Frankie Dettori celebrates sixth success in the Oaks after riding the Aidan O’Brien-trained Snowfall to a record 16-length victory at Epsom
- Dettori rode Snowfall through the rain to win the Oaks on Friday
- The Aidan O’Brien-trained horse won by a record 16 lengths at Epsom
- It was one of the most one-sided contests ever seen in a Classic
Snowfall turned the Cazoo Oaks into a procession as she stormed to a record 16-length victory under Frankie Dettori at Epsom.
The margin of Friday’s victory from 50-1 runner-up Mystery Angel was four lengths greater than the previous record of 12 lengths set in 1983 by Sun Princess.
It was one of the most one-sided contests ever seen in a Classic and Dettori, who won the Oaks for a sixth time, said: ‘I had everything completely beaten coming around Tattenham Corner. It was a bit like playing cowboys and Indians … and I was the cowboy with the gun.
Frankie Dettori rode Snowfall through the rain to win the Oaks at Epsom on Friday
‘I knew I was at least eight lengths in front but it’s remarkable. I have won many Classics but not as easy as this.’
It was 50-year-old Dettori’s 21st British Classic win, a feat that equals the tally of the legendary rider Fred Archer.
He added: ‘I watched a documentary on the great Fred Archer yesterday. That inspired me. I thought, ‘‘God, if I win one more I will equal the great man’’ I’m only nine behind Lester Piggott now.’
It was also the second Classic winner Dettori (above) has ridden for O’Brien this season following Mother Earth in the 1,000 Guineas. Dettori is very selective about his rides these days but his record is remarkable.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained horse won by a record 16 lengths from Mystery Angel in second
He added: ‘I think I’ve had seven winners — two Classics, the Chester Cup, two minor ones at Newmarket and three at Haydock, it’s been great. Obviously I ride for John Gosden. Unfortunately he’s had no Classic runners this year and I was able to jump on a couple for the Coolmore team. I’m very lucky.’
Ryan Moore, O’Brien’s No 1 jockey, was on the stable first string in 5-2 favourite Santa Barbara but the trainer said she ran out of stamina, with the unexpected testing conditions not helping.
She finished fifth and will drop back to a mile-and-a-quarter, while the Irish Oaks is the next stop for Snowfall.
Victory for the 11-2 shot was also a milestone in the career of O’Brien, as it took him to 40 British Classic wins. It equals the record set by John Scott, a 19th century titan of British racing.
By 4.40pm this afternoon, the Irishman who has also had 10 wins in the 2,000 Guineas, seven in the 1,000 Guineas, eight Derbys and six St Legers, could hold the record outright thanks to Derby favourite Bolshoi Ballet.
The run of Mystery Angel was another feather in the cap of George Boughey, who is only in his second full season with a licence.
He said: ‘She is a superstar and ran into a freak.’
