Royal Ascot winner Bracelet has fought off her Aidan O’Brien-trained stable companion Tapestry and British raider Volume to clinch the Irish Oaks at the Curragh.
There was a controversial prelude to Saturday’s Group One feature when Epsom Oaks third Volume, trained by Luca Cumani, had to be re-plated after being found to be wearing shoes that are banned from racing in Ireland.
The unfortunate incident led to a number of fillies, notably Tapestry, playing up in the parade ring before the race eventually got under way around 20 minutes later than scheduled.
Volume bowled along in front in the hands of Kevin Manning but the pack closed up rounding the home turn.
Only Ribblesdale Stakes winner Bracelet (10-1) under Colm O’Donoghue and Tapestry, the choice of the trainer’s son, Joseph, were able to reel in the Cumani runner.
Volume dug deep but was unable to resist the Ballydoyle pair close home and it was Bracelet who held off Tapestry by a neck.
It was the fourth win in the race for O’Brien who also saddled the fourth-placed Beyond Brilliance, ridden by his daughter Ana, who became the first female to ride in the race.
The disappointment was Dermot Weld’s 7-4 favourite Tarfasha, who had filled the runner-up spot at Epsom but could manage only fifth this time.
“It’s great for Colm,” O’Brien said.
“He’s just got beat in this race a few times and he’s also been beat in the Derby a few times. He gave her a marvellous ride and he’s a world-class rider.
“This filly (Bracelet) has an incredible pedigree by Montjeu.
“Tapestry ran a great race, but she got a bit upset beforehand and circumstances conspired against her.
“It’s a very important race for us. It’s seriously important for the fillies.”
Cumani said he was unaware of the rule regarding the shoes.
“As far as I’m concerned it wasn’t a controversy because it’s never been one in England,” he said.
“For horses that can knock themselves behind, we have what are called trailers on their hind shoes which helps them keep their hind feet apart and stops them knocking their hind legs.
“We’ve done this in England many times, we’ve done it round the world many times and it never entered our calculations that it may not be allowed here.”
