption3 = Alexander Goldrun
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2005
| image1 = File:Owner Mrs John Magnier.svg
| alt1 = Dark blue
| caption1 = Oratorio
| image2 = File:Owner The Royal Ascot Racing Club.svg
| alt2 = White, dark blue armlets and cap
| caption2 = Motivator
| image3 = File:Owner Mrs N O'Callaghan.svg
| alt3 = White, dark blue diamond, blue sleeves, white armlets, quartered cap
| caption3 = Alexander Goldrun
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2004
| image1 = File:Owner H H Aga Khan.svg
| alt1 = GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap
| caption1 = Azamour
| image2 = File:Owner Mr J C Smith.svg
| alt2 = Purple, light blue chevron, light blue cap
| caption2 = Norse Dancer
| image3 = File:Owner Mrs John Magnier.svg
| alt3 = Dark blue
| caption3 = Powerscourt
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2003
| image1 = File:Owner Michael Tabor.svg
| alt1 = Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap
| caption1 = High Chaparral
| image2 = File:Owner Scuderia Rencati Srl.svg
| alt2 = Light blue, yellow hoop and armlets, yellow cap, light blue diamond
| caption2 = Falbrav
| image3 = File:Owner Ballymacoll Stud.svg
| alt3 = Pale Blue, White and Yellow check cap
| caption3 = Islington
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2002
| image1 = File:Owner Godolphin.svg
| alt1 = Royal blue
| caption1 = Grandera
| image2 = File:Owner Mrs John Magnier.svg
| alt2 = Dark blue
| caption2 = Hawk Wing
| image3 = File:Owner Godolphin_white_cap.svg
| alt3 = Royal blue, white cap
| caption3 = Best Of The Bests
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2001
| image1 = File:Owner Godolphin.svg
| alt1 = Royal blue
| caption1 = Fantastic Light
| image2 = File:Owner Mrs John Magnier.svg
| alt2 = Dark blue
| caption2 = Galileo
| image3 = File:Owner Satish K Sanan.svg
| alt3 = Green, beige triple diamond, diamonds on sleeves, quartered cap
| caption3 = Bach
}}
{{Jockey colours no footer}}
{{Jockey colours named collapsible header
| name = 2000-1991 }}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 2000
| image1 = File:Owner Mrs John Magnier.svg
| alt1 = Dark blue
| caption1 = Giant's Causeway
| image2 = File:Owner Ballymacoll Stud.svg
| alt2 = Pale Blue, White and Yellow check cap
| caption2 = Greek Dance
| image3 = File:Owner Godolphin.svg
| alt3 = Royal blue
| caption3 = Best Of The Bests
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 1999
| image1 = File:Owner Godolphin.svg
| alt1 = Royal blue
| caption1 = Daylami
| image2 = File:Owner Mrs Seamus Burns.svg
| alt2 = White, Red stars, Red cap, Emerald Green star
| caption2 = Dazzling Park
| image3 = File:Owner Niarchos Family.svg
| alt3 = Dark blue, light blue cross belts, striped sleeves, white cap
| caption3 = Dream Well
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 1998
| image1 = File:Owner Godolphin.svg
| alt1 = Royal blue
| caption1 = Swain
| image2 = File:Owner Miss K Rausing.svg
| alt2 = White, emerald green hoops, white sleeves and cap
| caption2 = Alborada
| image3 = File:Owner Mr K Abdulla.svg
| alt3 = Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves
| caption3 = Xaar
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 1997
| image1 = File:Owner Ballymacoll Stud.svg
| alt1 = Pale Blue, White and Yellow check cap
| caption1 = Pilsudski
| image2 = File:Owner Michael Tabor.svg
| alt2 = Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap
| caption2 = Desert King
| image3 = File:Owner Godolphin.svg
| alt3 = Royal blue
| caption3 = Alhaarth
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 1996
| image1 = File:Owner H H Aga Khan.svg
| alt1 = GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap
| caption1 = Timarida
| image2 = File:Owner Moyglare Stud Farm.svg
| alt2 = Black, white sleeves, red cap, black star
| caption2 = Dance Design
| image3 = File:Owner A Balzarini.svg
| alt3 = Yellow, light blue stars on body and cap
| caption3 = Glory Of Dancer
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 1995
| image1 = File:Owner Mollers Racing.svg
| alt1 = Chocolate, Gold braid and sleeves, quartered cap
| caption1 = Pentire
| image2 = File:Owner Ecurie Wildenstein.svg
| alt2 = Royal Blue, Light Blue cap
| caption2 = Freedom Cry
| image3 = File:Owner Godolphin.svg
| alt3 = Royal blue
| caption3 = Flagbird
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 1994
| image1 = File:Owner Godolphin.svg
| alt1 = Royal blue
| caption1 = Cezanne
| image2 = File:Owner Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum.svg
| alt2 = Yellow, black epaulets
| caption2 = Del Deya
| image3 = File:Owner Gillian, Lady Howard de Walden.svg
| alt3 = Apricot
| caption3 = Grand Lodge
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 1993
| image1 = File:Owner Mr Hamdan Al Maktoum.svg
| alt1 = Royal blue, white epaulets, striped cap
| caption1 = Muhtarram
| image2 = File:Owner Sheikh Mohammed.svg
