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O’Brien looking for Epsom sparkle from Thundering On in Irish Oaks
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Fri 17 Jul 2026
Joseph O’Brien is optimistic the return to a mile and a half will see Thundering On return to her dazzling Epsom best in the the Juddmonte Irish Oaks at the Curragh on Saturday.
There have been few more visually impressive winners of the Oaks recently than the Frankel filly, who blew the field away with a devastating burst from the furlong pole to the line.
She then had her colours lowered by the five-year-old Estrange in the 10-furlong Pretty Polly Stakes three weeks ago, but while the likely favourite has some work to do to restore her reputation, Dylan Browne McMonagle has stayed loyal instead of switching to one of her two stablemates.
“I don’t think Dylan had any doubts about sticking with her and she has trained well since,” said O’Brien.
“The Irish Oaks has been an obvious target ever since then. Going back up in trip should suit her well hopefully.”
Thundering On is joined the unbeaten Rebel Moon and Johanna Walsh, who finished a head second to the reopposing Earth Shot in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.
Of the latter, O’Brien added: “She had a good run at Royal Ascot and has had a good preparation since then. We think she will enjoy the fast ground and the Curragh and we are looking forward to seeing how she goes.
“There was only a head between them at Ascot so they will both be big contenders this weekend.”
Earth Shot winning at Royal Ascot (Mike Egerton/PA)
Earth Shot is bidding to give Newmarket trainer William Haggas a second Irish Oaks win following the victory Sea Of Class in 2018 – and while connections would prefer to see a slightly easier surface, they are confident of a bold showing under big-race pilot James Doyle.
“It’ll be quick ground and I’m sure she might prefer it a bit easier, but it was quick when she won at Ascot and I don’t think it will make much difference,” said Richard Brown, racing manager to owners Wathnan Racing.
“She would have been unlucky if she didn’t win at Ascot as there was a loose horse which made it difficult and Ryan (Moore, riding Composing) went wide, which meant James had to go even wider and give her a chance to level off and get rolling.
“She showed signs of greenness in the closing stages and it took her a bit of time to gain momentum but she was strong at the line and it was a very pleasing performance.
“I think she could probably go further than this, but it’s a long way home and an uphill finish at the Curragh and I think this distance is perfect for her for now at a track which will suit her.”
Jim Bolger (left) with Sparan Nua (Tom Weekes/PA)
The unbeaten Munster Oaks winner Sparan Nua is an intriguing runner for Jim Bolger and Maurice Regan, owner of Newton Anner Stud Farm, having been supplemented at a cost €50,000 on Tuesday.
Newtown Anner Stud’s racing manager, P J Colville, said: “She has a Group Three in the bag so you can have a go at the bigger races.
“While Joseph’s filly that won the Oaks sets the bar high and the Wathnan filly that won the Ribblesdale, the trainer is very confident and thinks she is a smart filly.”
Another to go down the slightly more pricey supplementary route was David Menuisier, who parachuted French Oaks third Inis Mor in to the race at the eleventh hour.
He said: “In the Guineas she wasn’t quite herself that day for whatever reason, but she put things right afterwards at Goodwood and then at Chantilly.
“She seems in good order and if she stays then hopefully she can deliver the goods.”
Aidan O’Brien’s Amelia Earhart spearheads a five-strong battalion from Ballydoyle.
Having finished a disappointing sixth at Epsom, the the hood and blinkers combination are removed from the daughter of Camelot and replaced by cheekpieces.
Speaking in his World Pool blog, jockey Ryan Moore said: “While it was disappointing that she finished down the field that day given she was favourite, it was unusual conditions this year and I’d be hopeful we’ll see a different filly this time.
“The Oaks was a funny race, we didn’t go that quick, and I’m not sure how literally you should take the form. It was messy and I’m looking forward to seeing what she can do this time.
“She’s still got plenty to prove but she’ll like being back at the Curragh and the headgear could help too.”
Stablemates Sugar Island, Beautify, Cameo and Composing make up the 11-strong field.
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