Lailani captures the spoils at Irish Oaks

English trainer Ed Dunlop landed a brilliant 1-2 in the Irish Oaks at The Curragh yesterday when Lailani, ridden by Frankie Dettori, beat stable mate Mot Juste, the mount of Richard Hughes, by a neck.

Dunlop, son of the more famous trainer John Dunlop, foiled Irish maestro Aidan O'Brien who saddled six of the 12 runners but could do no better than third with Karsavina, ridden by Michael Kinane.

Fast-improving Lailani, a late supplemented entry whose last race was a handicap event at Epsom, was sent off at 5-1 second favourite with Mot Juste at 8-1 and Karsavina at 9-1.

Relish The Thought, another English raider, was made the 4-1 favourite but finished out of the money as Lailani came with a late flourish to capture the spoils for owner His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

It was a rare off-key day for O'Brien who has been sweeping all before him, including the Irish Derby two weeks ago over Sunday's course and distance with Galileo.

Result:
Group One
1. Lailani (riden by Frankie Dettori) 5-1 2. Mot Juste (Richard Hughes) 8-1 3. Karsavina (Mick Kinane) 9-1
12 ran
Winning distance: Neck; Winner trained in England by Ed Dunlop Value to winner: £126,675 ($177,500)