Progressive Champers a first Group 1 for Murtagh Champers Elysees continued her march through the ranks with a devastating turn of foot in the Group One Matron Stakes in Leopardstown. Johnny Murtagh's filly was beaten off a mark of 84 in a nursery at Naas in October, but this year has been electric for one of the horses of the season. She is now four from four in 2020 having started with a victory in a handicap at the Curragh in June before winning a Listed race at the Galway Festival by seven lengths. She then took the step up into Group 3 company in her stride at Gowran Park. This was the first Group One of Murtagh's training career. Colin Keane settled the Elzaam filly towards the rear of this 11-runner field as Love Locket led the way. Keane had one behind him at the three pole, but had plenty of horse underneath him. Love Locket gave best a furlong and a half out as Murtagh's other runner, Know It All, took over racing into the final furlong from Classic winner Peaceful. Champers Elysees began her challenge a furlong and a half down and stormed into contention down the outside. She devoured the ground to move into third behind the aforementioned pair inside the final furlong, and powered past Peaceful with less than 100 yards to travel. The 9/2 chance scooted in by a length and a quarter from the 11/4 runner-up. Fancy Blue, the 9/4 favourite, was another length and a half away in third. “It feels great. I'm sick of everyone saying 'you had such a great career as a jockey', that's in the past and it's the now I'm worried about. Johnny Murtagh said: “It's been a brilliant year but to win a Group One on Champions Weekend means everything. That's why we get up in the morning for. “We believe we have the team to compete in Group Ones and we want to be on this stage. “I have to say thanks to my wife, my family, as they have been very supportive and to all the staff back at the stables and everybody who supports us, including the owners, through a tricky year. “She was always a good filly and I did think she'd make up into a stakes filly. The amount she has improved is unbelievable. “She has improved a lot physically and she's now started to know she's good. Handicap, listed, Group 3 and now she's a Group One winner. When those fillies start improving there is no end to them. “I was watching both of them and thought Know It All ran a cracker as well (in fourth), she was there all the way and might have just got out-stayed. “I could see her (Champers Elysees) coming with Fancy Blue and I thought it was going to be a battle but the way she quickened up in the last 100 yards, Colin said, was very impressive. “She's a very good filly. “I don't know where next as this was the main plan. I suppose the Sun Chariot in Newmarket is there, it's fillies only again and I wouldn't mind staying in with the fillies. “There is also a chance to go over to the Breeders' Cup Mile. We'll sit down, enjoy tonight, and then make a plan about where to go next. “The Breeders' Cup is an option and a mile around there would suit her down to the ground as she's quick and has a great turn of foot. “It's been a magical season. I'm a very good trainer and I just need better horses! “When I get them these are the results. It's very hard to source horses in Ireland but when we do I'm not behind the door in telling people that we are able to do the business once we get the right horse.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
