Snow Fairy romps home at the Curragh

Snow Fairy and Ryan Moore followed up their Oaks win at Epsom by landing the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh.

Once Moore asked the Ed Dunlop-trained filly to step up the pace, the response was instant and she stormed into the lead over a furlong out.

Miss Jean Brodie, a 33-1 shot saddled by Joseph O'Brien, stayed on well to snatch second place.

Lady Lupus (66-1) finished third, with Meeznah (6-1) coming home in fourth in the one mile and four furlongs contest.

The start was delayed while Miss Jean Brodie was re-plated, but once the Classic got underway the Aidan O'Brien-trained Ice Empress set the early pace.

She soon had the field well strung out and was still at the head of affairs with half a mile to run.

606: DEBATE We were treated to an excellent display by Snow Fairy who produced a devastating turn of foot when destroying a decent looking field Alsilvo

O'Brien took Lady Lupus to the front at the turn for home with Akdarena and Meeznah close, but Snow Fairy had made eye-catching progress from midfield.

She quickly burst clear and stamped her authority to win by eight lengths.

Dunlop, winning the race for a third time, said: "It was pretty spectacular really, the way she put the race to bed.

"She is stronger than she was at Epsom and she has a huge heart. The Yorkshire Oaks is a possibility now."

Hibaayeb, the 100-30 favourite, was in mid-division under Frankie Dettori, but weakened quickly on the rain-softened ground from over three furlongs out and finished last.

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