Snow Fairy gifts Moore first win

CHAMPION jockey Ryan Moore grabbed a first Classic success in fairytale circumstances as he swept from last to first aboard supplementary entry Snow Fairy in the Investec Oaks at Epsom.

Trainer Ed Dunlop, who captured the Oaks with Ouija Board in 2004, and owner Cristina Patino put the prize money gained from the fillies' success at Goodwood just 16 days ago to good use by paying 20,000 to add her to the field.

And three-times title holder Moore stepped up to the plate aboard the 9-1 chance as he weaved a passage through a rough race to lead inside the final furlong and deny Meeznah by a neck.

Aidan O'Brien's Remember When was another to come from off the pace and take third, with Rumoush fourth.

Moore was content to bury his filly back in the field early on, but

seized the moment when a gap appeared and fought his way through runners for a comfortable success.

But even the giddy joy of a Classic win failed to move the notoriously reserved jockey. When quizzed about how he rated his mount heading into the Classic, he quipped "about 14-1, or something like that". The 26-year-old added: "I don't worry too much about Classics, but it is nice to get the opportunity to win one. It doesn't feel that different though – it is not the Derby."

His chance to win the Derby will follow today aboard Workforce, and Dunlop was left to convey the elation of the moment.

He said: "It's Ryan's first Classic winner, so it's a great day. It brings back memories of Oaks day 2004 and I hope we can do it again one day."

Fame And Glory gave trainer O'Brien his fourth win in the Coronation Cup at Epsom with a battling display under Johnny Murtagh, who fended off Sariska to win by a length and a half with HighHeeled third and Youmzain fourth.