Renaissance man Cecil lands Oaks

Light Shift (13-2) landed an emotional eighth success for Henry Cecil in the Vodafone Oaks at Epsom.

Despite saddling the unplaced hot favourite Passage Of Time, the resurgent Cecil still managed to add to his incredible list of British Classics with the Kingmambo filly.

Ted Durcan sent her to the front fully two furlongs out and she showed great determination to hold off Aidan O'Brien's Peeping Fawn (20-1) by half a length, with the latter's stable companion All My Loving another four lengths back in third. John Oxx's Four Sins finished fourth.

The runners were taken through the early stages by Sues Surprise and Kayah, with Richard Hughes sitting pretty just behind the leaders on the market leader.

However, coming round Tattenham Corner Hughes slightly lost his position on Passage Of Time as Mick Kinane moved the gambled-on All My Loving to the front.

But Durcan had all the moves covered and Light Shift soon shot three lengths clear before finding enough to hold off Martin Dwyer and Peeping Fawn for a hugely-popular success.

Back in the winner's enclosure, an emotional Cecil was fighting back the tears. He said: 'That reception was fantastic. I thought they would go very close. I don't know what happened to the other filly (Passage Of Time) yet. I thought there wouldn't be much between them.

'It's lovely for Ted. He's a marvellous jockey and a great friend. It's also marvellous for the staff. They have been a great support to me.

'This means a lot. I'd like to say thank you to everybody. It's lovely to be back again. The reception is quite embarrassing really. Thank you all so much.'

Durcan added: 'It's unbelievable. She's brave and she stays with you. I looked to switch in and I just angled out behind the Aga Khan's horse (Four Sins).

Once I lit her up she picked up better than I expected and I probably went a bit early on her. I was hoping for something to lead me to the furlong and a half marker, but the one near me was stopping so I tried to hug the rail and squeeze her along.

'Once the second horse (Peeping Fawn) arrived she picked up again up the hill. She's improved. Henry's a master and it's an honour to win it for him.'

Martin Dwyer, who rode the runner-up, said: 'It was a very rough race. I tried to sit behind the favourite. I just failed, but I'm pleased for Ted and Henry Cecil.

'I used all my petrol to get there from a bad position and she battled bravely.'

All My Loving gave her supporters a great run for their money and joint-owner Richard Henry was delighted with her performance.
He said: 'She stumbled when she came out of the gate. The winner is smart and at least we are Classic-placed now.

She'll probably run in the Irish Oaks, but Aidan will decide that.
John Oxx said of Four Sins, who finished fourth: 'She ran very well given the ground made it a bigger test. She will improve for better ground and hopefully we'll get that in the Irish Oaks.'