Irish Oaks Fairy Tale
The inaugural Irish Oaks was run in 1895, and the race has become a part of Curragh’s history, as well as one of the most prestigious horse racing events on the Irish racing calendar. Numerous three-year-old fillies enter into this magnificent Group 1 race, and on Sunday, 18 July 2010, the starting gates were once again filled with sixteen worthy competitors. It was one of the biggest fields of competitors for the Irish Oaks and was an event to remember, as Snow Fairy sped ahead and won by eight lengths.
The field that entered for Sunday’s Irish Oaks consisted of Meeznah, Remember When, Awe Inspiring, Lady Lupus, Dance On By, Hibaayeb, Eldalil, Desert Sage, Rosanara, Brazillian Beauty, Kings Vintage, Snow Fairy, Crystal Gal, Ice Empress, Miss Jean Brodie, Famous and Akdarena. Snow Fairy was sent off with odds of 7/2, but she proved to be more than just a favorite in the race. This talented filly is trained by Ed Dunlop and was ridden by Ryan Moore, and when asked to put in a little effort to get ahead of the contender field, Snow Fairy answered by opening up an eight length lead between her and second place finisher Miss Jean Brodie. Dunlop, who trained the well known Quija Board, seems to be on the same trail with Snow Fairy. He managed to train Quija Board to two Breeders’ Cup victories in 2004 and in 2006, and with Snow Fairy improving so dramatically with each event she might be looking at travelling to Kentucky herself for a Breeders’ Cup challenge. With her breathtaking performance last month at the Epsom Oaks, and now in the Irish Oaks, Snow Fairy is slowly working her way to greater races and new racing adventures.
Snow Fairy and Miss Jean Brody were followed home on Sunday by Lady Lupus, for third position and Meeznah, that held on for forth. Even though all the contenders in the Irish Oaks stood a good chance of winning, Snow Fairy denied them all their victories and walked away the champion. Ed Dunlop was especially proud of her achievement, saying: “She won really well and is a filly with a huge heart.”
