Trainer Jessica Harrington landed her second Classic as Royal Ascot winner Magical Lagoon toughed it out in the Juddmonte Irish Oaks at the Curragh.
The race looked Magical Lagoon’s to lose following the withdrawal of long-time ante-post favourite Emily Upjohn, but the Ribblesdale Stakes scorer was made to work hard for her first Group One success with Aidan O’Brien’s Toy pushing her all the way to the line.
Travelling smoothly as she tracked the outsider Show Of Stars who led the field along, it was the 5-4 favourite who loomed large and took over at the two-furlong pole. And she showed all her stamina and battling qualities to first repel eventual third Cairde Go Deo and also win the prolonged duel with the runner-up.
