An Emily Upjohn (GB)-shaped hole has been blown into the G1 Juddmonte Irish Oaks after John and Thady Gosden were forced to rule the daughter of Sea The Stars (Ire) out of Saturday's Group 1 contest at the Curragh. As short as 2-5 with some betting firms, Emily Upjohn will miss the Curragh Classic after the Gosden team were faced with travel complications ahead of the journey across the Irish Sea.
The Jessica Harrington-trained Magical Lagoon (Ire) (Galileo) has hardened into a general even-money favourite for the Irish Oaks in Emily Upjohn's absence. The shock news means that just seven fillies will line out for the race with Emily Upjohn now being aimed at the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO S. at Ascot on July 23.
Thady Gosden said, “It is very frustrating. We thought all her bad luck had been used up at Epsom. The plane, which was going to be taking her to Ireland, they also use for Royal Mail. It was flying out of Edinburgh to pick her up and there was a bird strike. The plane that was meant to be taking her there now can't get her in time and they can't find another plane.”
He added, “Unfortunately, we are completely snookered. The King George is now obviously the option. Frustrating, especially when you train her for such a race.”
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