Classic rematch in Irish Oaks
Light Shift and Peeping Fawn, first and second in the Oaks at Epsom last month, renew rivalry in the Darley-sponsored Irish equivalent at the Curragh on Sunday.
The Niarchos Family-owned Light Shift became Henry Cecil’s eighth Oaks winner when she prevailed by half a length at Epsom and has reportedly thrived in the meantime.
Cecil last pulled off the English-Irish Oaks double with Ramruma in 1999.
Peeping Fawn has since claimed her own victory at the highest level by beating older horses in the Pretty Polly Stakes, and her trainer Aidan O’Brien will be hoping she can follow up the victory of Alexandrova in the race 12 months ago.
Kieren Fallon will be on board Peeping Fawn while O’Brien will also be represented by All My Loving, placed at Epsom and in the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot. Uimhir A Haon also runs for Ballydoyle.
John Oxx has a strong hand, with Epsom fourth Four Sins, Timarwa – fourth in the Pretty Polly – and Athenian Way all running for him.
Kevin Prendergast runs Aqraan, a lightly-raced In The Wings filly who will have the assistance of Irish champion jockey Declan McDonogh.
The 12-runner field is completed by Jim Bolger’s Gaudeamus, Tracey Collins’ Maid Of Lorn, Dermot Weld’s Profound Beauty and John Murphy’s Vonne Owen.
