Recapping the 2024 renewals of the Irish Oaks and Derby

The 2024 renewals of the Irish Oaks and Derby showcased thrilling displays of flat racing excellence, drawing significant attention from horse racing betting enthusiasts. Both races, held at the Curragh in July, delivered memorable performances that will be talked about for years to come.

That said, let’s take a look back at the respective winners of the Irish Oak and Derby, assessing the winners and how they came about securing Classic credentials on the hallowed turf at the iconic Curragh.

Irish Derby

The Irish Derby saw a fierce competition, with Los Angeles emerging victorious. Trained by the legendary Aidan O’Brien, Los Angeles demonstrated impeccable stamina and speed, clinching the title with a commanding performance.

The Coolmore colt managed to outpace rivals Sunway and Ambiente Friendly, staying on gamely in the final furlong. This win adds to O’Brien’s impressive tally of Derby successes, extending his record to an incredible 16 wins in the Curragh Classic.

“We were delighted with him at Epsom and we thought he would come forward,” O’Brien said after the race. “Obviously he did go forward at Epsom and learned plenty, so we were hoping that would be the case so he could come back here. Ryan gave him a great ride.”

“We think he’ll get better. He’s a big, hardy horse. He looks like he’s a baby but he was a Group 1 winner at two as well and he keeps progressing.”

Irish Oaks

The Irish Oaks looked like it was going to be a wide-open affair. The O’Brien-trained Content was an uneasy favourite in the market after not getting much support at 3/1, leaving the race open for an outsider to swoop in and land the spoils.

The field was bunched up as they went past the three-furlong pole and made the turn into the home straight, with 40/1 chance Rubies Are Red leading the 14 contenders into the closing stages of the race.

The Ballydoyle longshot soon weakened and dropped right to the back of the pack, all the while, You Got To Me burst out through the middle of the challengers, making her way to the front for Ralph Beckett and Hector Crouch.

Content was very smartly manoeuvred through the crowd by Ryan Moore and started to mount a challenge in the final furlong, but You Got To Me had too much in the tank for the market leader and held on to win by less than a length.

It was a second Irish Classic success for Beckett at the Curragh after his Derby win with Westover in 2022, while it was a maiden victory in a Classic for jockey Hector Crouch.

“That was a very special day,” Crouch said.

“I’m a bit emotional. It means an awful lot. I was stuck, a touch slow away. I had to take it as it came. She was very tough and very brave when I needed her.”

The Irish St Leger is the final Classic of the season at the Curragh, taking place next month.

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