The Yulong colours were in the winner’s circle in Ireland overnight at the Curragh where quality Galileo filly Magical Lagoon claimed her first Group I win in the Irish Oaks (1m4f).
Leading contender Emily Upjohn had travel issues with her flight from the UK cancelled, so did not make the field with Magical Lagoon sent out favourite.
The Jessica Harrington trained filly was a last start winner of the Group II Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot and gave her all for Shane Foley to hold off the Aidan O’Brien trained blue blood Galileo filly Toy to win by half a length.
“Magical Lagoon will improve again. And if she stays in training next year she could be a fabulous filly,” said Jessica Harrington.
“I knew she would keep finding like she did at Ascot, although they probably did not go as quickly here as they did that day. She's in the Yorkshire Oaks and we'll see from there.”
Bred by Coolmore, Magical Lagoon was bought as a yearling from Tattersalls October for 305,000 guineas by BBA Ireland/ Yulong and is a half-sister to Champion German 3YO and four time Group I winner Novellist.
With the overall record of three wins and a second fom six starts, she is the 12th winner from 12 to race from outstanding producer Night Lagoon, the Champion German 2YO Filly in 2003.
Magical Lagoon is the 96th Group I winner for the late champion sire Galileo.
