Minnie Hauk makes a stylish comeback

Minnie Hauk (Frankel) comfortably ran down a breakaway leader to make a pleasing winning return in the Gr.2 Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh yesterday.

Taken from the European Bloodstock News, 5th May 2026:

The 10 furlong contest attracted six runners and soon developed into an interesting tactical affair as Minnie Hauk’s stablemate Edward Hamilton (Frankel) built up a big lead. Ryan Moore settled Minnie Hauk in fourth, and she always appeared to be travelling smoothly, but the leader had snatched a 12-length advantage by halfway and was still well ahead entering the final three furlongs. However, Minnie Hauk only needed gentle persuasion from the saddle to whittle down Edward Hamilton’s lead before swooping to the front inside the final furlong to win by a length and three quarters. It looked like an ideal start to the new season. Edward Hamilton kept on well to hold second, with former Gr.1 Irish Derby runner-up Adelaide River finishing another length and a half away in third on his return to the Irish scene after two seasons in Australia.

Celebrating a record-extending 15th win in this race, Aidan O’Brien commented afterwards: “That was lovely. You’d be delighted with that. The plan was to come back here, and we wanted a nice, even pace so she could get back into gear a little bit. We didn’t want a dawdle. Ryan was very happy with her. He said he just let her point her toe a bit the last furlong. The [Gr.1] Tattersalls Gold Cup is the plan, and that’s the perfect prep for it.”