Tough Zoffany mare Wilamina wins Epsom G3
Jockey Frankie Dettori treated racegoers to one of his trademark flying dismounts after gutsy Zoffany mare Wilamina (5m Zoffany-Tropical Lake, by Lomond) romped to victory in the G3 Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Epsom on Derby day.
The official winning distance of three-quarters of a length masked the ease with which the Martyn Meade-trained mare won as the 7/2 joint-favourite was always travelling sweetly for her jockey and put three to four lengths between her and field when asked for her effort two furlongs from home.
Runner-up Anna Nerium made late headway in the final furlong but Wilamina was always going to hold on and there was a further length and three-quarters back to Shenanigans (the other 7/2 joint-favourite) in third.
A delighted Meade, who only recently moved to Manton from Newmarket, said: "She has just been knocking on the door all the time. It was disappointing in her last run in the Group 2 Dahlia Stakes - she put in a fantastic time at Newmarket and was still second [to Wuheida], but now it has all come good.
"I am so thrilled for her she is such a trier, she was in her element, she seemed to love the whole thing today. She is a lovely filly. She knew it was the time she had to get her head in front - and she did it.
"We'll give her time and see if she is good enough to step up to a Group 2, or maybe find a Group 1 in France later in the year. She is easy to get fit."
Dettori was also full of praise for Wilamina, who was bred by John Boden and Willie Kane, after the race.
"I was drawn eight and I was worried but I got a good pitch," said the jockey. "Some horses handle the track and she went round Tattenham Corner like it was flat. When I asked her to quicken, she quickened really well and it was never in doubt. She won really well.
"She's a gentle ride and did everything I asked of her. I didn't really have to ask too much of her. She's certainly up to Group 2 level - she's got a good temperament and a big heart. Hopefully she's on an upward curve."