Aidan O’Brien and Ralph Beckett dominated the 2026 Oaks field, with three entries apiece. Sitting second on the all-time Oaks trainer’s table, behind 19th century handler Robert Robson, O’Brien was responsible for the market leader Amelia Earhart. Excelling over just short of this trip in the Cheshire Oaks, she was the choice of Ryan Moore. O’Brien’s second-string Cameo posted an impressive trial success of her own in the Lingfield Oaks trial and also featured prominently in the market. Finally, Sugar Island was expected to take on pace-making duties, having finished fourth behind Amelia Earhart at Chester.
If Aidan O’Brien failed, his son Joseph had strong claims with the Frankel filly, Thundering On. Without a win in her first three outings, she took a huge step forward to win the Salsabil Stakes on her first crack at 1m2f. With the possibility of more to come as she moved up to 1m4f, she looked like a big threat to all.
Beckett’s trio were headed by K Sarra, who ran on well for third in the Musidora Stakes at York. Wathnan Racing’s A La Prochaine posted a similar display when doing her best work late to take third in the Cheshire Oaks. Continuing the theme with Beckett’s entries, On Message also finished third in her most recent appearance in the Height Of Fashion Stakes.
Landing their first Oaks success as a training duo with Soul Sister in 2023, John & Thady Gosden saddled the Musidora Stakes winner, Legacy Link. A product of Dubawi and Frankel’s full-sister Chiasma, this beautifully bred filly sought to hand Juddmonte a first win since the brilliant Enable in 2017.
Completing the field, Charlie Johnston’s Venetian Lace represented the 1,000 Guineas form, having belied her 33/1 odds to finish a fine second in the Newmarket Classic. Sired by Derby winner Masar, she was bred to appreciate this step up in trip.
Result
- 1st – Thundering On 5/1, Jockey: Dylan Browne McMonagle, Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien
- 2nd – Legacy Link 3/1, Jockey: Colin Keane, Trainer: John & Thady Gosden
- 3rd – Sugar Island 25/1, Jockey: Ronan Whelan, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Prize Money Breakdown
- 1st – £354,437.50
- 2nd – £134,375
- 3rd – £67,250
- 4th – £33,500
- 5th – £16,812.50
- 6th – £8,437.50
Tote and Forecast Payouts
- Tote Win – £6
- Tote Places – 1st – £1.85, 2nd – £1.45, 3rd – £4.10
- Exacta – £22.20
- Computer Straight Forecast (CSF) – £19.67
- Trifecta – £220.70
- Tricast – £333.18
Recap
The Aidan O’Brien duo of Cameo and Sugar Island were quickest away when the stalls opened, with Cameo heading to the far rail and Sugar Island grabbing the overall lead up the centre of the track. Venetian Lace gained a prominent early position in third ahead of On Message and A La Prochaine. The well-fancied trio of Amelia Earhart, Thundering On, and Item all raced in the second half of the field in the early stages.
Reaching the top of the hill, Sugar Island continued to set solid fractions in front, tracked by Cameo and Venetian Lace. Amelia Earhart had moved up to race alongside A La Prochaine in fourth, followed by On Message and Legacy Link. K Sarra looked to be finding the pace a little hot, while Thundering On bided her time at the rear of the field.
Little change in the order rounding Tattenham Corner, with Sugar Island and Cameo leading into the straight. Amelia Earhart responded to Ryan Moore’s urgings to take closer order, with On Message, and K Sarra the only runners visibly out of their comfort zone. Legacy Link and Thundering On were around seven lengths off the lead, but both appeared to be travelling well within themselves.
Moving into the straight, Sugar Island kicked again to move three lengths clear of the field. Cameo couldn’t go with her, and neither could Amelia Earhart, who produced very little when asked to quicken by her rider. The main threats were coming from the back of the pack in the shape of Legacy Link and Thundering On.
Legacy Link was the first to get to Sugar Island at the 2f pole, but looming large on her outside was the ominous presence of Thundering On. While dead level with a furlong to go, Legacy Link was being asked for everything by Colin Keane, while Dylan Browne McMonagle sat motionless on Thundering On. Pushing the button with the winning post in sight, McMonagle received a brilliant response from Thundering On, who quickened right away for a stunning 3¾-length success.
A second British Classic as a trainer for Joseph O’Brien, following Galileo Chrome’s win in the 2020 St Leger. It was also a landmark victory for 23-year-old rider Dylan Browne McMonagle, who claimed his first British Classic.
Runners
- 1. A La Prochaine – SP: 22/1, Trainer: Ralph Beckett, Jockey: James Doyle
- 2. Amelia Earhart – SP: 7/4F, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Jockey: Ryan Moore
- 3. Cameo – SP: 7/1, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Jockey: Wayne Lordan
- 4. K Sarra – SP: 18/1, Trainer: Ralph Beckett, Jockey: Rossa Ryan
- 5. Legacy Link – SP: 3/1, Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Jockey: Colin Keane
- 6. On Message – SP: 25/1, Trainer: Ralph Beckett, Jockey: Hector Crouch
- 7. Sugar Island – SP: 25/1, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Jockey: Ronan Whelan
- 8. Thundering On – SP: 5/1, Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Jockey: Dylan Browne McMonagle
- 9. Venetian Lace – SP: 14/1, Trainer: Charlie Johnston, Jockey: William Buick
Non-Runners
All Ran