| alt2 = Maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap, white star
| caption2 = Opera House
| image3 = File:Owner Duke of Devonshire.svg
| alt3 = Straw
| caption3 = Lord Of The Field
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 1992
| image1 = File:Owner Sidney H Craig.svg
| alt1 = White, pale blue armlets, quartered cap
| caption1 = Dr Devious
| image2 = File:Owner Virginia Kraft Payson.svg
| alt2 = White, blue hollow box, diabolo on sleeves, blue cap
| caption2 = St Jovite
| image3 = File:Owner Parrot Racing.svg
| alt3 = Red, yellow striped sleeves, yellow cap
| caption3 = Alflora
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 1991
| image1 = File:Owner H Chaloub.svg
| alt1 = White, blue hollow box, hooped cap
| caption1 = Suave Dancer
| image2 = File:Owner Mr W J Gredley.svg
| alt2 = Yellow, Black and Yellow striped sleeves, White cap
| caption2 = Environment Friend
| image3 = File:Owner Sheikh Mohammed.svg
| alt3 = Maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap, white star
| caption3 = Stagecraft
}}
{{Jockey colours no footer}}
{{Jockey colours named collapsible header
| name = 1990-1983 }}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 1990
| image1 = File:Owner Mr Hamdan Al Maktoum.svg
| alt1 = Royal blue, white epaulets, striped cap
| caption1 = Elmaamul
| image2 = File:Owner Allevamento White Star.svg
| alt2 = Red, white star, yellow sleeves, red and yellow hooped cap
| caption2 = Sikeston
| image3 = File:Owner Mr B V Sangster.svg
| alt3 = Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots
| caption3 = Kostroma
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 1989
| image1 = File:Owner A Balzarini.svg
| alt1 = Yellow, light blue stars on body and cap
| caption1 = Carroll House
| image2 = File:Owner Mr Ivan Allan.svg
| alt2 = Red, two light blue vees
| caption2 = Citidancer
| image3 = File:Owner C A Webster.svg
| alt3 = Dark blue, white cross belts, dark blue and gold quartered cap
| caption3 = Petrullo
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 1988
| image1 = File:Owner Sheikh Mohammed.svg
| alt1 = Maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap, white star
| caption1 = Indian Skimmer
| image2 = File:Owner George Tong.svg
| alt2 = Dark blue, yellow hooped sleeves and spots on cap
| caption2 = Shady Heights
| image3 = File:Owner Peter M Brant_white.svg
| alt3 = White, black hoop, black sleeves, white armlets, black cap
| caption3 = Triptych
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 1987
| image1 = File:Owner a clore.svg
| alt1 = Light blue, mauve halved sleeves
| caption1 = Triptych
| image2 = File:Owner Mr B V Sangster.svg
| alt2 = Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots
| caption2 = Entitled
| image3 = File:Owner Allen E Paulson.svg
| alt3 = White, red epaulets, blue sleeves, white stars, red cuffs, red and blue quartered cap
| caption3 = Cockney Lass
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 1986
| image1 = File:Owner p burns.svg
| alt1 = White, red stars, green cap
| caption1 = Park Express
| image2 = File:Owner r reeves.svg
| alt2 = Yellow and black hoops, striped cap
| caption2 = Double Bed
| image3 = File:Owner a clore.svg
| alt3 = Light blue, mauve halved sleeves
| caption3 = Triptych
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 1985
| image1 = File:Owner Mr Ivan Allan.svg
| alt1 = Red, two light blue vees
| caption1 = Commanche Run
| image2 = File:Owner Bruce McNall_check.svg
| alt2 = Dark blue and grey check, grey sleeves, blue cap
| caption2 = Bob Back
| image3 = File:Owner Mr K Abdulla.svg
| alt3 = Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves
| caption3 = Damister
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 1984
| image1 = File:Owner Mr B V Sangster.svg
| alt1 = Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots
| caption1 = Sadler's Wells
| image2 = File:Owner Niarchos Family.svg
| alt2 = Dark blue, light blue cross-belts, striped sleeves, white cap
| caption2 = Seattle Song
| image3 = File:Owner Mrs J R Mullion.svg
| alt3 = White, red collar and cuffs, tartan cap
| caption3 = Princess Pati
}}
{{Jockey colours row
| year = 1983
| image1 = File:Owner F Dunne.svg
| alt1 = Black and amber striped, white collar, cuffs and cap
| caption1 = Stanerra
| image2 = File:Owner Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum.svg
| alt2 = Yellow, black epaulets
| caption2 = Wassl
| image3 = File:Owner Mr K Abdulla_France.svg
| alt3 = Green, pink epaulets, white sleeves, pink cap
| caption3 = General Holme
}}
}}
{{Jockey colours footer}}
The '''Irish Champion Stakes''' ([[Irish language|Irish]]: '''Curadh-Dhuais na hÉireann''') is a [[Conditions races|Group 1]] [[Flat racing|flat]] [[Horse racing|horse race]] in Ireland open to horses aged three years or older. It is run at [[Leopardstown Racecourse|Leopardstown]] over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs (2,012 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in September.

