Irish eyes were smiling on SNOW FAIRY yesterday as she cruised to her seventh Group 1 success when taking the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown under Frankie Dettori. Mrs Christina Patino's five year old had made a superb return from injury to win the Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville last month and yesterday's win has brought her earnings to just over £4 million.
Given a confident ride by Dettori, who merely bided his time when sitting off the scorching early pace set by Daddy Long Legs, made his move two furlongs out and outpaced British rival Nathaniel to score by a length and a quarter.
"I usually don't notice these things," said Dettori, winning the race for the fifth time, "but I could hear the crowd get behind her and the roar when she crossed the line. I've had some great days here but this one was all about this mare. Everyone was delighted to see her win, especially like she did, and racing needs superstars like her. She's only small but she comes with a big punch."
Snow Fairy showed tremendous acceleration when asked to cut down her rivals, holding off two top level colts in Nathaniel and St Nicholas Abbey and breaking the track record in the process.
"To beat some of the best colts around in a track record time after a major tendon injury, it doesn't get much better than this. I've not had many prouder moments," Dunlop said. "I've been lucky enough to win a few good races, but to do what she's just done is amazing. Frankie gave her a great ride. She's got an electric turn of foot and we wanted to take our time a bit. She's now won a Group One in Europe against colts after being second in this last year – she is the horse of a lifetime."
"She seems fine after the race, she's in the Arc, she's in the Champion Stakes - We've always said this year we will take it one race at a time," added Dunlop, "but she's never been to America. She's already won Group Ones in five countries and it would be nice to make it six."