The feature race on day one of the Curragh Oaks weekend, the Group 3 Minstrel Stakes over seven furlongs, went to Across the Rhine overturning the well fancied English raider The Cheka who was sent off the 4/5 favourite.
Across the Rhine who himself was sent off at 12/1 for Tracey Collins and Pat Shanahan, was last seen finishing tenth of twenty five in the Buckingham Place Stakes at Royal Ascot, beaten just under ten lengths.
The son of Cuvee, was enjoying his fifth career win here and his first in Group company. His last win coming at Meydan in February in a handicap over today's trip.
Running in the colours of Thistle Bloodstock Limted, the 5yo put in a game front running performance, making all to beat Future Generation for Ger Lyons and Johnny Murtagh by one length at the line. Hujaylea who was fourth to the winner at Meydan in February, ran well under double seeking Conor Hoban for trainer Mick Halford to take third a further three parts of a length back at 12/1.
No excuses could be made for the losing favourite, The Cheka, who had his chance under Tom Queally but just didn't have the gears to go on and win.
Winning trainer Tracey Collins said afterwards: "Pat gave him a super ride. He is a quirky bugger and Pat did the right time by taking him away from the others horses after the start.
"I was very concerned about the ground but I don’t think its as soft as people thought.
"He is very consistent, but he doesn't take a lot of racing, so we will try and freshen him up now."
Donal Murphy
