Bracelet, centre, comes through to win the Irish Oaks© Photo Healy Racing
There was a thrilling finish to the Irish Oaks as Bracelet (10/1) under Colm O’Donoghue beat Tapestry and Volume by two necks to give trainer Aidan O’Brien his 32nd Irish Classic.
The race was subject to a 21-minute delay as farriers removed trailers on English raider Volume’s hind shoes. These were not allowed under the rules of Irish racing.
Volume (4/1) and Kevin Manning set out to make all, but was collared by Bracelet a furlong and a half from home. She rallied, but Bracelet was making the best way home in the final furlong.
Another O’Brien runner, Tapestry (13/2), stayed on well under Joseph O’Brien to pip Volume for second as the three fillies flashed past the post.
Ana O’Brien, who created history by becoming the first female jockey to ride in this Classic, got a great tune out of Beyond Brilliance who came from last to finish fourth. Tarfasha the 7/4 favourite, couldn’t go with the leaders in the final two furlongs and came home fifth.
Colm O’Donoghue said: “I’m very fortunate to get the ride. I’m delighted to win the Oaks. It’s very tough for Joseph choosing between three or four with equal chances. He wasn’t that far away. They are bred to win this race.
“I got a great toe into the race from Pat Smullen (on Tarfasha). To be honest I got there too soon and she minded herself a bit.”
Aidan O’Brien said: “Colm gave her a class ride. I’m delighted for everybody. It’s great for Colm, he got beaten in this race a few times. He’s a world-class rider.
“Could you believe Beyond Brilliance? Ana got an unbelievable run out of her. Ana was sure she would get the mile and a half. Tapestry ran a great race. The delay didn’t suit her on the day.”
Luca Cumani said of Volume: “They were trailers on her shoes. They put more weight on hind shoes. She’s a narrow-based filly that can knock her legs. I can only apologise for the delay we caused. She ran a great race. She’s very tough, honest and genuine. Kevin said she got slightly unbalanced over a furlong out. A bit of cut in the ground would have helped her.”
Colm O’Donoghue was adding the Irish Oaks to the Irish Derby he won on Treasure Beach in 2011.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
