Frankie Dettori and Soul Sister soar to victory in Epsom Oaks
- Planet Sport writer
- 2 June 2023
Frankie Dettori’s last ever ride in the Betfred Oaks was a winning one as Soul Sister soared to victory at Epsom, where she accelerated past Aidan O’Brien’s Savethelastdance, the 5-6 favourite.
Frankie Dettori's last ever ride in the Betfred Oaks was a winning one as Soul Sister soared to victory at Epsom.
John and Thady Gosden's filly was the backmarker for a good while, but as the race progressed she did too and in the home straight she was travelling much the best.
Winner of the Musidora Stakes, she accelerated past Aidan O'Brien's Savethelastdance, the 5-6 favourite, and cantered over the line to prevail at 11-4.
There was mixed fortunes for the winning yard, however, as stablemate Running Lion did not start after breaking out of the stalls and unseating Oisin Murphy.
Dettori was winning the Oaks for a seventh and final time and he was thrilled to secure victory in the colours of Lady Bamford.
He told ITV Racing: "It means a lot, seven Oaks. The Bamfords have been great supporters of mine, it's my last year and it's my second Classic. Unbelievable.
"They're two great fillies, Emily #(Upjohn, who won the Coronation Cup earlier) and this one, I just want to soak it in now.
"It was a bit messy at the beginning, I didn't want to go too wide, and then William (Buick on Eternal Hope) stopped very quickly but I kept her balanced and she did the rest."
Aidan O'Brien was not too disheartened in defeat with Savethelastdance.
He said: "I wouldn't put it down to anything, she ran a great race and was beaten by a very good filly. We were very happy with her run, she has a lot of options, she can do whatever.
"We can take her home and do whatever, she's a big, honest filly who stays very well and handles soft ground when it comes.
"She obviously handles good ground as well, but on soft ground it doesn't bother her."
