FREYA FLIES TO OAKS GLORY

Ian Fortune

Graham Holland his Riverside Kennels operation may have been left disappointed in the English Derby final but, less than half an hour earlier, Carrigmore Freya had handed her master trainer a second Sporting Press Online Edition Irish Oaks with a stunning display of front running.

On a night when times did seem back, Carrigmore Freya would post a sensational 28.17, suggesting there was even more to come from the hugely talented daughter of Droopys Sydney and Carrigmore Dizzy.

Sent to traps a 9-4 chance, it was evident within a matter of strides that she was going to take all the beating. In a contest where there was a lack of brute early speed, Carrigmore Freya cam away racing to assert in the opening yards. Sadies Lucy just won the battle for second, avoiding a opening bend scrimmage that ended the hopes of the remaining four runners.

Thankfully, all those affected by the opening bend dust up, galloped on fine afterwards but this was a classic final that was little more than a match before they entered the back straight. At this point Carrigmore Freya was just over two lengths in front but she was ruthless once in control.

Maintaining a relentless gallop to the third turn, she was two and a half lengths clear before continuing to turn the screw. Indeed, it was from this point that she really showed her class and immense pace. Charging up the straight, Nora Coffey’s July ’22 whelp would eventually hit the line seven lengths to the good. This was more than just a classic success; it was a statement.

Sadies Lucy ran so well through the competition and deserved to finish a good second, while third went to Blackeyed Turbo, some twelve lengths further back.

Remarkably the winner had never raced at Shelbourne Park prior to her opening round effort but she really does seem at home in Dublin. This latest run was easily the best of her career and one that suggests she would be even better over 550yds. Perhaps that is the plan but, for the moment, her connections can bask in the glory of her Oaks triumph. 

 Pat Loughlin President ICC presents the trophy to  S Coffey after Carrigmore Freya won the 2025 Sporting Press Online Edition Irish Oaks and Conar Foley presents the Breeders Trophy. Also included are Brian, Kelly, Nevin, Farrell, Elise, Patrick and Emilie Brosnan, Dylan Brennan Shelbourne Park Racing Manager, Aileen Lennon, Richie Quinn and handler Garry Walsh.        Pic: Imelda Grauer