Moonstone bests stablemate at Curragh

Moonstone gave Aidan O'Brien his 13th Group 1 triumph of the year at the Curragh as she outdueled stablemate Ice Queen in the $795,000 Irish Oaks.

Second to Look Here in the English Oaks five weeks ago, Moonstone was not only winning her maiden in this 1 1/2-mile classic, she was providing O'Brien with his thrid straight Irish Oaks. The victory also gave O'Brien a sweep of all four of Ireland's 3-year-old classics as he had taken the Irish 2000 Guineas with Henrythenavigator, the Irish 1000 with Halfway to Heaven, and the Irish Derby with Frozen Fire.

But victory for the 2-1 Dalakhani filly did not come without a touch the controversy that has dogged Ballydoyle all season. This time it was runner-up Ice Queen who caused the problem as she carried Moonstone left in deep stretch, causing the winner to bump the Andre Fabre-trained Gagnoa, who ran on for third, two lengths behind Ice Queen. Ironically, Gagnoa, who had been second in the French Oaks, is owned by Michael Tabor, the part owner of both Moonstone and Ice Queen.

O'Brien will now aim Moonstone, who covered the 1 1/2 miles on good ground in 2:34.37, at the Yorkshire Oaks on Aug. 21.