JOHANNA WALSH WINS IRISH OAKS AT THE CURRAGH

Johanna Walsh won the Irish Oaks at The Curragh on Saturday after stablemate Thundering On was declared a non-runner on the morning of the race. Walsh, a 7-2 shot, was ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle and pulled clear from two furlongs out to win by four lengths. Inis Mor finished second at 11-2 odds, with Sparan Nua third at 8-1 odds.

Thundering On had been expected to compete after winning the Oaks at Epsom in June for trainer Joseph O'Brien. That victory had been the horse's first classic win. Browne McMonagle had ridden Thundering On from last place to first in the Epsom race three months earlier. Walsh's victory represented another success for the O'Brien stable at The Curragh.

Browne McMonagle described the race as straightforward, stating that Walsh had positioned herself well and showed improvement throughout. He told RTE after the race that Walsh had taken "another big step forward" and raced without setbacks into the straight.