Anapurna a first British Classic winner for Frankel after thrilling Oaks

Anapurna produced a fine staying performance to run down the Aidan O'Brien-trained Pink Dogwood in the Group 1 Investec Oaks, providing Frankie Dettori with his fifth winner of the race and Frankel with a first British Classic as a sire.

A slowly run affair, which was led early by Lavender's Blue and Silvestre de Sousa, developed as they moved down the hill and Pink Dogwood looked all over the winner as she moved clear of the field under Ryan Moore.

However, Anapurna, who was bred by Meon Valley Stud – represented by Telecaster in the Derby on Saturday – stayed on powerfully towards the inside of the track and edged clear close to home to land odds of 8-1.

Frankel had previously sired a Classic winner in Japan in Soul Stirring, who won the 2017 Yushun Himba – the Japanese Oaks – but Anapurna's victory marked his first Classic victory in Britain.

His other Group 1-winning progeny includes Dream Castle, Without Parole and four-time top-level scorer Cracksman.

Frankie Dettori said: "She was very courageous. The hill was coming and I was always getting him. Beautiful! My first Classic winner was 25 years ago and I'm still here!

Gosden added: "It was a brave performance by the filly and jockey. She went for a gap up the inside and you don't always find it there.

"I thought coming past the furlong pole Ryan [Moore] had gone it but she outstayed the other filly. Full marks to both riders and fillies."

Mark Weinfeld is managing partner of Meon Valley Stud, who have been represented by a number of decent fillies on the track, including Group 1 winners Zee Zee Top, Izzi Top and Speedy Boarding, and celebrated their 20th Group 1 victory at Epsom.

Anapurna is a daughter of another of their mares, Dash To The Top, and Weinfeld said: "She was so tough and showed a great attitude. This is unbelievable and we dream of winning Classics so to see it all come to fruition with this filly is amazing. It would be too much to wish for a double with Telecaster!"

Anapurna was shortened to 20-1 (from 66) for the Arc by Paddy Power.

Result, replay and analysis

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