Irish Oaks: A glance at the history and nature of the event
The only thing that the Irish horseracing lovers can take pride in is the gala and grand event of Irish Oaks that has continuously been taking place at Curragh racecourse every year since 1895. It will be injustice if we do not rank this mega event equivalent to England’s Epsom Oaks.
The high-profile Group 1 race over 1 mile and 4 furlongs is held in every July. Only three-year-old fillies having 9 st 0 lb weight can qualify for this contest. The event is sponsored by Darley Stud, a Thoroughbred breeding firm owned by HH Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The maiden Irish Oaks race was held in 1895, and it was won by Sapling. Till 1915, the distance set for the mega marathon was just one mile, but it was extended later on.
Usually, the ace participants of Irish Oaks go on to run in Yorkshire Oaks that take place in the following months. It rarely happens that a runner manages to win both the races---the last one was Blue Bunting who sealed the two glorious titles in 2011.
Johnny Murtagh is regarded as the leading jockey of Irish Oaks, having five titles to his name. Starting from Ebadiyla in 1997; he drove to victories Winona in 1998, Petrushka in 2000, Peeping Fawn in 2007 and Moonstone in 2008.
The leading trainer of the leading Irish horseracing event is Sir Michael Stoute who has 6 Oaks titles to his credit. Among his pupils; Fair Salinia won in 1978, Colorspin in 1986, Unite in 1987, Melodist in 1988, Pure Grain in 1995 and Petrushka in 2000.
The leading owner is Sheikh Mohammed whose four horses named as Unite, Diminuendo, Melodist and Alydaress have bagged the Irish Oaks titles so far.
The last five winners of the magnificent event include Peeping Fawn, Moonstone, Sariska, Snow Fairy and Blue Bunting.
Peeping Fawn, the Aidan O’Brien-trained bay filly, bagged the ace Irish Oaks title in 2007 under Johnny Murtagh. The daughter of Danehill out of Maryinsky was foaled in 2004. She is honoured to have won Yorkshire Oaks of 2007 as well. Her other major triumphs include Irish Pretty Polly Stakes and Nassau Stakes---both these races were also held in 2007.
Aidan O’Brien enjoyed further honour when his one more trainee, Moonstone, thrived in the Irish Oaks of 2008. This bay filly also ran under Johnny Murtagh. Foaled in 2005, the daughter of Dalakhani out of Solo de Lune has some other iconic feats to her name as well.
Sariska was the runner who won Irish Oaks in 2009. The Michael Bell-trained bay filly belongs to Great Britain. Foaled in 2006, the daughter of Pivotal out of Maycocks Bay has also achieved the titles of Musidora Stakes, Epsom Oaks and Middleton Stakes. She was bred by Carloe and Lady Bamford.
The champion of the 2010 edition of Irish Oaks was Snow Fairy. The Ed Dunlop-trained bay filly ran under Ryan Moore. Bred by Windflower Overseas Holdings, the daughter of Intikhab out of Woodland Dream has also won Epsom Oaks, Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup (2010, 2011) and Hong Kong Cup. She was foaled in 2007.
The winner of the last Irish Oaks race was Blue Bunting who also won Yorkshire Oaks. The Mahmood Al Zarooni-trained bay mare was driven to victory by Frankie Dettori. The brilliant grey filly has also grabbed the title of 1000 Guineas Stake. The daughter of Dynaformer out of Miarixa is owned by Godolphin.
The Irish Oaks of 2012 is scheduled to take place on July 22. The event will commence at 3:45 (GMT). So far, 72 entries have been received for the tremendous contest.
The world horseracing fans are eagerly waiting for the event. Let us enjoy it at Curragh and see who thrives this time.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not reflect Bettor.Com’s editorial policy.
Tags: