Hotazhell delivered a surprise victory in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Sunday, overcoming long odds to claim a Group 1 win. Trained by Jessica Harrington, the colt entered the race as a 50/1 outsider despite having secured his first top-level success at Cologne the previous month.

Ridden by Shane Foley, Hotazhell was positioned in mid-pack for much of the race as the early pace was set by Aidan O’Brien’s Lambourn. Among the Ballydoyle runners, Constitution River, the 11/8 favorite, and Hawk Mountain moved to the front approaching the final two furlongs. However, both were overtaken in the closing stages by Hotazhell and Wimbledu Hawkeye, who had starting odds of 33/1.

In a closely contested finish, Hotazhell veered slightly left, making contact with Wimbledu Hawkeye, but maintained momentum to win by a neck. Constitution River faded in the final strides to finish third.

Reflecting on the result, Harrington expressed surprise at Hotazhell’s high odds, citing his recent Group 1 win in Germany and good form heading into the race. She highlighted that the colt’s previous seasonal performances had been affected by ground conditions that did not suit him. “He kept on trying, he got his conditions today and he went and did it,” she said, adding praise for Foley’s strong ride and the horse’s toughness.

Elsewhere at Leopardstown, Andrew Balding’s Blue Bolt achieved her first Group 1 victory in the Matron Stakes. The filly, sent off as the 4/5 favorite, powered home under jockey Colin Keane to win by two lengths over City Of Memphis, who started at 9/1 odds.