Juddmonte Irish Oaks (Group 1)

PERHAPS emblematic of her yard’s recent return to peak form, Magical Lagoon delivered a second classic success for Jessica Harrington as she fought tooth and nail to secure one of the most open editions of this race in recent decades.

The previous afternoon the race was thrown wide open when red-hot favourite Emily Upjohn could not travel over from Newmarket due to transport difficulties.

In her stead, Magical Lagoon looked a worthy favourite on the back of her Ribblesdale Stakes triumph at Royal Ascot.

Smart fillies

The absence of Emily Upjohn cast a long shadow over the race, but time may show that the finish of this race was fought out by two very smart fillies. Magical Lagoon’s credentials were already well established and the runner-up Toy could be a coming force. There might have been a few eyebrows raised when the latter emerged as the mount of Ryan Moore, especially after struggling badly in a couple of French classics, but evidently she is a filly of considerable ability.

Magical Lagoon was nicely placed in second for Shane Foley before assuming control of this race shortly after the turn-in when Show Of Stars gave best.

Poised just in behind was the strong-travelling Cairde Go Deo but the strongest challenge of all came from Toy. The latter came with her effort approaching the last furlong and for a period it looked as though she might find a way past the leader but Magical Lagoon, a first Irish classic winner for Chinese owner Zhang Yuesheng, would not be denied.

She kept pulling out more to remain in front and she eventually got home by half a length from Toy with Cairde Go Deo a further two and three-quarter lengths back in third.

“She was very good and she’s as tough as old boots, she just keeps trying and trying,” said Harrington. “We are very lucky to have her and thanks to Mr Zhang and Michael (Donohoe). The race went to plan and Shane kept going forward and rode a super race and when it mattered. she kept finding and finding.

Underdog

“Suddenly we were favourite when Emily Upjohn came out and I was nervous as I much prefer being the underdog, but she’s done it today thankfully and I’d say there’s more to come.

“It’s only her third run this year and she could be a fabulous filly if she stays in training next year,” added the trainer.

The winning rider, who was also winning this race for the first time, added: “She’s really come on from two to three. It’s great for Jessie and Mr Zhang who has been a great supporter of mine for a long time.

“I got a lovely tow into the race. This filly loves a battle, Ryan’s (Moore) filly got to her but she kept finding and if we had to go another furlong the second wouldn’t have gotten by me.”