Margarula holds off Quarter Moon at the Curragh

Margarula sprang a 33-1 surprise in the Darley Irish Oaks when overturning the 8-11 hot-pot Quarter Moon from the all-conquering…

Margarula sprang a 33-1 surprise in the Darley Irish Oaks when overturning the 8-11 hot-pot Quarter Moon from the all-conquering Aidan O'Brien stable at the Curragh this afternoon.

The Jim Bolger-trained filly was produced by jockey Kevin Manning to head Michael Kinane's mount just inside furlong and win by a length after the favourite's stablemate Kournakova had led the field well into the straight.

Lady's Secret (16-1), from the Barry Hills stable, headed the four-strong British challenge by finishing third although well adrift of the first two.

Manning was celebrating his first Irish classic triumph while it was Bolger's second Irish Oaks success having struck with Give Thanks in 1983.

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O'Brien has yet to saddle the winner of the Irish Oaks.