In-foal Opal Tiara shows Churchill spirit

British-raider Opal Tiara served up a 10/1 shock as she beat even-money-favourite Hydrangea into second in the Group Two Lanwades Stud Stakes at the Curragh.

Mick Channon's mare got racing room at the two pole and began to hunt down Hydrangea in this six-runner contest over a mile.

She got on terms in the final furlong and hit the front with 150 yards to travel. From there, she kept on best to open up by a length and three quarters.

Double Group One winner Hydrangea was making her seasonal debut having been off since October.

Opal Tiara was last seen finishing third in a Group Two at Meydan in February.

Jockey Ronan Whelan said: "She jumped smart. Mr Channon didn't tie me down too much in instructions, he said to keep it simple and when I saw the favourite I was happy to go on. I was happy enough to get a tow. It got a little bit tight for a couple of strides but I had the filly to make the gaps.

"Mr Channon has never forgotten me any time he has brought horses over from England. I'm very thankful for the opportunities he has given me. He has put me up in all the top races and I got as big a kick as I could get just to repay him."

Assistant trainer Jack Channon said: "She's been great for us the last few years and has taken her owners to Dubai. She just keeps turning up at the big events and keeps running well.

“Ronan gave her a peach of a ride today. We thought she was in great nick. She's in foal and this will probably be her last spin today so it's great to finish off like that.

“After Dubai we decided to put her in foal and give her a break for that whole process. Everything has gone great with her training up until now.

“We didn't think we'd be able to beat the favourite but we thought it was worth having a go and it's paid off.

“She's in foal to Churchill and hopefully he gave her a little bit of help.

“She travels great. She can be a little bit buzzy and a little bit hard to handle but she was very relaxed today.”

Aidan O'Brien said of Hydrangea: “I was delighted with her. She would have been very vulnerable today.

“We were just really coming to get her started. We could have went to the other mile-and-a-quarter race but took the easier option and Ryan was very happy with her.

“She'll go to Ascot. She might go to the Prince Of Wales. There will be great improvement and we were very happy.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson