Juddmonte Irish Oaks (Group 1)

WHAT appeared beforehand to be the most open-looking Irish classic in years resulted in a bit of a touch being landed, with the Ralph Beckett-trained You Got To Me showing an excellent attitude to claim the Juddmonte Irish Oaks under an emotional Hector Crouch.

Having been available to back at 25/1 after declarations, and as big as 22/1 overnight, the Lingfield Oaks Trial winner saw her price tumble through the day, tightening to as short as 6/1 but returning at 15/2.

The result also meant another Group 1 prize on these shores had been exported to Britain. Of the six top-level races run in Ireland this season, four have now been won by British-trained runners, including three of the opening four classics. In the two Group 1s kept on home soil, there were no overseas runners in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and Britain supplied the second, third and fourth in the Irish Derby.

Plenty were in with chances as the heat began to rise in this €500,000 contest, but the Valmont and Newsells Park Stud Bloodstock 24-owned filly was a willing partner for Crouch.

Sporting a first-time tongue-tie, the daughter of Nathaniel dug in gutsily to get to the front and did enough to keep the running-on 3/1 favourite Content (Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore) at bay by three quarters of a length.

“She’s a very brave filly,” said Beckett, who was notching his third Group 1 on these shores in as many years.

“She was training well in the spring when perhaps we weren’t clicking, and she did it the hard way in the Lingfield Oaks Trial.

“It didn’t really work out in the Oaks [when fourth] and she went a bit hard in the Ribblesdale [when fourth]. A tongue strap on today probably helped, it just gave her something else to think about.”

Speaking after his first classic victory, Crouch added: “It’s hard to put what this means into words. It’s a very, very special day and I’m extremely thankful to Ralph, Valmont and Newsells Park Stud for keeping the faith in me and this filly.

“I’m a bit emotional. I’ve always had a tremendous amount of faith in her, she’s a bit of a nutter but when she’s good, she’s very good.”

Aidan O’Brien, trainer of Content (second) and Port Fairy (13th)

“Content ran a great race. Ryan [Moore] said she’s made for Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf and may have one more run before then. Port Fairy was disappointing and may not be a complete slogger. She could be comfortable back at a mile and a quarter.”

Billy Lee, rider of Purple Lily (third)

“She ran a cracker. I think coming back to a mile and a quarter on slow ground may see the best of her.”

Chris Hayes, rider of Elizabeth Jane (fourth)

“If she settled better, I might have been third. She’s a nice filly going forward. She could be one for the Blandford Stakes.”

Johnny Murtagh, trainer of Hanalia (sixth)

“I’m happy with her, she’s not been beaten far. Ben [Coen] felt she paid the penalty for being a bit keen early. We think she’s a good filly and she’s only had a few races, so hopefully she’ll improve again.”