'It was effortless' - Oaks Glory for McMonagle and Thundering On

Friday's Gr.1 Oaks looked a competitive renewal beforehand, but in the end it was Shapoor Mistry's homebred Frankel filly Thundering On who held sway in some style.

Taken from the Thoroughbred Daily News, 5th June 2026, by Tom Frary:

Settled last early by Dylan Browne McMonagle, the 5-1 shot went through the Classic like the proverbial knife through butter and when asked to kick on brushed aside Legacy Link inside the final furlong. At the line, the daughter of the ill-fated Pretty Polly heroine Thundering Nights had three and three-quarter lengths to spare over Juddmonte's blueblood, who was in turn six lengths clear of Ballydoyle's pace-setting Sugar Island in third. The 7-4 favourite Amelia Earhart was only sixth.

It was Joseph O'Brien's first Epsom Classic and a first English Classic for the supremely-confident rider who said: “We were coming into the race very confident, obviously the trip was going to be the question mark but she's been doing everything so easy, she's improving with every run and there was never a moment's doubt really. I was sitting last and I knew there was nothing going to be coming from behind me and I always had everything covered in front.”

“She's got a lot of class. It's a great training performance from Joseph, everybody does a great job at home and I'm very lucky to be getting my leg across. It's unbelievable, this is what we all dream of doing. Coming to these places is where you want to be and riding in these races; coming here this weekend we've got two live chances in Classics, it doesn't usually happen but we've got one ticked off so hopefully roll on to tomorrow. The sky's the limit. She's very, very talented so a big well done to everyone and a big thanks to everyone who has got her here and hello to everyone at home in Donegal watching.”

“It was effortless, she's so, so talented,” he added of the winner. “She is improving with every run and can go wherever she wants.”