A Pearl For Tiara - raised and grazed Opal Tiara wins Gr.2 Lanwades

26 May 2018

Rathasker raised and grazed Opal Tiara won the Gr.2 Lanwades Stud Stakes (Ridgewood Pearl Stakes) in style on Saturday at the Curragh. Previously successful in the 2016 Gr.3 Supreme Stakes at Goodwood and 2017 Gr.2 Balanchine at Meydan, the bay was second in the Lanwades one year earlier. Back in Dubai this spring, she had run fourth in the Gr.3 Singspiel Stakes and the Gr.2 Cape Verdi Stakes before finishing third in the latest renewal of the Balanchine Stakes. Now in foal to Churchill, which adds considerable value, Opal Tiara looked fantastic in the preliminaries. Allowing Hydrangea some rope in third, Opal Tiara travelled strongly in her slipstream before muscling her way off the rail past the China Horse Club’s previously unbeaten Goldrush to chase down the long-time leader approaching the final furlong. Getting the better of the Ballydoyle Gr.1 Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mare Stakes heroine 200 yards out, she stayed on resolutely to carve out a 1 ¾ length verdict. Winning jockey Ronan Whelan commented, “we were always hopeful of taking on Aiden’s on their first day, as they might not be tuned in and I was confident my filly was at the top of her game.” Mick Channon’s son and assistant Jack Channon added, “She’s been great for us the last few years. She keeps turning up at the big events and keeps running well. We thought she was in great nick.” This is the family of Gr.1 Santa Barbara H. heroine Bequest. Congratulations to the winning connections which include Mick Channon’s right hand woman Gill Headley - who also bred Opal Tiara!

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