Thundering On Wins 2026 Betfred Oaks at Epsom for Joseph O’Brien

Thundering On won the 2026 Betfred Oaks at Epsom Downs Racecourse on Friday, producing a powerful late challenge to land the fillies’ Classic for trainer Joseph O’Brien.

Ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, the three-year-old swept past Legacy Link inside the final furlong to score by three and three-quarter lengths in the Group 1 contest, one of the highlights of the Epsom Derby Festival.

In a field of nine runners, Sugar Island set the pace for much of the contest, while Legacy Link travelled strongly and moved to the front approaching the final two furlongs. Thundering On, however, was making relentless progress from the rear and began to close under a confident ride from McMonagle.

Turning for home, Legacy Link briefly looked in command, but Thundering On produced a decisive turn of foot inside the final furlong to power clear and win going away.

The Group One contest, run over one mile, four furlongs and six yards, was staged on ground described as Good to Soft, Good in Places. Thundering On completed the course in a time of 2min 39.64sec, winning by three and three-quarter lengths.

After the race, connections noted that stamina had been a key pre-race consideration, which influenced the decision to settle the filly in rear before delivering her challenge late. The tactic proved decisive as Thundering On finished strongly up the Epsom hill.

The performance enhanced her standing among Europe’s leading three-year-old fillies, with further Group 1 targets likely later in the season.

2026 Betfred Oaks Result

Race details: Betfred Oaks (Group 1), Epsom Downs Racecourse, Friday 5 June 2026. Distance: 1m 4f 6y. Going: Good to Soft, Good in Places. Time: 2min 39.64sec. Winning margin: 3¾ lengths.

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