The Irish champions beckons for Alpine Star Andrew Nelis

Alpine Star may bid to cap her fine season in next month’s Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

Jessica Harrington’s Group One-winning filly was outgunned only by the unbeaten Palace Pier in her first foray into open-age company against the colts in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville this month.

She was previously a Royal Ascot winner in the Coronation Stakes and then narrowly failed to peg back Fancy Blue in the Prix de Diane over 10 and a half furlongs at Chantilly.

Her owners the Niarchos family are yet to decide whether another of their three-year-old stars Highest Ground will be out again this season, or wait until next summer.

But racing manager Alan Cooper confirmed they have a much more definite plan for Alpine Star..

“At the moment, Mrs Harrington is leaning towards the Irish Champion Stakes,” he said.

Andrew Nelis Racing

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