==History==
The event was established in 1976, and it was initially held at Leopardstown as the Joe McGrath Memorial Stakes. It was named in memory of [[Joseph McGrath (Irish politician)|Joe McGrath]] (1887–1966), the founder of the [[Irish Hospitals' Sweepstake]] and a successful racehorse owner.

The race was transferred to [[Phoenix Park Racecourse|Phoenix Park]] and renamed the Phoenix Champion Stakes in 1984. Its present title was introduced in 1991, when the event returned to Leopardstown after the closure of its former venue.

The Irish Champion Stakes became part of the [[Breeders' Cup Challenge]] series in 2009. The winner now earns an automatic invitation to compete in the same year's [[Breeders' Cup Turf]].<ref>{{cite web | title = 2011 Breeders' Cup Challenge Schedule | url = https://members.breederscup.com/doc%20repository/other/2011ChallengeSchedule.pdf | publisher = breederscup.com | access-date = 12 February 2012 | archive-date = 6 June 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120606144342/https://members.breederscup.com/doc%20repository/other/2011ChallengeSchedule.pdf | url-status = dead }}</ref>

The Irish Champion Stakes has become a very useful prep race for the remaining major races in the Autumn schedule such as the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Champion Stakes, Breeders Cup, Hong Kong International Festival and major Group 1 races in Japan. The 2016 edition of the race was possibly one of its strongest editions with eight out of 12 participants winning 17 career Group 1's between them prior to the race. The form of the race would later see four of the participants win further Group 1 honours by the end of the 2016 season, producing a first & second in that year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, first and second in the Champion Stakes, the winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, and first and second in the Breeders' Cup Turf.

