Emily Upjohn ruled out of Irish Oaks as flight grounded at Stansted

Ante-post favourite Emily Upjohn will miss the Juddmonte Irish Oaks at the Curragh on Saturday after her plane was unable to take off from Stansted Airport on Friday.

The three-year-old was narrowly beaten by Tuesday, who was not declared for this weekend's Group 1, in the Oaks at Epsom and was as short as 2-5 to secure Classic success for John and Thady Gosden.

However, John Gosden revealed the news that she will miss the race and instead head to Ascot a week later for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes, which the yard has won five times.

Gosden said: "Emily Upjohn will not be going to Ireland to run in the Juddmonte Oaks at the Curragh on Saturday as the plane due to take her there sustaining a bird strike earlier in the day. Due to various logistical issues she was unable to fly today from Stansted.

"After discussion with her owners it was decided to reroute her to the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes at Ascot."

In her absence, a field of seven is set to go to post at the Curragh, with Royal Ascot winner Magical Lagoon now the 5-4 favourite with Paddy Power. She finished second in the Salsabil Stakes at Navan before landing the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The same firm have cut Emily Upjohn to 5-2 (from 16) for the King George, where she will face Irish Derby hero Westover.

Reacting to the bombshell, Paddy Power's Paul Binfield said: "That was a surprise because as the betting indicated, she looked to have the Irish Oaks at her mercy.

"However, the fact that we’ve now put her in at second favourite for the King George is testament to her talents and Irish Derby hero Westover will have to bring his A game to repel her."

Oaks winner Taghrooda was expected to run in the Irish Oaks for the Gosden team in 2014 before being rerouted and winning the King George. The stable also won Ascot's Group 1 three times with star mare Enable, while Nathaniel gave them a first success in the race in 2011.

Paddy Power: 5-4 Magical Lagoon, 6 Cairde Go Deo, Emily Dickinson, History, Toy, 12 Show Of Stars, 14 Fennela

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