CHAMPION STAKES LIVES UP TO ITS NAME

Ian Fortune

The BOYLE Sports Champion Stakes draw went live yesterday afternoon and it was worth the wait with the famous two-run competition really living up to its name.

All three heats feature top class performers but the clash of sensational Derby champion Bockos Diamond and this year’s Kirby Memorial champion Bouncing Monarch is the stand-out clash.

The pair will face off in the opening semi-final with Bouncing Monarch ideally housed on the fence and Bockos Diamond wearing his beloved stripes. Throw in the brilliant Solo And Go and Kirby Memorial finalist Jaykay Fly and it really is a mouth-watering contest.

Epic Ace has just his second start on Irish soil this year in the second heat. One of the stars of the English Derby before making his exit at the semi-final stages, he will be a warm favourite to land Heat 2 but nothing will come easy with Juvenile Derby champ Getup The Boy, the talented Gaytime Clyde and the brilliant Ballymac Kamala amongst his rivals.

The final heat is hugely intriguing. Glengar Kane suffered his only career defeat when exiting the English Derby last month and is likely to start favourite to make a winning Shelbourne debut. Low Profile, Shanahee Boomer and Gold Cup champion Coloursaregreen are likely to make life difficult, however. The full draw is now live in upcoming cards or by licking the link: https://www.grireland.ie/racing/upcoming-race-cards/upcoming-race-card-summary/?track=SPK&id=118798&date=26-Jun-2026