Marc Chan-owned and bred colt has bright future.
In a remarkable display of courage and determination, Green Impact, trained by Jessica Harrington, powered to victory in the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown, outclassing a small but talented field. The son of Wootton Bassett lived up to the hype surrounding him, showing his class and heart to edge out Aidan O’Brien's well-fancied Delacroix in a thrilling finish.
For owner Marc Chan, the triumph of Green Impact is particularly special, as this promising colt is the first he has bred. After a narrow debut defeat at the Curragh, Green Impact's potential had already been on full display when he claimed a victory over Delacroix in his second start. Coming into the Group Two contest at Leopardstown, all eyes were on whether he could repeat the feat against the Ballydoyle runner once again.
In the lead-up to the race, just four horses were set to battle it out, with O’Brien’s Bernard Shaw leading the way early on. Green Impact settled comfortably in second, with Shane Foley adopting a poised and patient strategy. For much of the race, it was a waiting game as the horses bided their time before the intensity surged in the home straight. When Foley asked Green Impact to make his move, the response was immediate.
The turning point came as Green Impact charged past Bernard Shaw, taking the lead and setting his sights on fending off the fast-finishing Delacroix, who had been installed as the 5-6 favourite. O’Brien’s charge gave it everything in the final furlong, but Green Impact, with a fighting spirit that belies his inexperience, refused to back down. The pair locked in a tense battle to the line, but it was Green Impact who prevailed by a half-length at odds of 5-2.
For Harrington, this victory cements Green Impact's reputation as a rising star in juvenile racing. Speaking after the race, the trainer couldn't hide her delight, saying, "He’s an exciting colt, and we’ve always believed in him. He showed his mettle today—he didn’t just win; he battled for it. This is the kind of horse you dream of."
The thrilling finish showcased the best of what Green Impact has to offer: speed, stamina, and a relentless will to win. Despite Delacroix closing the gap, Green Impact dug deep to cross the line in front, confirming his superiority over his highly-rated rival for the second time.
Shane Foley, who guided the colt to victory, was all smiles as he praised the horse’s ability and tenacity. "I always knew there was something special about him," Foley commented. "He’s got a great attitude, and today, he proved it. To hold off a strong challenge like that from Delacroix shows how much fight he has. He’s improving with every race, and I’m excited for what’s next."
The win has done more than just add another feather to Green Impact’s cap—it has also sparked anticipation about his future potential. Following this commanding performance, bookmakers have reacted swiftly. Green Impact has been slashed from 14-1 to 10-1 for next month’s Futurity Stakes at Doncaster, a race that will see him tested once again at the highest level. There is also growing buzz about his prospects for the 2000 Guineas, with Coral trimming his odds to 33-1 for the prestigious event at Newmarket next year.
While it's early days for Green Impact, the signs are undeniably promising. His progression from a narrow defeat on debut to back-to-back victories over a top contender like Delacroix signals a colt with the potential to compete at the highest level in the months and years to come.
Aidan O’Brien was magnanimous in defeat, acknowledging the strength of Green Impact’s performance. "Delacroix ran well, but credit to Green Impact—he’s a tough competitor, and they’ve got a real contender on their hands."
As for Marc Chan, the owner can take pride not only in Green Impact’s growing list of accomplishments but also in the fact that this talented juvenile is the first colt he has bred. With Harrington’s expert guidance and Foley’s winning partnership, the future looks bright for this exciting prospect.
Green Impact’s victory wasn’t just about winning a Group Two race—it was about stamping his name on the scene as a horse to watch. His rapid rise through the ranks is a testament to his talent and the belief his connections have in him. If his performance at Leopardstown is anything to go by, Green Impact is set to be a force in the juvenile division and beyond.
This was a race full of emotion, determination, and promise. Green Impact has shown that he’s not just talented, but he has the heart to fight for victory when it matters most. Harrington and Foley have struck gold with this colt, and his performance today signals that bigger things are on the horizon. It’s rare to see such grit in a juvenile, and if he continues on this trajectory, there’s no limit to what he can achieve. The upcoming Futurity Stakes will be the next big test, but with momentum firmly behind him, Green Impact is a name that will be buzzing in racing circles for months to come.
