Aidan O'Brien favouring Matron option with Winter
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Winter is unlikely to take on stablemate Churchill in Saturday's Irish Champion Stakes, with the Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes her probable target at Leopardstown.
The three-year-old filly has carried all before her this season, winning the English and Irish Guineas, the Coronation Stakes and the Nassau at Goodwood over 10 furlongs.
There had been rumblings Aidan O'Brien might let her take on the boys in the feature race of the weekend, but the Ballydoyle handler is leaning towards keeping her to her own sex instead.
"It's definitely a possibility, but I'd say the Matron is the favourite at the moment," said O'Brien. "She's had a little break since the last day she ran and she's done very well."
Meanwhile, Michael Halford has high hopes for Riyazan on Irish Champions Weekend after his impressive debut win.
The Aga Khan-owned colt bolted up at the Curragh last month, looking a very smart prospect in the process.
He will step up in class for a Group Three event on Saturday at Leopardstown, heading up Halford's team for the big weekend after several other possibles were sold abroad.
"Riyazan has done very well since he won first time out at the Curragh. He's had a trouble-free run," said Halford.
"He won like a smart horse and it's not like one of ours to pick up and quicken like that first time out. He lugged across the track a bit, but it was only through greenness.
"He will run in the Group Three Willis Towers Watson Champions Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown. Katiymann will also go there for the Sovereign Path Handicap.
"Irishcorrespondent, Yulong Xionghu and Vincy, who won well last month in the Curragh, have all been sold to Hong Kong."
Related posts
Sky Bet Sunday Series tips: Angus McNae likes a 12-1 chance
Racing TV French Champion Hurdle: Losange Bleu regains crown
Watch: Aidan O'Brien Stable Tour
Five horses to follow from our experts on Saturday
Racing TV French Champion Hurdle: runner-by-runner guide and tip
Featured offers
Bet £10 & Get £30 in free bets with bet365
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets in Multis with Betfair
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets with Betano
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved