Thundering On dazzles with facile Oaks display
Joseph O’Brien was celebrating a second British Classic success on Friday when Thundering On ran out a truly facile winner of the Epsom Oaks.
Ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, who was enjoying his first Classic winner in the UK, the filly arrived at the two-furlong marker still on the bridle and, sent about her work approaching the final furlong, shot clear of runner-up Legacy Link (Dubawi) and stormed to a very easy three and three-quarter lengths success.
There was a further six lengths back to the third-placed, and pacesetting, Sugar Island (Dubawi) with A La Prochaine (Lope De Vega) a head further back in fourth.
Race favourite Amelia Earhart (Camelot) could only manage sixth of the nine runners.
“We were coming into the race very confident, obviously the trip was going to be the question mark but she’s been doing everything so easy, she’s improving with every run and there was never a moment’s doubt really,” the winning rider said.
“I didn’t really need to count, I was sitting last and I knew there was nothing going to be coming from behind me and I always had everything covered in front. She’s got a lot of class. Great training performance from Joseph, everybody does a great job at home and I’m very lucky to be getting my leg across.
“It’s unbelievable, this is what we all dream of doing. Coming to these places is where you want to be and riding in these races; coming here this weekend we’ve got two live chances in Classics, it doesn’t usually happen but we’ve got one ticked off so hopefully roll on to tomorrow.
“The sky’s the limit. She’s very, very talented so a big well done to everyone and a big thanks to everyone who has got her here and hello to everyone at home in Donegal watching.”
Dual Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) winning-trainer O’Brien, whose other Classic winner in the UK was Galileo Chrome (Australia) in the 2020 English St Leger Stakes (Gr 1, 1m 6.5f), added: “The objective was to save as much energy as we could as the distance was the question mark. In the straight it was an easy watch.
“For her to be an Oaks winner is really special and Dylan gave her a fantastic ride.”
Thundering On was cut into odds-on favouritism for the Irish Oaks (Gr 1, 1m 4f) next month, while she was also shortened into a general 10-1 chance for October’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Gr 1, 2400m).