Heavens above rest in Irish Oaks

JOHN Gosden gained sweet redemption for Nathaniel’s reverse in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday when the colt’s full sister, Great Heavens, won the Irish Oaks at the Curragh yesterday.

William Buick’s mount came from the clouds to account for Shirocco Star by three lengths.

Trainer Gosden said: “She’ll be freshened up now and then she’ll be in races like the Yorkshire Oaks – she could also have an entry in the Leger.

“There’s no reason that a filly of her class couldn’t do something like that - someone has got to take on Camelot.”

On Saturday German raider Danedream emerged victorious after one of the most compelling renewals of the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes in recent times.

The historic Ascot Group One attracted a tremendously strong field, with last year’s winner Nathaniel heading the home team following his successful return to action in the Coral-Eclipse.

John Gosden’s colt was joined by the up-and-coming Sea Moon and multiple Group One winner St Nicholas Abbey, while Danedream was one of a host of overseas challengers.

Peter Schiergen’s filly had run out a mesmerising winner of last year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, but following an uninspiring effort at Saint-Cloud, she was 9-1 pitched in against top-class colts on her British debut.

Nathaniel looked likely to repeat his heroics of 12 months earlier when striking the front in the home straight, but Danedream and Andrasch Starke flew home at the death to get up by a nose. Schiergen said: “It’s very important for Germany and it’s very good for German racing.

“If everything is all right, we’ll go to Baden-Baden [Grosser Preis Von Baden]next and after that we’ll go to the Arc.”

“She will probably end her career in the Japan Cup.”

Gosden was thrilled with the effort of Nathaniel.

He said: “Our horse has run his race quite brilliantly – I’m beyond thrilled.

“I’d love to come back here for the Champion Stakes and there is also the Arc as an option.”

Yesterday English raiders dominated the finish of the Prix Robert Papin at Maisons-Laffitte, with Reckless Abandon coming home a comfortable winner from the Hannon-trained Sir Prancealot.

The Clive Cox-trained winner had also been victorious in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot and maintained his unbeaten record with the minimum of fuss under a front-running ride from Gerald Mosse.