Deloraine proves the Belle of the ball at Woodbine

Deloraine added a precious G3 success on Tapeta to Graded placings on dirt and turf as she collared Stylish Sue close home in the Belle Mahone Stakes at Woodbine, Canada, on Saturday, 30 May. 

The Eoin Harty-trained filly, a winner at Presque Isle Downs on her only previous all-weather appearance, showed good speed from the gates but was shuffled back to fifth after finding herself short of room. 

Having moved up a place halfway down the back, Deloraine again briefly lost her position turning in before Ryan Munger found a seam entering the straight. 

Deloraine quickened between horses to go second in a matter of strides and reeled in long-time leader Stylish Sue well inside the final half-furlong to prevail by three-quarters of a length. 

Emma Browne Lovatt of Godolphin said: “Deloraine has had a few attempts in Graded Stakes and bringing her back to the all-weather and up to Woodbine was the perfect combination. It’s a very important win for her.” 

Ryan Munger added: “When you put on these silks, it’s like you are putting on history! It’s an honour and a privilege, and always something exciting to do. A big thanks to Eoin and Godolphin, and I’m very grateful. 

“Eoin brought Deloraine over in great condition. He said that she might have needed her last run and she’s better from coming from off the pace. Looking at the race, there was a lot of speed and that definitely played in our favour. 

“I had a ton of horse going round – I saw Rafael [Hernandez on Stylish Sue] getting away but I knew that, if I got out, I was going to catch him. Once the split opened, she took it like a brave soldier and it was a very gallant, gutsy win today.”