Shawanda takes Irish Oaks victory

Soumillon guided Shawanda to an easy victory at The Curragh

Shawanda became the first French-trained winner of the Irish Oaks since 1993 with a comfortable success at the Curragh.

Christophe Soumillon brought his mount through in the final two furlongs and she speeded up to win by five lengths.

It was a classy run by the 9-2 chance, owned by the Aga Khan.

Although Playful Act gave chase, Jimmy Fortune's horse was a distant second with Mona Lisa, ridden by Kieren Fallon back in third.

The favourite Dash to the Top was fifth having held up the start of the race by refusing to go post until jockey Johnny Murtagh eventually got off and walked her down.

If I had been harder on her she could have won by 10 lengths Shawanda's jockey Christophe Soumillon

The Aga Khan's other runner Hazariya, who had been supplemented earlier in the week, was pulled up by jockey Michael Kinane over three furlongs out.

Connections had been in two minds whether to run her after she was found to have suffered a stone bruise on Saturday.

Soumillon described his winning mount as "the easiest Group One winner I have ever had."

He added: "She was on the bridle all the way and was so well-balanced round the home turn.

"If I had been harder on her she could have won by 10 lengths."

Shawanda's next target is likely to be the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October, where her odds have been cut from 33-1 to around 12s.