Trainer John Gosden and jockey William Buick continued their golden run of big-race successes this summer when Great Heavens came with a withering run to land the Irish Oaks at the Curragh.
Gosden and Buick suffered a rare reverse at Ascot 24 hours earlier when Nathaniel – a full brother to Great Heavens – went down by a nose to Danedream in the King George, but the on-song duo wasted no time in getting back in the number one spot.
The 5-4 favourite had already added one big purse to the list this season in the Lancashire Oaks and she continued her progression in startling style.
Buick, who was celebrating his 24th birthday, looked in trouble two furlongs out as Shirocco Star and Was, respective second and first in the Oaks at Epsom, became involved in a barging match.
“She showed a lot of class and a lot of courage – the ground is very holding so it’s not easy to pick up on that,” Gosden said.
“I’d nearly given up hope at the two-furlong marker. I didn’t think we’d get out, but she’s got a lot of ability.
“She’s classy. She had to be asked a really big question in the last furlong and she went and opened up three lengths on the field, so I think it says a lot about her.
“She’ll be freshened up now and then she’ll be in races like the Yorkshire Oaks – she could also have an entry in the Leger.
“There’s no reason that a filly of her class couldn’t do something like that – someone has got to take on Camelot.”
