Frankie Dettori and Star Catcher shine brightest to win Irish Oaks

• Italian wins race at the Curragh for fifth time • ‘We put our necks on the blocks,’ says Dettori Frankie Dettori outrode his fellow jockeys once again and stole a Classic from the front aboard Star Catcher in the Irish Oaks. The Italian, winning this race for the fifth time, was allowed an uncontested lead from an early stage, despite the presence in the field of a presumed pacemaker from the Ballydoyle stable. Three weeks ago a 33-1 shot made all the running to win the Irish Derby and, with the Curragh again riding fast, there was an obvious potential advantage for any runner that could get the lead without having to fight for it. Star Catcher had raced in midfield when winning the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot on her previous start but it should have surprised no one that Dettori would be switched on to the different tactical demands this time. Continue reading...