Earhart too strong for Loughbrown rivals Amelia Earhart bookended the season with black-type victories when taking the QuinnBet Loughbrown Stakes at the Curragh this afternoon. The Aidan O’Brien-trained filly had won the Cheshire Oaks back in May and had been consistent at stakes level throughout the season. She went to post 2/1 favourite for today’s Group 3 contest and swooped into the lead going to the furling pole in the two-miler. The Camelot filly stayed on stoutly for Gavin Ryan in the closing stages to post a length-and-a-quarter success over Abbotsford. Amelia Earhart was turning out again having been fourth in the Group 1 Prix Royal Oak at Saint-Cloud last Sunday. “It’s been a very tough season, it’s probably been my furthest down on winners and rides so to get this on the last day is great,” said Ryan. “Aidan has always been very good to me, he’s a great supporter. He gave me a ride in Newmarket yesterday and put me up again here today. I can’t thank him enough. “Obviously on paper she’s the filly with the class in the race. It’s the first time I’ve sat on her and she’s like riding a colt, she’s a big strong girl. “It was all so handy for her. We wanted to be a little bit closer but she was a touch slow away from the gates and we just had to except where we were. “She travelled real smooth. She’s like a big colt and you are literally able to move horses on here. She’s a big tough girl and really loves her racing and stays that trip good.” When asked if there was any concern on her quick turnaround from France he added:- “No, not at all, she wouldn’t be here if Aidan thought there was. Aidan’s horses are tough hardy horses. “You even seen the horse that won last night (Benvenuto Cellini), he had a bad run in the Arc and you can see what he turned back to last night. “His horses just back it up. It’s great to be associated with them and be able to get on their backs.”
