Ballysax Stakes

History

The event was formerly held at the Curragh, and it used to be classed at Listed level. It was transferred to Leopardstown in 1993, and promoted to Group 3 status in 2003. The 2014 running was held at Navan as the normal Leopardstown fixture was judged to be too early in the season to serve as a trial race for the European classics.
The Ballysax Stakes is currently run in memory of Patrick W. McGrath. McGrath served as chairman of the Racing Board, which purchased Leopardstown Racecourse in 1967. The race serves as trial race for various European classics and the most recent winner to go on to a classic victory was Harzand, winner of the Epsom Derby in 2016.

Records

Leading jockey since 1986 :

Michael Kinane – Cheering News, Humbel, Casey Tibbs, Cupid, Galileo, High Chaparral

Leading trainer since 1986 :

Aidan O'Brien – Cupid, Galileo, High Chaparral, Balestrini, Yeats, Fame and Glory, Battle of Marengo, Nelson, Broome, Nobel Prize, Bolshoi Ballet, Delacroix