Winners of the Irish Champion Stakes have gone on to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in the same season on five occasions: Carroll House (1989), Suave Dancer (1991), Dylan Thomas (2007), Sea The Stars (2009) and Golden Horn (2015), and a sixth Arc win was achieved when 2016 Irish Champion Stakes runner-up, Found, won the 2016 edition of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Winners of the Irish Champion Stakes have gone on to win the Champion Stakes in the same season on six occasions: Triptych (1987), Indian Skimmer (1988), Pilsudski (1997), New Approach (2008), Almanzor (2016) and Magical (2019). The race has produced two further winners of the Champion Stakes with the 1986 third, Triptych, and the 2010 third, Twice Over, subsequently winning the British race that season.

Participants in the Irish Champion Stakes have gone on to win several Breeders' Cup titles in the same season. This includes five winners of the Breeders' Cup Turf, with Irish Champion Stakes winners such as Daylami (1999), Fantastic Light (2001), High Chaparral (2003) achieving a season double, while 2015 Irish Champion Stakes runner-up, Found, and a 2016 participant, Highland Reel, found success in the respective season's edition. In 2006, third placed Ouija Board went on to win that season's edition of the Breeders Cup' Filly & Mares Turf.

Success has been also achieved in Japan where the Irish Champion Stakes winners, Stanerra (1983) and Pilsudski (1997) won the Japan Cup in the same season. Meanwhile, 2011 runner-up, Snow Fairy, gained compensation by winning that year's Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup

==Records==
{{refbegin}}
'''Most successful horse (2 wins):'''
* [[Dylan Thomas (horse)|Dylan Thomas]] – ''2006, 2007''
* [[Magical (horse)|Magical]] - '' 2019, 2020 ''

'''Leading [[jockey]] (7 wins):'''
* [[Michael Kinane]] – ''Carroll House (1989), Cezanne (1994), Pilsudski (1997), Giant's Causeway (2000), High Chaparral (2003), Azamour (2004), Sea the Stars (2009)''

'''Leading [[Horse trainer|trainer]] (12 wins):'''
* [[Aidan O'Brien]] – ''Giant's Causeway (2000), High Chaparral (2003), Oratorio (2005), Dylan Thomas (2006, 2007), Cape Blanco (2010), So You Think (2011), Magical (2019, 2020), St Mark's Basilica (2021), [[Luxembourg (horse)|Luxembourg]] (2022), [[Auguste Rodin (horse)|Auguste Rodin]] (2023) ''

'''Leading owner (12 wins):''' <small>''(includes part ownership)''</small>
* [[Sue Magnier]] / [[Michael Tabor]] – ''Giant's Causeway (2000), High Chaparral (2003), Oratorio (2005), Dylan Thomas (2006, 2007), Cape Blanco (2010), So You Think (2011), Magical (2019, 2020), St Mark's Basilica,[[Luxembourg (horse)|Luxembourg]] (2022), [[Auguste Rodin (horse)|Auguste Rodin]] (2023)  ''
{{refend}}

