Aidan O'Brien's Delacroix returned to Leopardstown in triumph, recording an easy success in the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes.

The son of Dubawi had dominated two Derby Trials over course and distance in the early part of the season, before disappointing in the Group 1 Epsom Derby behind stablemate Lambourn. A return to 2000m proved key for Delacroix, as he defeated older horse Ombudsman in the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown. He was ultimately disappointing when beaten three-and-a-half lengths by the same rival in the Group 1 Juddmonte International where Ombudsman benefited from the assistance of French pacemarker, Birr Castle.

With no Ombudsman, Delacroix was left to dominate the Irish Champion Stakes (Gr.1), sat quietly midfield with stablemate Mount Kilimanjaro setting an honest pace. Ridden by Christophe Soumillon, the three-year-old travelled easily past his rivals in the closing stages to record a three-quarter length success over Anmaat, with Royal Champion a further two-and-a-quarter lengths back in third.

"He's so quick. It was an even, strong run race. He [Soumillon] took his time but when he said go, he took off.

"What he did at Sandown was very unusual. You don't often see horses do that, and it was same again today, in two strides, it was over. He looked like he wasn't in the picture, then he was in front.

"I can't tell you how important he is [as a Dubawi]. I don't know [where he'd run next], he has all the options. He could go back to a mile, he powers out of the gates. I think all options are open to him and I'm afraid to say, just in case the lads say [he should be retired]."

Delacroix is out of champion racemare Tepin, multiple Grade 1 winner in America and successful in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.