Lion King III - Gr. 1 hat-trick for Roaring

Qatar Racing's Roaring Lion cemented his status as the best 3-year-old colt in Europe with Gr. 1 number 3 in the Irish Champion Stakes.

After winning the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown and the Juddmonte International at York, Roaring Lion completed the hat-trick in the 7-runner Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, part of Irish Champions Weekend. The Irish Champion is sponsored by QIPCO (Qatar Investment and Projects Development Holding Company), of which Qatar Racing is a subsidiary.

It was always going to be a tactical race with Ballydoyle fielding four runners, including Roaring Lion's old foe and second favourite Saxon Warrior, and Roaring Lion was placed near the rear by an ice-cool Oisin Murphy in the early stages. Front runner Deauville was overtaken by his stablemate Saxon Warrior under two furlongs out, which saw him get first run on Roaring Lion, but Oisin had timed his run perfectly, the Lion roaring late on to get up by a neck, showing his trademark turn of foot and an unbelievably willing attitude. The race was a credit to all concerned and we are very grateful that our colt came out just on top.

Roaring Lion and Saxon Warrior have now met 6 times, with Roaring Lion winning the last 4 meetings. Roaring Lion is now 4 from 4 over a mile and a quarter, and he's also unbeaten on ground faster than good. Oisin had ridden his first winner in his native Ireland only earlier in the day when scoring on Limini, and we are delighted that he's Qatar Racing's retained jockey. It was a shame John Gosden couldn't be there - he was at Doncaster to oversee his runners - and our thanks go to all at Clarehaven who have helped with Roaring Lion's campaign, in particular his groom Benario de Paiva and regular work rider Kieran O'Neill.

"The race panned out for Saxon Warrior than us, but his [Roaring Lion's] courage and turn of foot to go and get him was quite breathtaking to watch," said Sheikh Fahad, who confirmed that the other Qipco Champion Stakes, at Ascot on October 20, remains under consideration along with the Breeders' Cup.

"Plans haven't been finalized yet - he might stay in training, he might not. That will come later on," added Sheikh Fahad.

"The complexion of the race changed a few times as we went along," added Oisin. "We knew it was going to be tactical, but it was more tactical than anybody could have expected."

With Saxon Warrior sadly retired the day after the race owing to a tendon injury, Roaring Lion is now no better than 2/1 for the Champion Stakes. The Irish Champion Stakes was also a "Win And You're In" contest for the Breeders' Cup Turf on November 3.

A fantastic weekend for Qatar Racing got even better on Sunday when Havana Grey - from the first crop of Qatar Racing's stallion Havana Gold, who is based at Tweenhills Farm and Stud in Gloucestershire - recorded his fifth Stakes success in the Gr. 1 Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh.