The 2025 Irish St Leger, Group 1 highlight of the Curragh autumn, brings together nine runners for Sunday’s feature, set over 1 mile and 6 furlongs.
Prize money is substantial at a million euros, with more than €400,000 going to the winner, and the event sets the standard for Ireland’s premier stayers, often acting as a springboard for global campaigns in the Melbourne Cup or major European staying events.
At the top of the betting, joint-favourites Illinois and Al Riffa can barely be separated at 2/1.
Illinois, trained by Aidan O’Brien, has delivered a season of consistency, including striking Group form and robust second-place finishes in races like the Queen’s Vase and the Doncaster St Leger.
His stamina is beyond doubt, and Christophe Soumillon’s booking adds further tactical strength in a competitive field.
Al Riffa, trained by Joseph O’Brien, arrives fresh from an authoritative victory in the Curragh Cup, a five-length demolition that showcased his ability to quicken off a strong pace and handle championship company at this track.
Recent runs in Group races abroad underscore his versatility and strength over the St Leger distance.
Not A Two-Horse Race
Despite what the headlines may indicate, the 2025 Irish St Leger is far from being a two-horse race.
Sure, the O’Brien Father and Son are going to go head-to-head, but that doesn’t mean that the rest of the field are there to simply make up the numbers.
Each has its own attributes and is more than capable of throwing up a surprise…
2025 Irish St Leger Odds
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Al Riffa | 2/1 |
| Illinois | 2/1 |
| Amiloc | 11/4 |
| Al Qareem | 9/1 |
| Crystal Black | 11/1 |
| Leinster | 20/1 |
| Queenstown | 33/1 |
| Dallas Star | 40/1 |
| Waldadler | 50/1 |
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Amiloc
Amiloc, trading at 3/1, is an impressive three-year-old contender from the Ralph Beckett yard.
Throughout the campaign, he has steadily improved, with a notable win at 1m6f already suggesting he has the stamina and closing speed to compete at Group 1 level.
His last few runs have seen him facing older horses, and he held his own with assured performances over extended trips, including a solid showing in Pattern company.
As a lightly raced three-year-old, he benefits not just from progressive form, but also the traditional weight allowance, which may play a role if the race becomes a tactical or stamina test.
Amiloc is unexposed at this distance against seasoned stayers, and his recent results point to a horse still on the rise and is a genuine threat to the established market leaders.
Al Qareem
Al Qareem, sitting at 9/1, brings substantial Group-level experience to the field. Winner of the Yorkshire Cup in 2024, Al Qareem proved his ability to see out tough, staying contests over 1m6f and beyond.
Trained by Karl Burke, this six-year-old has a durable constitution and a racing style that puts him close to the pace early, often wearing down weaker rivals late on.
His form includes a top-four finish in the Yorkshire Cup this spring, as well as efforts abroad against Europe’s leading stayers.
Al Qareem’s profile is built on consistency and reliability, and while his peak efforts have tended to come in smaller fields, his knowledge of long-distance handicaps and genuine Group company makes him a worthy each-way play if the race becomes a test of stamina and resilience.
Crystal Black
Crystal Black, at 11/1, is among the solid each-way contenders. A seven-year-old from the Gerard Keane stable, he owns plenty of experience at similar distances and has posted competitive results in Irish Listed and Group races.
While not least exposed, he tends to run best when held up and delivered with a single, sustained challenge.
His track record at the Curragh indicates that he can handle the unique demands of the course, and his previous season’s runs illustrate a horse capable of picking up the pieces if the favourites falter or if conditions deteriorate.
Crystal Black’s mixture of seasoned character and ability to stay the trip could see him sneak a placing.
Leinster
Leinster, offered at 20/1, is a four-year-old from the Joseph O’Brien yard.
Although not as prolific as stablemate Al Riffa, Leinster has posted reasonable efforts over staying distances, showing promise in handicaps and smaller Group events.
His best form comes when he’s positioned close to the leaders, and he’s proven to have the stamina for this trip.
Leinster is less likely on ratings but benefits from a trainer noted for getting improvement in stayers as the season goes on.
If the field strings out under a solid pace or the race develops into a battle of attrition, Leinster could emerge as a surprising placer.
The Outsiders
Dallas Star and Queenstown appear at long odds of 40/1, while Waldadler, at 50/1, is the biggest outsider in the field.
Dallas Star, trained by Adrian Murray, has struggled to find his best form in Group company this season but has managed minor placings in softer races, often staying on when others tire.
Queenstown, from the Aidan O’Brien stable, likewise lacks headline results but could improve for the step up in trip and favourable ground.
For Waldadler, trained by Pavel Vovcenko, the race represents a major leap in class; his best form has been in handicaps and Listed grade, and connections will be hoping rain-softened ground or a collapse in pace fosters a shock.
For these outsiders, race dynamics are key, and any opportunity to catch exhausted rivals late or exploit a fraught tactical battle might bring a surprise placing, especially if conditions suit deep closers or if the main contenders underperform.
The Standouts
Illinois and Al Riffa stand out for their robust form, top-class connections, and adaptability.
Illinois’s campaign has been defined by performance in key staying tests and near misses against the best British and Irish runners, while Al Riffa’s track prowess and improvement at just the right time put him in pole position for many analysts.
Amiloc, as the most progressive younger horse, remains unexposed in this company and will have supporters searching for value beyond the favourites.
Prediction
Trends suggest that favourites do well in the Irish St Leger, with recent form and course record considered crucial.
Seven of the last ten winners were in the top three in the market, and most carried a rating above 110.
Stamina, jockey skill, and tactical maturity shape the outcome, especially in tight, competitive fields.
With Soumillon and McMonagle riding, punters can expect strong finishes and patient rides in the hope that either Illinois or Al Riffa can capitalise late.
Predictions for the 2025 Irish St Leger lean toward Al Riffa, whose recent Curragh Cup win demonstrated precisely the qualities required to succeed with pace, stamina, and the ability to handle sustained pressure.
Illinois remains a formidable rival if the race unfolds tactically, and Amiloc gives the three-year-olds a genuine chance of bridging the age gap.
For those searching for a proper outsider, Crystal Black is capable of running into the frame, with Dallas Star’s occasional flashes suggesting he could also sneak a place if the cards fall right.
With international ambitions and autumn campaigns looming, the Irish St Leger continues to serve as one of Europe’s key staying tests and an ideal platform for horses aiming for future globe-trotting targets.
Course conditions and final declarations may narrow the market further, but the likely duel between the O’Brien-trained stars and the Beckett challenger ensures a race of real tactical, sporting, and betting excitement at the Curragh this Sunday.
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