Dancing Rain romps to Oaks victory
William Haggas-trained 20-1 shot leads from the front as Dettori is hit with 10-day suspension
TRAINER William Haggas toasted Dancing Rain’s surprise victory in the Investec Oaks yesterday at Epsom, joking: “That’s payback for my wife’s broken leg.”
The 20-1 shot, ridden by Johnny Murtagh, set the pace and repeatedly mined her reserves of energy over the mile and a half to beat Wonder of Wonders into second place by three quarters of a length.
Pre-race favourite Blue Bunting trailed in a disappointing fourth, pipped at the post by Izzi Top, and jockey Frankie Dettori’s frustration was compounded by a 10-day suspension for dropping his hands.
The ban, due to start on 17 June, means Dettori is set to miss the last two days of Royal Ascot, where he wad due to ride Delegator in the Golden Jubilee Stakes, and the Irish Derby the following week.
In contrast, there was jubilation for Murtagh and Haggas, whose wife Maureen suffered a fractured fibula in an accident with Dancing Rain.
“I’m thrilled to bits,” said the trainer. “Maureen broke her leg off this filly coming out of the stalls, but the filly has rewarded her anyway.”
Maureen Haggas, the daughter of iconic jockey Lester Piggott, added: “It was just one of those silly accidents, It wasn’t her fault, but having ridden her all winter, I haven’t been able to ride her all week.
“It’s been extremely frustrating, but one of the other girls in the yard has ridden her and she has done a brilliant job. It’s been a big team effort.”
Murtagh saw off Kieren Fallon on Wonder of Wonders, beating the man whom he has replaced on Native Khan for today’s showpiece, the Investec Derby.
“We set a nice pace but she was ducking and diving, so I knew there was loads left in the tank,” he said. “I picked her up in the last half-mile and it worked really well for her.”
Earlier at Epsom, favourite St Nicholas Abbey triumphed in the Coronation Cup. Ryan Moore’s Aidan O’Brien-trained ride beat Midday into second, with Clowance third.
Dettori had better luck in the Group Three Princess Elizabeth Stakes, riding favourite Antara to glory ahead of fast finisher First City.
Hooray lived up to its billing to claim the Investec Surrey Stakes, while Moore had more success on Dance and Dance in the Investec Mile Handicap.