==Winners==
{| class = "sortable" | border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size:90%"
|- bgcolor="#77dd77" align="center"
! Year
! Winner
! Age
! Jockey
! Trainer
! Owner
! Time
!Country
|-
| 1976
| width=132px | [[Malacate]]
| 3
| width=140px | [[Lester Piggott]]
| width=147px | [[François Boutin]]
| width=166px | [[María Félix|María Félix Berger]]
| 2:07.60
|{{FRA|#}}
|-
| 1977
| [[North Stoke (horse)|North Stoke]]
| 3
| [[Ron Hutchinson (jockey)|Ron Hutchinson]]
| [[John Dunlop (racehorse trainer)|John Dunlop]]
| Mrs M. Lequime
| 2:09.20
|{{GBR|#}}
|-
| 1978
| [[Inkerman (horse)|Inkerman]]
| 3
| [[Lester Piggott]]
| [[Vincent O'Brien]]
| [[Simon Fraser, Master of Lovat|Simon Fraser]]
| 2:05.20
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 1979
| [[Fordham (horse)|Fordham]]
| 4
| [[Tommy Carberry]]
| [[Vincent O'Brien]]
| [[Robert Sangster]]
| 2:07.00
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 1980
| [[Gregorian (horse)|Gregorian]]
| 4
| [[George McGrath (jockey)|George McGrath]]
| [[Vincent O'Brien]]
| Danny Schwartz
| 2:07.80
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 1981
| [[Kings Lake (horse)|Kings Lake]]
| 3
| [[Pat Eddery]]
| [[Vincent O'Brien]]
| Mrs Jean-Pierre Binet
| 2:06.30
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 1982
| [[Assert (horse)|Assert]]
| 3
| [[Christy Roche]]
| [[David O'Brien (racehorse trainer)|David O'Brien]]
| [[Robert Sangster]]
| 2:06.30
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 1983
| [[Stanerra]]
| 5
| Brian Rouse
| Frank Dunne
| Frank Dunne
| 2:09.50
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 1984
| [[Sadler's Wells (horse)|Sadler's Wells]]
| 3
| [[Pat Eddery]]
| [[Vincent O'Brien]]
| [[Robert Sangster]]
| 2:00.90
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 1985
| [[Commanche Run]]
| 4
| [[Lester Piggott]]
| [[Luca Cumani]]
| [[Ivan Allan]]
| 2:09.20
|{{GBR|#}}
|-
| 1986
| [[Park Express]]
| 3
| [[John Reid (jockey)|John Reid]]
| [[Jim Bolger (racehorse trainer)|Jim Bolger]]
| Paddy Burns
| 2:02.50
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 1987
| [[Triptych (horse)|Triptych]]
| 5
| [[Anthony S. Cruz|Tony Cruz]]
| [[Patrick Biancone]]
| Alan Clore
| 2:06.70
|{{FRA|#}}
|-
| 1988
| [[Indian Skimmer (horse)|Indian Skimmer]]
| 4
| [[Michael Roberts (jockey)|Michael Roberts]]
| [[Henry Cecil]]
| [[Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum|Sheikh Mohammed]]
| 2:06.50
|{{GBR|#}}
|-
| 1989
| [[Carroll House]]
| 4
| [[Michael Kinane]]
| [[Michael Jarvis]]
| [[Antonio Balzarini]]
| 2:04.00
|{{GBR|#}}
|-
| 1990
| [[Elmaamul]]
| 3
| [[Willie Carson]]
| [[Dick Hern]]
| [[Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum|Hamdan Al Maktoum]]
| 2:02.90
|{{GBR|#}}
|-
| 1991
| [[Suave Dancer]]
| 3
| [[Cash Asmussen]]
| [[John Hammond (racehorse trainer)|John Hammond]]
| Henri Chalhoub
| 2:06.80
|{{FRA|#}}
|-
| 1992
| [[Dr Devious]]
| 3
| [[John Reid (jockey)|John Reid]]
| [[Peter Chapple-Hyam]]
| [[Sidney Craig]]
| 2:10.00
|{{GBR|#}}
|-
| 1993
| [[Muhtarram]]
| 4
| [[Willie Carson]]
| [[John Gosden]]
| [[Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum|Hamdan Al Maktoum]]
| 2:06.10
|{{GBR|#}}
|-
| 1994
| [[Cezanne (horse)|Cezanne]]
| 5
| [[Michael Kinane]]
| [[Michael Stoute|Sir Michael Stoute]]
| [[Godolphin (racing)|Godolphin]]
| 2:07.90
|{{GBR|#}}
|-
| 1995
| [[Pentire]]
| 3
| [[Michael Hills (jockey)|Michael Hills]]
| [[Geoff Wragg]]
| Mollers Racing
| 2:04.40
|{{GBR|#}}
|-
| 1996
| [[Timarida]]
| 4
| [[Johnny Murtagh]]
| [[John Oxx]]
| [[Aga Khan IV]]
| 2:06.20
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 1997
| [[Pilsudski (horse)|Pilsudski]]
| 5
| [[Michael Kinane]]
| [[Michael Stoute|Sir Michael Stoute]]
| [[Arnold Weinstock|Lord Weinstock]]
| 2:04.70
|{{GBR|#}}
|-
| 1998
| [[Swain (horse)|Swain]]
| 6
| [[Frankie Dettori]]
| [[Saeed bin Suroor]]
| [[Godolphin (racing)|Godolphin]]
| 2:10.20
|{{GBR|#}}
|-
| 1999
| [[Daylami]]
| 5
| [[Frankie Dettori]]
| [[Saeed bin Suroor]]
| [[Godolphin (racing)|Godolphin]]
| 2:08.40
|{{GBR|#}}
|-
| 2000
| [[Giant's Causeway (horse)|Giant's Causeway]]
| 3
| [[Michael Kinane]]
| [[Aidan O'Brien]]
| [[Sue Magnier|Magnier]] / [[Michael Tabor|Tabor]]
| 2:03.10
|{{IRE|#}}
|- 
| 2001
| [[Fantastic Light]]
| 5
| [[Frankie Dettori]]
| [[Saeed bin Suroor]]
| [[Godolphin (racing)|Godolphin]]
| 2:01.80
|{{GBR|#}}
|-
| 2002
| [[Grandera]]
| 4
| [[Frankie Dettori]]
| [[Saeed bin Suroor]]
| [[Godolphin (racing)|Godolphin]]
| 2:04.70
|{{GBR|#}}
|- 
| 2003
| [[High Chaparral]]
| 4
| [[Michael Kinane]]
| [[Aidan O'Brien]]
| [[Michael Tabor|Tabor]] / [[Sue Magnier|Magnier]]
| 2:03.30
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 2004
| [[Azamour]]
| 3
| [[Michael Kinane]]
| [[John Oxx]]
| [[Aga Khan IV|HH Aga Khan IV]]
| 2:01.90
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 2005
| [[Oratorio (horse)|Oratorio]]
| 3
| [[Kieren Fallon]]
| [[Aidan O'Brien]]
| [[Sue Magnier|Magnier]] / [[Michael Tabor|Tabor]]
| 2:03.90
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 2006
| [[Dylan Thomas (horse)|Dylan Thomas]]
| 3
| [[Kieren Fallon]]
| [[Aidan O'Brien]]
| [[Sue Magnier|Magnier]] / [[Michael Tabor|Tabor]]
| 2:02.90
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 2007
| [[Dylan Thomas (horse)|Dylan Thomas]]
| 4
| [[Kieren Fallon]]
| [[Aidan O'Brien]]
| [[Sue Magnier|Magnier]] / [[Michael Tabor|Tabor]]
| 2:02.27
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 2008
| [[New Approach]]
| 3
| [[Kevin Manning (jockey)|Kevin Manning]]
| [[Jim Bolger (racehorse trainer)|Jim Bolger]]
| [[Princess Haya bint Al Hussein|Princess Haya of Jordan]]
| 2:07.57
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 2009
| [[Sea the Stars]]
| 3
| [[Michael Kinane]]
| [[John Oxx]]
| [[Christopher Tsui]]
| 2:03.90
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 2010
| [[Cape Blanco (horse)|Cape Blanco]]
| 3
| [[Seamie Heffernan]]
| [[Aidan O'Brien]]
| Smith <!-- Derrick Smith --> / [[Sue Magnier|Magnier]] / [[Michael Tabor|Tabor]]
| 2:03:89
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 2011
| [[So You Think]]
| 5
| [[Seamie Heffernan]]
| [[Aidan O'Brien]]
| Derrick Smith ''et al.'' <!-- Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor, Dato Tan Chin Nam, Tunku Ahmad Yahaya -->
| 2:04.20
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 2012
| [[Snow Fairy]]
| 5
| [[Frankie Dettori]]
| [[Ed Dunlop]]
|  Anamoine Limited
| 2:00.92
|{{GBR|#}}
|-
| 2013
| [[The Fugue]]
| 4
| [[William Buick]]
| [[John Gosden]]
| [[Andrew Lloyd Webber]]
| 2:05.22
|{{GBR|#}}
|-
| 2014
| [[The Grey Gatsby]]
| 3
| [[Ryan Moore (jockey)|Ryan Moore]]
| Kevin Ryan
| Frank Gillespie
| 2:03.18
|{{GBR|#}}
|-
| 2015
| [[Golden Horn (horse)|Golden Horn]]
| 3
| [[Frankie Dettori]]
| [[John Gosden]]
| [[Anthony Oppenheimer]]
| 2:05.41
|{{GBR|#}}
|-
| 2016
| [[Almanzor (horse)|Almanzor]]
| 3
| [[Christophe Soumillon]]
| [[Jean-Claude Rouget]]
| Ecurie Antonio Caro 
| 2:08.93
|{{FRA|#}}
|-
| 2017
| [[Decorated Knight]]
| 5
| [[Andrea Atzeni]]
| [[Roger Charlton]]
| Al Homaizi / Al Sagar <!-- Saleh Al Homaizi and Imad Al Sagar -->
| 2:08.36
|{{GBR|#}}
|-
| 2018
| [[Roaring Lion (horse)|Roaring Lion]]
| 3
| [[Oisin Murphy]]
| [[John Gosden]]
| Qatar Racing Ltd
| 2:07.21
|{{GBR|#}}
|-
| 2019
| [[Magical (horse)|Magical]]
| 4
| [[Ryan Moore (jockey)|Ryan Moore]]
| [[Aidan O'Brien]]
| Smith <!-- Derrick Smith --> / [[Sue Magnier|Magnier]] / [[Michael Tabor|Tabor]]
| 2:06.49
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 2020
| [[Magical (horse)|Magical]]
| 5
| [[Seamie Heffernan]]
| [[Aidan O'Brien]]
| Smith <!-- Derrick Smith --> / [[Sue Magnier|Magnier]] / [[Michael Tabor|Tabor]]
| 2:05.08
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 2021
| [[St Mark's Basilica (horse)|St Mark's Basilica]]
| 3
| [[Ryan Moore (jockey)|Ryan Moore]]
| [[Aidan O'Brien]]
| Smith <!-- Derrick Smith --> / [[Sue Magnier|Magnier]] / [[Michael Tabor|Tabor]]
| 2:11.19
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 2022
| [[Luxembourg (horse)|Luxembourg]]
| 3
| [[Ryan Moore (jockey)|Ryan Moore]]
| [[Aidan O'Brien]]
| [[Georg von Opel|Westerberg]] / Smith <!-- Derrick Smith --> / [[Sue Magnier|Magnier]] / [[Michael Tabor|Tabor]]
| 2:12.10
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 2023
| [[Auguste Rodin (horse)|Auguste Rodin]]
| 3
| [[Ryan Moore (jockey)|Ryan Moore]]
| [[Aidan O'Brien]]
| [[Michael Tabor|Tabor]] / Smith <!-- Derrick Smith --> / [[Sue Magnier|Magnier]] / [[Georg von Opel|Westerberg]]
| 2:02.68
|{{IRE|#}}
|-
| 2024
| [[Economics (horse)|Economics]]
| 3
| [[Tom Marquand]]
| [[William Haggas]]
| Isa Salman Al Khalifa
| 2:03.20
|{{GBR|#}}
|}

==See also==
* [[Horse racing in Ireland]]
* [[List of Irish flat horse races]]
* [[:Category:Recurring sporting events established in 1976|Recurring sporting events established in 1976]] ''– this race is included under its original title, Joe McGrath Memorial Stakes.''

==References==
{{Reflist}}
* Paris-Turf: 
**{{Paris-Turf|1979|09-22|leopardstown|joe-mcgrath-stakes|7567}}, {{Paris-Turf|1980|09-20|leopardstown|joe-mc-grath-memorial-stakes|12094}}, {{Paris-Turf|1981|09-19|leopardstown|joe-mc-grath-memorial-stakes|16366}}, {{Paris-Turf|1983|09-17|leopardstown|joe-mc-grath-memorial-stakes|76412}}, {{Paris-Turf|1986|09-07|curragh|phoenix-champion-stakes|127637}}
* [[Racing Post]]:
** {{Racing Post|93193|1988|09|04|194}}, {{Racing Post|97271|1989|09|02|194}}, {{Racing Post|101877|1990|09|02|194}}, {{Racing Post|106922|1991|09|14|187}}, {{Racing Post|111821|1992|09|13|187}}, {{Racing Post|116843|1993|09|11|187}}, {{Racing Post|121984|1994|09|10|187}}, {{Racing Post|127449|1995|09|09|187}}, {{Racing Post|230662|1996|09|14|187}}, {{Racing Post|243417|1997|09|13|187}}
** {{Racing Post|257064|1998|09|12|187}}, {{Racing Post|272287|1999|09|11|187}}, {{Racing Post|286772|2000|09|09|187}}, {{Racing Post|306292|2001|09|08|187}}, {{Racing Post|322057|2002|09|07|187}}, {{Racing Post|338790|2003|09|06|187}}, {{Racing Post|358363|2004|09|11|187}}, {{Racing Post|391602|2005|09|10|187}}, {{Racing Post|407804|2006|09|09|187}}, {{Racing Post|427965|2007|09|08|187}}
** {{Racing Post|452755|2008|09|07|187}}, {{Racing Post|477830|2009|09|05|187}}, {{Racing Post|501883|2010|09|04|187}}, {{Racing Post|526698|2011|09|03|187}}, {{Racing Post|555354|2012|09|08|187}}, {{Racing Post|579008|2013|09|07|187}}, {{Racing Post|602191|2014|09|13|187}}, {{Racing Post|628335|2015|09|12|187}}, {{Racing Post|652592|2016|09|10|187}}, {{Racing Post|677738|2017|09|09|187}}
** {{Racing Post|704511|2018|09|15|187}}, {{Racing Post|732355|2019|09|14|187}}, {{Racing Post|762021|2020|09|12|187}}, {{Racing Post|786453|2021|09|11|187}}, {{Racing Post|814134|2022|09|10|187}}, {{Racing Post|842486|2023|09|09|187}}, {{Racing Post|869955|2024|09|14|187}}
----
* [http://www.galopp-sieger.de/galoppsieger/sieger?rennkz=IELeChaS&backlink=1 galopp-sieger.de] – ''Irish Champion Stakes.''
* [http://www.horseracingintfed.com/racingDisplay.asp?section=8&racepid=67859 horseracingintfed.com] – ''International Federation of Horseracing Authorities – Irish Champion Stakes (2018).''
* [http://www.irishracinggreats.com/pages/champion.htm irishracinggreats.com] – ''Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1).''
* [http://www.pedigreequery.com/index.php?search_bar=stakes&query_type=stakes&field=view&id=500 pedigreequery.com] – ''Irish Champion Stakes – Leopardstown.''

<!-- Note: The Irish Champion Stakes also appears in "Category:Recurring sporting events established in 1976" under its original title "Joe McGrath Memorial Stakes". -->
{{Race Meeting|Irish Champions Weekend|Turf}}

[[Category:Flat races in Ireland]]
[[Category:Open middle distance horse races]]
[[Category:Breeders' Cup Challenge series]]
[[Category:Leopardstown Racecourse]]
[[Category:1976 establishments in Ireland]]