Longines Irish Champions Weekend: watch essential interviews

Ireland's greatest Flat racing event, the Longines Irish Champions Weekend, takes place at Leopardstown and The Curragh on September 10 and 11.

The top-class action comes thick and fast over the two days, with six Group One prizes up for grabs.

Saturday's action at Leopardstown features the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes plus Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes, while Sunday's specials at The Curragh include the Flying Five Stakes, the Moyglare Stud Stakes, the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes and Comer Group International Irish St Leger.

Our team of presenters have been out and about in the build-up speaking to trainers and jockeys hoping to be in the thick of the action.

Watch what they have to say about their runners and rides, starting with Jean-Clade Rouget, whose brilliant colt Vadeni is favourite for the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes.

Walk the course with the maestro, who shared all his knowledge with Fran Berry.

The master of Ballydoyle discusses star stayer Kyprios ahead of the Comer Group International Irish St. Leger.

The French maestro reflects on Almanzor's Irish Champion Stakes win in 2016 and looks ahead to Vadeni's challenge in the same race.

La Petite Coco, Rosscarbery, Rumbles Of Thunder, Impact Warrior, Limiti Di Greccio and French Claim are among those discussed by the leading trainer in a lengthy chat with Fran Berry.

Paddy Twomey's stable jockey gives his thoughts on the horses that the trainer spoke about plus his title battle with Colin Keane.

Keane speaks to Gary O'Brien about his recent successes at Irish Champions Weekend and some of his his potential rides this year.

Hayes discusses victories in the Irish St Leger aboard Song For Someone and Voleuse de Coeurs and reflects upon the impact of Pat Smullen on his career as a jockey plus discusses some promising two-year-olds trained by Dermot Weld in Tahirya and Kayhana that may be heading to the meeting.

And below are his views on Homeless Songs.

Murtagh reveals he has high hopes of victory in the Flying Five. Will he be wearing his "lucky" Panama hat?

We spoke to O'Brien before news of State Of Rest's injury and retirement was announced.

Davison tells us all about his star sprinter Mooneista, who is being aimed at the Flying Five.

Risjng star McMonagle tells us about his rise and hopes for the two days.

The chief executive of The Curragh looks ahead to two spectacular days of action.