CHRIS Hayes of Shanagolden guided home Ezeliya (13/2) to win the £550,000 Epsom Oaks.
As the field swung round Tattenham Corner, Hayes angled the daughter of Dubawi out and made rapid headway down the outside.
Thereafter, the winner – trained by the great Dermot Weld – travelled supremely and pulled clear ahead of the finishing line.
Hayes said: “She’s (Ezeliya) a queen. She’s a very professional, strong-travelling filly. She did everything right, not a step did she take wrong.”
“I just wanted to keep momentum on her and angle her out at the top of the straight and she just leapt onto the bridle again. I knew she’d stay and I knew she had class – it’s brilliant.”
Weld previously won the Oaks with Blue Wind 43 years ago, when Hayes was just six years of age.
“It was Lester Piggott who rode her, and I’m no Lester Piggott,” quipped Hayes.
