Dettori on high as Anapurna races to thrilling victory in the Oaks

Frankie Dettori celebrates his Oaks victory aboard Anapurna. Picture: Andrew Redington/Getty

Trainer John Gosden fielded two runners in a bid to win the fillies’ Classic for the third time, with impressive Cheshire Oaks heroine Mehdaayih the 11-4 favourite under Robert Havlin and Anapurna an 8-1 shot after landing the Lingfield Oaks Trial.

While Mehdaayih pulled for her head early on and met significant traffic problems, Dettori always had Anapurna in prime position and, although she was under pressure early in the straight, the daughter of Frankel responded admirably to her rider’s urgings.

Aidan O’Brien’s Pink Dogwood displayed an electric turn of foot to grab the lead racing inside the final two furlongs but Anapurna dug deep and got up to score by a neck. In doing so she provided Dettori with his fifth Oaks success following the previous triumphs of Balanchine (1994), Moonshell (1995), Kazzia (2002) and Enable (2017).

Pink Dogwood was a clear second, ahead of her stablemate Fleeting in third.

Gosden said: “A brave performance by the filly and brave from the jockey. He found a gap on the inside. Unfortunately our other filly [Mehdaayih] got nothing but smashed and bumped around everywhere.

“I thought coming past the furlong pole [Ryan] Moore [on Pink Dogwood] had got it, but somehow this filly found the courage of reserves and energy to get her head back in front.

“The last 50 yards are uphill and she basically outstayed the other filly. Full marks to both riders and both fillies – two magnificent fillies.”

The victory was a first British Classic for Frankel as a stallion and Gosden added: “She’s bred by wonderful owner-breeders, and for owner-breeders like this to win the Oaks is what it’s all about. I love the way she fought here, she was passed but put her neck out and fought for it.”

Looking to future plans, Gosden said: “She has had a hard race today. I wouldn’t be in a hurry to run her back. I’d love to give her some time to develop, as she has a good frame on her.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say we are going to charge off to the Ribblesdale or Ireland. I think a mile and a half is spot on for her. You could also run her in the Prix de Royallieu. She stays, but she won’t run in the St Leger.”

O’Brien said of Pink Dogwood: “She ran a great race. It was her first run over a mile and a half, but she ran a lovely race. I don’t know if she was outstayed. She just got collared late and when they do you can always say things like that, but you are never sure.

“We will see how she is  and will decide what to do next time.”