Sat Sep 14 14:36:00 UTC 2024: ## Porta Fortuna Dominates Matron Stakes at Leopardstown

**Leopardstown, Ireland -** Porta Fortuna, the talented filly owned by Medallion Racing and trained by Donnacha O’Brien, showcased her class on Saturday, winning the Coolmore America Justify Matron Stakes on the opening day of the Irish Champions Festival at Leopardstown.

Ridden by Tom Marquand, Porta Fortuna held off the challenge of Fallen Angel, trained by Karl Burke, to secure her third Group 1 victory. The filly, known for her consistency, has now won four Group 1 races in total.

“She’s an incredible filly,” said O’Brien. “She shows up every day. It’s a huge honor to train her and I’m lucky to have her.”

Porta Fortuna’s victory puts her in line for a potential run in the Breeders’ Cup Mile in the United States against the colts.

The day saw several other impressive performances, including a win for Green Impact in the Group 2 KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes. The colt, trained by Jessica Harrington, is a strong contender for the Derby next year.

“He was always a lovely horse,” said Harrington. “He’s a very big horse and I think we haven’t seen the best of him yet. He’s going to be put away until next year. We can dream all winter.”

Aidan O’Brien also recorded a win with Diego Velazquez in the Group 2 Tonybet Solonaway Stakes. The victory was Diego Velazquez’s first since last year’s Irish Champions Festival.

The day’s opening contest, the Listed Ballylinch Stud Irish EBF Ingabelle Stakes, was won by Chantez, trained by Ger Lyons.

The Irish Champions Festival continues on Sunday with a full day of racing, showcasing some of the best horses in Ireland.

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