Joseph O’Brien has withdrawn Thundering On from the Juddmonte Irish Oaks after the Epsom Oaks winner failed to travel her feed on Saturday morning. The decision leaves the trainer to rely on Johanna Walsh, second at Royal Ascot, and the unbeaten Rebel Moon as his primary contenders for the Classic at the Curragh.
Late change to the line-up
Thundering On, a Frankel filly who had earlier secured the Epsom Oaks, had been strongly fancied to try to complete a Classic double. Connections announced the colt would be a non-runner when she went off her feed in the build-up to the race.
O’Brien’s attention now turns mainly to Johanna Walsh, who was beaten by only a head by Earth Shot in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot. The trainer indicated confidence that the filly had taken her Ascot run well and would handle the anticipated quick ground at the Curragh.
“She had a good run at Royal Ascot and has had a good preparation since then. We think she will enjoy the fast ground and the Curragh and we are looking forward to seeing how she goes,”
What this means for the race
With Thundering On absent, the market and race dynamics shift. Earth Shot, the Royal Ascot winner, remains one of the principal dangers and is set to be ridden by James Doyle for Newmarket trainer William Haggas and owners Wathnan Racing. Although connections would prefer a slightly softer surface, they are confident Earth Shot will give a bold showing on quicker turf.
- Trainer to watch: Joseph O’Brien — now fields Johanna Walsh and Rebel Moon.
- Principal rival: Earth Shot — Royal Ascot winner, ridden by James Doyle.
- Key concern: Quick ground at the Curragh; some connections would have preferred it easier.
Richard Brown, racing manager to Wathnan Racing, said the form shown by Earth Shot at Ascot was encouraging despite that race having been disrupted. He suggested the filly might have scope to handle a slightly longer trip in time, but the Curragh’s uphill finish and the present distance suit her now.
| Horse | Recent notable run | Jockey / Trainer |
|---|---|---|
| Thundering On | Epsom Oaks winner (withdrawn) | Joseph O’Brien |
| Johanna Walsh | Head second in Ribblesdale, Royal Ascot | Joseph O’Brien |
| Rebel Moon | Unbeaten | Joseph O’Brien |
| Earth Shot | Winner, Royal Ascot | William Haggas / James Doyle |
Local interest and practicalities
For racegoers and bettors, late withdrawals of headline horses alter both betting markets and race tactics. In this case, the absence of Thundering On opens the race for other classic-placed fillies and changes how jockeys may approach the early pace and positioning on the Curragh’s uphill finish. Punters should check official declarations and betting updates before placing bets.
This weekend’s Irish Oaks will now proceed without the Epsom heroine, yet the race still features high-class entries and should provide a stern test over the Curragh trip under likely quick ground. Connections and trainers will be watching the going and the draw closely as they finalise their tactics.
Further updates, including final declarations and riding engagements, will be confirmed by race officials ahead of the race.
