The Group One race, to be known as the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes will be run at Leopardstown on Saturday 8th September this year, with a total prize fund of €1,000,000. Carrying the branding of the Tattersalls sponsored £2,200,000 Tattersalls Millions, the most valuable sales race series in the world, the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes looks set yet again to be one of the highlights of the European racing calendar.

The Irish Champion Stakes has consistently rated among the top three flat races in the world in recent years. At the second entry stage last Wednesday, 18th July, connections paid €28,000 each to enter brilliant Epsom Derby winner Authorized, who is the third consecutive Derby winner from new sponsors Tattersalls' October Yearling Sale, French Derby winner, Lawman and the Andre Fabre trained Group 1 Prince of Wales Stakes winner, Manduro.

This trio join a top-class entry of 54, with last year's winner Dylan Thomas still engaged. Other notable entries to stand their ground are Jim Bolger's Irish and English 1000 Guineas heroine, Finsceal Beo; recent Darley Irish Oaks winner, Peeping Fawn; last season's Tattersalls sold Triple Oaks winner, Alexandrova and runaway Budweiser Irish Derby victor, Soldier of Fortune.

Overseas entries include the recent Eclipse Stakes winner, Notnowcato, the Princess of Wales Stakes winner, Papal Bull, last year's Breeders Cup hero, Red Rocks, the Hardwicke Stakes winner, Maraahel and the Grand Prix de St Cloud winner, Mountain High.

Tattersalls Chairman, Edmond Mahony said:

"The Irish Champion Stakes has the perfect profile for Tattersalls. The timing is ideal in the lead up to the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale and a race of such outstanding quality provides a wonderful platform for promoting the £2,200,000 Tattersalls Millions, not only in Ireland, but also to an international audience. The calibre of entries for this year's race suggests that the first running of the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes will produce yet another winner worthy of one of the world's great races".

Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of HRI said:

"Tattersalls and the Irish Champion Stakes are a perfect fit, each being associated with excellence and achievement at the highest international level. The list of winners of this race over the past twenty years reads like a parade of world champions, many having been sold as yearlings by Tattersalls. Tattersalls have been committed supporters of Irish racing for many years and we look forward to the further growth and development which this partnership will bring to the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes".

Tattersalls Media Release Published 25/07/07