Oxx hits rivals for six with Flying Fairies in Lenebane Stakes

Lean spell or not, few things in racing seem to be as certain as John Oxx saddling the winner of the Lenebane Stakes – Roscommon's feature Flat race – and the latest on the proverbial conveyor belt was 14-1 shot Flying Fairies, who scored a little more convincingly under Gary Carroll than the length-and-a-quarter margin of victory would suggest.

In the 12-year history of the Lenebane since its inauguration in 2006, Oxx has now won it six times, although this victory looked as though it wouldn't come as Carroll was all dressed up, travelling well on the inner, with nowhere to go until a gap came a furlong out.

When it arrived, the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor was not long in taking advantage and forged clear to beat long-time leader Glamorous Approach and the staying-on Savannah Storm.