Content avenged her defeat to You Got To Me in the Irish Oaks by triumphing in the Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks at York. The daughter of Galileo and dual Nunthorpe winner Mecca’s Angel delivered a career-best performance, marking a notable victory for Aidan O’Brien.
Ryan Moore guided Content through a keen early pace as stablemate Port Fairy and William Haggas’ Sea Theme set the early tempo. As the race approached the straight, Emily Upjohn surged to the front, but Content (3-1 favourite) and You Got To Me stayed close, forming a tight three-way battle.
Content and Ralph Beckett’s Classic winner eventually overcame Emily Upjohn, with the Ballydoyle filly finding the extra effort to secure victory, becoming the late Galileo’s 100th individual Group One winner.
O’Brien, who has now won the Yorkshire Oaks eight times and four of the last five years, praised Content’s improvement with each step up in distance. He noted that Ryan Moore delivered a superb ride, managing Content’s keen nature and ensuring she responded well to the stronger pace.
Looking ahead, O’Brien mentioned potential future targets for Content, including fillies’ trials, the Arc, or a race in America, emphasising that she thrives in strong-pace races and will be even better when she finds her optimal gear.