Zhukova has given pioneering Irish trainer Dermot Weld another notable overseas victory in the Man O’War Stakes at Belmont Park in the United States.
The dual Melbourne Cup-winning trainer’s foreign Group One successes also include features in France, Germany, Hong Kong and America.
Rain on Saturday (Sunday AEST) left conditions on the soft side, which suited the mare and her task was made easier as three local runners were taken out because of the ground.
That meant she had just four to beat and after tracking the front-running Charming Kitten, who had two runs for Weld in Ireland last season, she burst clear to beat Taghleeb by six lengths under John Velazquez.
“We’re absolutely over the moon with that,” Weld’s son and assistant Mark told www.bloodhorse.com.
“It was a major target over the last few weeks. The rain came, which was a huge help.
“Johnny was very complimentary about her. He said she could have a future here. She’ll come home now but the (Breeders’ Cup) Filly and Mare Turf would be a definite possibility to finish off the year.
“She’s a homebred. We’ve had her since she was a foal bred by my grandmother. This is huge for us today. We have a lot to look forward to.”
