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Darley Irish Oaks 2011 |
Blue Bunting Triumph in Darley Irish Oaks
17/07/11
1 Blue Bunting 5/2
2 Banimpire 8/1
3 Wonder Of Wonders 5/4F
9 ran Distances: shd, ½l, shd
TIME 2m 42.97s (slow by 10.97s)
Frankie Dettori snatched a last-gasp victory on Blue Bunting in the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh.
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The Newmarket 1000 Guineas winner came with a late surge to mug Banimpire on the line and take the fillies' Classic for Godolphin and trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni.
Only fourth in the Investec Oaks at Epsom, Blue Bunting (5-2) justified strong support to turn around Epsom form. Wonder Of Wonders, the 5-4 favourite, and Laughing Lashes were just behind Banimpire in third and fourth.
Dettori said: "That was great. Epsom was a bit of a mess up but she came here with every chance.
"I got myself a bit stuck two out. She wasn't going forward for me, so as a last resort I decided to switch her to the outside and that won me the race because once she has found a bit of daylight, she went forward. When I was stuck behind other horses I was really struggling.
"The pace was solid. All the four good ones were all together turning for home and the best filly won - mine. She was the only one who came home.
"I didn't know I had won until I passed the line. I had to ask Kevin (Manning on Banimpire). I don't ride here very often and he told me I had won. I knew I came into the race with a great chance.
"The natural step would be the Yorkshire Oaks, but Sheikh Mohammed will probably sit down and he might have some other plans. That seems the obvious route, but who knows? The Curragh has been very lucky for me."
Al Zarooni added: "Frankie gave her a brilliant ride. The nice pace helped her. The pacemaker did a good job. I'm delighted for my team who have done so well to prepare her for today. I wasn't that confident before the race as I thought every horse had a chance.
"It is great to win a Classic in Ireland - Blue Bunting is a very good filly.
"His Highness (Sheikh Mohammed) really deserved this success as he is so supportive to us.
"It has been a very good season for the whole team and now we may go for the Darley Yorkshire Oaks (Group One, 12 furlongs, York, August 18) with Blue Bunting."
