SAHorseracing.com
SAHorseracing.com
YOU GOT TO ME CLAIMS IRISH OAKS

You Got To Me validated her strong ante post backing by clinching victory in the Juddmonte Irish Oaks at the Curragh.

Previously victorious in Lingfield’s Oaks Trial, Ralph Beckett’s filly, a daughter of Nathaniel, was backed down to 15-2 from double-figure odds overnight. She had finished fourth at Epsom to Ezeliya earlier in the season and replicated that finish in the Ribblesdale Stakes while racing keenly at the front. In hingsight, the form was strong and the win comes as little surprise. 

With a tongue-tie applied and ridden with more restraint, You Got To Me settled comfortably in mid-division under regular jockey Hector Crouch, who achieved the most significant win of his career. As she moved smoothly into contention, You Got To Me demonstrated her stamina and class, taking the lead with a furlong to go with a sweeping run and holding off the Aidan O’Brien-trained favorite, Content, by three-quarters of a length. Paddy Twomey’s Purple Lily finished third.

Beckett praised Crouch for adapting quickly as plan A didn't quite pan out. "She trained well in the spring, but we weren’t quite clicking. She faced challenges in the Oaks and went hard in the Ribblesdale, but the tongue strap today helped her focus. Hector had to fight for position throughout, showing her bravery. The plan was to be forward and kick on from the top of the hill, but you always need a plan B. Hector didn't panic and adapted perfectly,” said Beckett.

Expressing his emotions after the race, Crouch said, "It’s hard to describe what this means. It’s an incredibly special day, and I’m very thankful to Ralph, Valmont, and Newsells Park Stud for their faith in me and this filly. I’m quite emotional—it means a lot. She’s always had immense potential, and today she showed it. Despite a slow start, she was tough and brave when it mattered." 

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