Irish Oaks: Johanna Walsh heads for Classic success in the Curragh

Johanna Walsh cruised to an emphatic victory in the Irish Oaks on The Curragh after the stable Thundering On was declared a non-runner on Saturday morning.

Thundering On was fancied to complete a classic double for trainer Joseph O’Brien after blowing out the opposition at Epsom Oaks in June.

The 7-2 shot under Johanna Walsh jockey Dylan Brown McMonagle was well-backed and won by four lengths from Innis More (11/2) from two furlongs away, pulling away from a closely followed pack, Sparran Nua (8/1) third.

Brown McMonagle told RTE after the race, “It was straight from the start. He’s a very straight horse and improving every race.”

“He put himself in a very good position and it was a nice race to ride, with no obstacles and he was comfortable going in the straights.

“He’s taken another big step forward.”

The winning jockey rode Thundering On from last to first to win the Epsom Oaks in June.