Whirl Adds to Coolmore and O’Brien’s Tally in Pretty Polly

The Wootton Bassett filly, who had finished second in the Irish Oaks (G1), got her revenge and became a G1 winner

Brave Whirl held off the determined Kalpana at The Curragh / COOLMORE

CURRAGH, Irlanda (Special for Turf Diario).- Determination also wins races. In a thrilling head-to-head that was worth the price of admission, Whirl left everything on the track to snatch victory in the final strides from the brave Kalpana (Study of Man) and capture the Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes (G1) over 2000 meters on good ground, one of Europe’s most traditional races for fillies and mares.

The daughter of Wootton Bassett, bred and owned by Coolmore, became the third Group 1 winner of the day for Ballydoyle, completing a dream afternoon at The Curragh for Aidan O’Brien’s team, who earlier secured a one-two finish in the Irish Derby (G1) with Lambourn (Australia) and Serious Contender (Wootton Bassett).

Winner of the Musidora Stakes (G3) and runner-up to stablemate Minnie Hauk (Frankel) in a tight finish in the Epsom Oaks (G1), Whirl was dropping back to 2000 meters and facing older rivals for the first time, including the experienced Kalpana, who engaged her in a tactical duel from the outset.

Ryan Moore wasted no time sending Whirl to the lead, while Colin Keane kept Kalpana close throughout. In the straight, Kalpana seemed to have the race won when she struck the front at the 300-meter mark, but Whirl, showing the same grit she displayed at Epsom, rallied gamely to regain command and draw off by 1 1/3 lengths, with the French filly Survie (Churchill) finishing third another 1 3/4 lengths back.

“Whirl is a very special filly and Ryan gave her a fantastic ride,” praised O’Brien. “Coming back to 2000 meters after a huge run over 2400 and having to fight off an older, seasoned rival is never easy. Ryan found the perfect balance between aggression and patience.” He added, “She showed in the Oaks that she never gives up, and today confirmed it again. There are many options for her now: she could go to Goodwood for the Nassau Stakes (G1) or to York for the Yorkshire Oaks (G1).”

Whirl hails from an illustrious family. Her dam, Salsa, a winning daughter of Galileo, is a full sister to none other than Hydrangea, The United States, and Hermosa, all Group 1 winners. Moreover, her Wootton Bassett x Galileo cross is the same as dual G1 winner Al Riffa, underlining the strength of the nick.

With this victory, Whirl establishes herself as one of the most complete fillies of her generation and a serious contender for the staying crown in Europe. Courage, talent, and masterful preparation: the classic recipe for success at Ballydoyle.