Epsom: Thundering On storms to Oaks glory for Joseph O’Brien | Racing News

Thundering On came from last to first to land the Betfred Oaks in seriously impressive fashion at Epsom.

Sent off at 5-1 in the hands of Irish champion jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, the Joseph O’Brien-trained Thundering On was anchored in rear in the opening exchanges, but the eye was drawn to the Frankel filly as the challengers began to fall away up the famous home straight.

McMonagle remained motionless as he breezed alongside John and Thady Gosden’s eventual runner-up Legacy Link at the furlong marker and when the button was pushed she careered away for a commanding three-and-three-quarter-length success.

More to follow…

Seagulls Eleven scores for Brighton squad

Seagulls Eleven swooped late to edge a thrilling finish to the Betfred Diomed Stakes.

Hugo Palmer’s four-year-old – who is owned by a collection of footballers including the recently-retired James Milner and his former Brighton team-mates Danny Welbeck and Lewis Dunk – has shown a liking for an undulating track in the past and was backed into 5-2 favourite prior to the Group Three event following victory in France only 12 days ago.

Oisin Murphy had Seagulls Eleven hot on the heels of the front-running Boiling Point in the early stages and rounding Tattenham Corner, but entering the straight he edged his mount to the front, leading the field towards the stands rail where the telling action would unfold.

Last year’s winner, Persica, emerged on the scene to put down what looked a winning challenge under Sean Levey, but Seagulls Eleven would not give in and managed to claw back a nose advantage in the final stride.

Palmer said: “I thought we were done, I must admit. Luckily, he put his head down where it mattered.

“He’s so tough, him and Oisin get on very well and he said he’s a pleasure to ride these days after all the difficulties earlier in his career. Now it’s exuberance and he’s having fun.

“I did think Persica was going better but we’ve probably outstayed him. Oisin said he’d get 10 furlongs stood on his head.”

He added: “He ran some big races as a two-year-old and I thought he’d run a big race in the Guineas, but it was all too much for him.

“I think what we have learned is a small field suits him. With that in mind, we could go for the Sussex Stakes, but that will be the hottest small field of the season. Races like the Celebration Mile at Goodwood and the Summer Mile at Ascot will be on his agenda.”

Hickory Lad a Woodcote wonder for Phillip Makin

Phillip Makin can look forward to making big-race plans for Hickory Lad after seeing his star juvenile lead his rivals a merry dance in the Oddschecker British EBF Woodcote Stakes.

Second on his Thirsk debut before landing cramped odds on his second start at Musselburgh, he was last seen finishing best of the rest behind the speedy Adonius in the Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes at Chester.

The James Garfield colt was a 100-30 shot stepping up to six furlongs for the first time and after being sent straight to the front by Sam James he never saw another rival, with Alpe d’Huez a three-and-a-quarter-length second and Rlasthope just a short head behind in third.

Makin said: “He never looked in any bother, really. Obviously, with it being over six we were wondering if he’d get home, but it looked like the further he went the better he went.

“I don’t know if the trip brought out that much improvement, he ran very well at Chester from a tricky draw. He certainly didn’t mind the trip.”

While the Yorkshire trainer will campaign Hickory Lad at a higher level later this summer, he is unsure about an appearance at Royal Ascot.

“I don’t know about Ascot. We came here instead of it really. Obviously, the conditions of the Windsor Castle have changed so I don’t know,” he added.

“I was surprised how well he did win, but it was a nice surprise. Sam just said he bolted up. He’s got a great attitude and he’s very easy to train.”

Naana’s Shadow made the long trip from the Scottish borders worthwhile with a facile success in the Win With Zyn 3YO “Dash” Handicap.

Trained near Galashiels by Katie Scott after changing hands for 20,000 guineas late last year, the Havana Grey filly opened her account for her new connections at Catterick in April before placing third in a stronger race at York last month.

She was the 7-2 favourite for the Oaks day opener and dominated from the off under Oisin Murphy, with victory sewn up by the time Call Margot got going late in the day to get within three-quarters of a length at the line.

Scott said: “We had a horse a couple of years ago finish fifth in this, so when this filly won at Catterick my head girl said she was a similar type so we should give this a bash again. To have a winner here today is massive for a yard like ours.

“We’ve only got 21 horses but we’re full at that. That means we don’t have many chances to showcase what we can do, but we’ve got a couple of fast fillies in the yard in her and Figjam who runs on Saturday at Musselburgh.

“For a small team we’re producing above what we should be and I suppose the target for her now will be some black type in the summer.”

She added: “I ran the London Marathon for Racing Welfare but I’m not as fast as Naana’s Shadow!”