Irish Oaks Weekend at the Curragh

Curragh, Saturday 22 July: The Irish Oaks Weekend at the Curragh kicks off today with an eight-race programme centred around the mares` classic (5th race/16.45/500,000 euros/2414m).

Aidan O`Brien is head strong. Four mares come from his stable, including the two favourites Savethelastdance (Ryan Moore) and Warm Heart (Seamie Heffernan). The former finished second in the English Oaks (Group 1) and her stablemate currently won the Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2) ahead of Lumiere Rock (Dylan Browne McMonagle), who again had to settle for second place after the Blue Wind Stakes (Group 3). Bluestocking (Colin Keane) pleased at Ascot behind the latter two, she battled Warm Heart to victory at Newbury. Azazat (Chris Hayes) narrowly missed her most valuable win in the Munster Oaks Stakes (Group 3) with Library (Gavin Ryan) coming in clear behind. Be Happy (W. Lee) and Comhra (Rory Cleary) are not beyond outsiders` chances despite a good start.