Christophe Soumillon celebrates his winning ride on Almanzor in The Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

Story highlights

5/1 underdog Almanzor wins

Race carried 1.25 million euro purse

Minding was 15/8 favorite

Harzand was also expected to place

CNN  — 

It will be transformed into a state-of-the-art venue in a $73 million redevelopment that officials say will ensure it can hold its own among the best racecourses in the world.

Almanzor got off to a slow start, but came from behind on the outside track and raced neck and neck with Found until breaking ahead with no time to spare.

Favorite Minding finished third, while English and Irish Derby winner Harzand, who was also expected to place, finished further back.

It has been made possible by a consortium involving the Irish Turf Club, Horse Racing Ireland and private investors.

A new company has been set up to redevelop and run the course, which will be provided with a sparkling new grandstand with its old, tired stands being swept away. A landscaped parade ring will be constructed behind the stand, and there will be a brand new weighing room.

Men and horses trained at the Curragh were sent to fight in the Crimean and Boer wars and in World War One, while the Duke of Wellington passed through on his way to the peninsular war of 1808.