Weld ends 43-year wait for a second Oaks as Ezaliya dances to victory

The Aga Khan-owned, Ezeliya sparkled on the Epsom Downs to win the Betfred Oaks, giving her veteran trainer, Dermot Weld, a second success in the race, a mere 43 years after his first.

Blue Wind struck for the Irishman in 1981, but he can celebrate a second with his filly showing a superb turn of foot to blow her rivals away, ridden by Chris Hayes.

Making Dreams led the field in the early stages, with leading contenders settling towards the rear of the field. Hayes and Ezeliya travelled smoothly throughout. The complexion of the race soon changed with the leaders fading away fast after Tattenham Corner.

Ryan Moore nudged along Ylang Ylang, who settled at the back, but having been forced wide, her hopes soon drifted. Dance Sequence, who disappointed in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas earlier this month, picked up the mantle and looked to be back to her best as Buick snuck down the rail.

As she hit the front, Ezaliya and Hayes made eye-catching progress towards the middle of the track, and the filly responded in stylish fashion when asked to push clear and her turn of foot soon put the race to bed, finishing three-lengths clear of Dance Sequence. 50/1 shot, War Chimes, ran on well into the placings.

The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp in October may well be calling for Weld.

Patience has paid dividends with her

A delighted Weld, said: “It’s a very special day. The competition is very keen nowadays. We’re very fortunate to have a filly as good as this for His Highness. She’s a beautifully mannered animal and a beautiful filly to train.

“Patience has paid dividends with her, took our time with her as a two-year-old, just gave her one run this year where she won nicely at Navan. I just said to Chris ride a similar race on her, ride her with confidence, take your time, get her into a rhythm before you let her go. I was never worried about the distance for her, she’s a stayer with speed.

“I’ve been very fortunate. That’s my 25th English or Irish Classic and Classic races are the pinnacle, that’s what you do it for. You can have all the sprinters you like but give me a Classic any day of the week, that’s what you’ll be remembered for.”

Hayes said: “She’s a queen. Very professional, strong travelling filly, she’s gorgeous. Real pretty, delicate filly to look at.

“She’s done everything right, not a step did she take wrong. I just wanted to keep momentum on her and angle her out at the top of the straight; at the turn she just leant onto the right again to go forward. I knew she’d stay, I knew she’d the class and…..brilliant.”