A spectacular Group 1 victory at Leopardstown for Jessica Harrington, Shane Foley and Hotazhell who delivered a moment to remember, winning the 2026 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (G1) at Leopardstown. In a race that has been won by some of the greatest names in modern racing, including St Mark's Basilica, Auguste Rodin, Golden Horn, Roaring Lion and Almanzor, Hotazhell has now added his name to an illustrious roll of honour. For trainer Jessica Harrington, jockey Shane Foley and everyone at Harringtons Racing, it is a hugely significant success for a horse who has shown his class and toughness throughout his career.
Photo Pat Healy Racing
FROM TWO-YEAR-OLD WINNER TO GROUP 1 STAR
Hotazhell's progression has been one of steady development and increasing class.
A winner on debut at Leopardstown as a two-year-old, he quickly showed that he possessed the natural ability to compete at the highest level. He followed that first success with another victory at the Curragh before signing off his juvenile campaign with a win at Doncaster.
As a three-year-old, he continued to compete against the best of his generation, gaining valuable experience in some of Europe's biggest races. His performances at the highest level showed that a Group 1 victory was within his reach and that breakthrough came in Germany this summer. Ridden by Shane Foley, Hotazhell landed the Group 1 Grosser Dallmayr-Preis at Munich in July, defeating Timeforshowcasing by a nose. That victory provided the perfect springboard towards his biggest challenge yet: returning home to Leopardstown for the Irish Champion Stakes.
Photo Pat Healy Racing
A PEDIGREE BUILT FOR THE TOP
Hotazhell is bred on an exciting combination of speed, class and proven Group 1 bloodlines. He is a four-year-old son of Too Darn Hot, the high-class son of Dubawi, out of Azenzar, by the hugely influential Danehill Dancer. Too Darn Hot was himself an exceptional racehorse and has quickly established himself as an exciting sire, while Danehill Dancer brings another outstanding layer of European breeding influence to Hotazhell's pedigree. The female family has also produced a number of winners by quality sires, including Australia, No Nay Never and U S Navy Flag, demonstrating the depth behind Hotazhell's pedigree.
Photo Pat Healy Racing
LEOPARDSTOWN MAGIC
Hotazhell arrived at Leopardstown having already proved himself a Group 1 winner, but the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes represented another major test. With Shane Foley in the saddle, Hotazhell produced a determined performance to secure the €725,000 winner's prize and add his name to one of the most prestigious races in the Irish racing calendar. The victory is also testament to the patience and belief of Jessica Harrington and the team. Speaking ahead of the race, Harrington had made clear how highly she regarded Hotazhell, and after the victory she described the success as a hugely significant addition to her CV, reflecting on how difficult these races are to win.
An outstanding horse and an outstanding result for Jessica Harrington, Shane Foley and the entire Harringtons Racing team. Huge congratulations to everyone involved with Hotazhell the 2026 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes G1 winner!
