Princess reigns in Ribblesdale
Dermot Weld saddled the latter to win the Group Two event 10 years ago in the hands of Pat Smullen for Moyglare Stud, and the same team struck gold once again with Princess Highway.
Investec Oaks second Shirocco Star set out to make all under Darryll Holland, getting a few on the stretch turning in after a canny ride, but Smullen was happy to work his way into contention and Princess Highway could be spotted travelling well from some way out.
Shirocco Star just started to toil at the top of the straight as Smullen cruised down the outside and swept into the lead with two furlongs to run.
The 17-2 chance quickly pulled clear and did not stop, passing the post with six lengths to spare over 5-2 favourite The Fugue, who kept on to steal second place on the line.
Weld said: “It’s a very special day. I can’t believe it was 10 years ago that her dam won – time flies.
“I’ve had 15 Group winners at Royal Ascot but I was just concerned about the ground and whether she would get the mile and a half, but she’s very progressive and we’ve got plenty to look forward to for the rest of the year.
“She was a late-maturing filly and the logical progression for her is the Irish Oaks (July 22).”
