Snow Fairy lands bumper Japan prize
Snow Fairy, Ed Dunlop's exceptional dual Oaks winner, landed a huge pot in Japan by winning the Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup.
Ryan Moore's mount scooped a bonus more than 180m yen (€1.6m) in total at Kyoto racecourse when turning in a performance of supreme authority.
The three-year-old daughter of Intikhab failed to stay the St Leger trip on her last start, but was in her element in this one-mile-three-furlong Grade One encounter.
Snow Fairy had four lengths in hand of Meisho Beluga at the line, with local favourite Apapane third, another length and three-quarters adrift of Dunlop's charge.
Calmly handled by Moore, the classy filly was stealthily poised in mid-division as TM Precure set a frenetic pace.
Still sixth turning for home, her jockey promptly decided enough was enough passing the three-furlong marker, with his partner exhibiting a ruthless turn of foot on the far rail.
A British conquest was then seldom in doubt as Snow Fairy slalomed clear on the firm ground, with Meisho Beluga and Apapane giving chase in vein.
Moore said: "She put the race to bed in a couple strides.
"She jumped smoothly and she was in a nice position and she travelled very well.
"I was drawn beside (Apapane) and I thought she was the best filly, so we kept an eye on her.
"We got there sooner than I thought - it just opened up, a big gap.
"She just looked for help so she went to the rail to help her."
Dunlop added: "She has a good brain and a very big heart.
"She quickened incredibly well, and Ryan gave her the most brilliant ride in the right position.
"The great thing from this trip is that we now can have the confidence to travel her around the world.
"She seems to enjoy it and she seems happy doing it.
"If we don't run in the Japan Cup this year, we will certainly consider coming next year."
Patrick Cooper, representing owners, Anamoine Limited, revealed: "Obviously, it would be a great honour to be able to run her in the Japan Cup.
"I will be back in London on Monday afternoon and we'll talk to the owner, and obviously with the trainer and the jockey."
