MOYGLARE STUD STAKES

(GROUP 1)

THE truly remarkable array of talent at Aidan O’Brien’s disposal in the fillies division was highlighted in the most striking fashion as Happily led home a one-two-three in the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes for the Ballydoyle trainer.

Even with crack filly Clemmie a late absentee due to the testing ground, O’Brien was able to complete another clean sweep in the country’s premier juvenile fillies contest. Furthermore, this is surely a victory of special resonance for the trainer as it was the first time that he teamed up with his son, Donnacha, to register a Group 1 success.

Clemmie’s absence led to a shake up in riding arrangements for the four Ballydoyle runners and O’Brien was switched from Magical to Happily (13/2) while Wayne Lordan moved from the latter on to Ballet Shoes. What followed was a cracking battle between several leading classic prospects and the outcome yielded a second Moyglare win in a row for the successful jockey.

Magical, who beat Happily in last month’s Debutante Stakes, made the running for Ryan Moore and turned in a tremendously game effort. For a period entering the last furlong it looked as though the leader had done enough when she forced Alpha Centauri to give best but on her outer Happily continued to come forward.

INTRICATELY

Twelve months ago Donnacha O’Brien needed the line badly on Intricately but this time the champion apprentice was closing down the leader with every stride.

It was only in the final yards that Happily found a way past and she hit the line with a short-head to spare. The Royal Ascot winner September was a further three and three-quarter lengths back in third, with the once-raced Muirin posting an excellent effort to secure fourth.

“It’s amazing how things work out and this filly got a great ride from Donnacha. It’s amazing to think that her dam (You’resothrilling) has already produced three Group 1 winners,” stated the victorious trainer, whose charge was led up by Tom Kevin.

“All the fillies ran well and there are seven-furlong or mile fillies so we won’t be dropping any of them back in trip and we’ll be looking at the likes of the Fillies’ Mile and the Prix Marcel Boussac with them.”

Of Clemmie the trainer added: “I wanted to run her but I did say I wouldn’t run her on heavy ground and when heavy came into the ground we decided not to run as she is really a good ground filly. The Cheveley Park Stakes might be next for her.”