Katiyra triumphs in Blandford Stakes

Katiyra, who was third in the Juddmonte Oaks earlier in the season, proved far too good for her rivals in the Irish National Stud Blandford Stakes.

Made the 1-2 favourite after a confidence-booster at Gowran Park last month, she surged into the lead at the two-furlong marker and never looked back under Mick Kinane to stroll to a four-length victory over Beach Bunny.

Trainer John Oxx landed the event a year before with Four Sins, a filly with a similar profile, but rather than following her footprints to Canada, France will be on the agenda for Katiyra.

“She has great speed and this mile and two trip is a good one for her,” explained Oxx.

“She’s won a Group Two and will now go for a Group One, probably the Prix de l’Opera on Arc day.”