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St Mark's Basilica on track for Irish Champion Stakes return

St Mark's Basilica ridden by Ryan Moore (left) wins The Coral-Eclipse on Coral-Eclipse Day of The Coral Summer Festival 2021 at Sandown Park racecourse, Esher.
Image: St Mark's Basilica ridden by Ryan Moore (left) wins The Coral-Eclipse

Aidan O'Brien's multiple Group One winner St Mark's Basilica is on course to recover from a small setback and return to action in time for the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on September 11.

The three-year-old has won his last four races - all at Group One level - beginning in the Dewhurst last season.

This term he has landed the French Guineas, French Derby and the Coral-Eclipse, beating Addeybb and Mishriff - but he was forced to miss the Juddmonte International after a cut on his hind leg caused by a lost shoe became infected.

"St Mark's Basilica is on the right road. It's a case of all good so far and we're on track," said O'Brien.

O'Brien also had news of his two star fillies - Snowfall, currently favourite for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and Santa Barbara, who has won her last two starts in America and is set to head back out there.

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"Snowfall is working towards the Prix Vermeille at the moment and Santa Barbara might go to Keeneland for a race in about six weeks. She has taken her trips to America very well, she loves it," said O'Brien.

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