Balding lands Oaks glory

Casual Look gave Andrew Balding a great victory in the Vodafone Oaks in his first season as a trainer at Epsom today.

Casual Look gave Andrew Balding a great victory in the Vodafone Oaks in his first season as a trainer at Epsom today.

The 10-1 chance, completing a treble for jockey Martin Dwyer, who was also wining his first British Classic, challenged fast and late on the outside.

Casual Look beat the 10-3 favourite Yesterday by a neck, with 25-1 shot Summitville half a length away third.

Johnny Murtagh set what looked only a steady pace on Halawanda and he led into the straight, where a host of fillies held chances.

Inchberry made a bold bid for glory but she was swamped inside the final furlong.

Summitville then took a narrow lead, but Casual Look got the better of her.

The unlucky horse of the race was Yesterday, who had difficulty finding a run until it was just too late.

“Martin gave her a brilliant ride,” was the winning trainer’s first reaction to an emotional Classic success.

Balding said: ``I dreamed about this for so long and I'm just so ecstatic. I knew we had a good chance if she saw out the trip, and she did.''

Dwyer, celebrating a 647-1 treble following wins earlier in the day on Aldora and Passing Glance, expressed his delight.

“That was unbelievable. I want to do it again. It went so fast. She’s a good filly,” he told BBC Sport.

“They went quick early on, steadied them up and then from the hill they were quickening away. She travelled so well.

“Once she met the rising ground she really dug deep.”

more courts articles

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges
Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court
Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody

More in this section

Sandown Races Willie Mullins seals first British Trainers' title
Thunder Roll storms to victory for O’Brien Thunder Roll storms to victory for O’Brien
El Fabiolo back in 'good place' for latest Jonbon battle El Fabiolo back in 'good place' for latest Jonbon battle
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited