Christophe Soumillon
Azamour was made 6/4 favourite in his attempt to win a second Irish Champion Stakes in September, despite the presence of the Derby winner Motivator. As Kinane had been injured in a fall at the Curragh, Azamour was ridden by Christophe Soumillon. Oxx expressed some concern about the situation, pointing out that Kinane had "a real rapport" with the horse. Azamour failed to reproduce his best form, and finished fifth of the ten runners behind Oratorio. Azamour slipped on the turn into the straight at Leopardstown sustaining a muscle injury, and was then forced to miss an intended run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe after suffering from a hoof abscess.