Irish Oaks next for Magic Wand after casting winning spell on rivals

A different day, different ground and a different track resulted in the Investec Oaks form being emphatically turned around as Magic Wand powered her way to a four-length win from Wild Illusion in the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes.

At Epsom Magic Wand had finished fourth, two places and six and a half lengths behind Wild Illusion, but it was the Ballydoyle filly who shone brightest on Thursday as the 100-30 shot gave Aidan O'Brien his third Ribblesdale win and his third success of the week with an impressive win.

It was also a third success in the race for Ryan Moore and his 51st Royal Ascot victory, while O'Brien moved on to the 64-winner mark at the royal meeting.

O'Brien, who won the race with Bracelet in 2014 and Even Song in 2016, said: "We're delighted with the result and Magic Wand will probably go for the Irish Oaks next month.

"She was a bit disappointing at Epsom and, rightly or wrongly, we were inclined to put that down to the ground.

"But we've been very happy with her since Epsom and she had been working very well. Forever Together, who won the Oaks, is also in the picture for the Irish Oaks but she might go for the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh next weekend before we decide about the Irish Oaks."

Magic Wand returns to the winner's enclosureCredit: Edward Whitaker

"She was a good winner of the Cheshire Oaks and it's great for everyone involved to see her come out and deliver a performance like she did today.

Paddy Power, who go 25-1 (from 50) Magic Wand for the Arc, introduced her at 3-1 for the Irish Oaks.

Wild Illusion, sent off the 9-4 favourite, was unable to make any impression on the winner once Moore kicked for home early in the straight while Sun Maiden, having only her third start, was one and a half lengths back in third.

Full result

Her trainer Sir Michael Stoute said: "This is the first race Sun Maiden has had really. She went to Wolverhampton and stood up when the stalls opened, even though we had given her plenty of schooling as she is a slow learner.

"The maiden she won at Salisbury wasn't competitive and she didn't learn much. It was difficult for her today as she was drawn ten and I think she has acquitted herself really well. She has a lot of scope and a lot of strengthening up to do, but she has a good mind."

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