Magical Lagoon wins the Irish Oaks at the Curragh © Photo Healy Racing
Magical Lagoon gave Jessica Harrington and Shane Foley a popular win in the fourth Irish classic of the season when staying on strongly to hold off Toy in the Juddmonte Irish Oaks at the Curragh.
Sent off 5/4f in the absence of Epsom runner-up Emily Upjohn, the Galileo filly had to work harder than expected in order to land the spoils.
As befits a jockey of his experience, Foley kept it simple from the off, tracking the pace setting Show Of Stars in the early stages. However, upon taking up the running two furlongs from home, Foley was quickly joined by Ryan Moore on the Aidan O'Brien trained Toy.
With both riders settling down for a ding dong battle, it soon became clear that Magical Lagoon wasn't for passing, as she responded to every urging from her rider.
“It's wonderful to win one classic, to get two is absolutely amazing,” said Harrington.
“She's such a game filly, she only does as much as she has to do. She's just a lovely filly to train for Mr Zhang.
“I kept looking at what was behind her but I knew she'd keep staying, she stayed very well in Ascot.
“They probably didn't go as quick as they did in Ascot and she just ran a great race.
“Shane was in the right position and kept going forward. He rode a super race and she kept finding and finding.
“t's only her third run this year and I'd say she'll improve again. She's in the Yorkshire Oaks and after that I haven't really made a decision.
“I'd love to keep her in training next year. I hope so because Galileos improve and her brother was a much better four-year-old than three-year-old."
When asked how she felt after hearing of the withdrawal of Emily Upjohn she added:-
“I was terrified because suddenly I'd become favourite. Before we were the underdogs and I love being the underdog and having a go at them but it's worked out great.”
Paddy Power left the winner Magical Lagoon unchanged at 6-1 for the Yorkshire Oaks.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
