Minnie Hauk made a winning return to action in the Clem Murphy Memorial Irish EBF Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh on Monday. The dual Oaks winner and Arc runner-up won by a length and three-quarters under Ryan Moore, with Aidan O'Brien confirming the Tattersalls Gold Cup and the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot as the next targets.
The Race
Wayne Lordan set an even gallop on the winner's stablemate Edward Hamilton, a 125-1 outsider who went off at a huge lead in the six-runner contest. Ryan Moore kept Minnie Hauk towards the rear in the early stages, unhurried and comfortable. Entering the closing stages, as Edward Hamilton weakened, it became clear that Minnie Hauk was the only one of the chasing pack able to accelerate. With minimum urging from Moore, the star filly eased clear for a near two-length success, ears pricked at the line. Adelaide River was another one and a half lengths away in third.
As the TDN reported: "Ryan Moore proved a passenger in the 10-furlong contest. Setting up like a piece of work, she gave her pacemaker Edward Hamilton plenty of rope but was always comfortable and hit the line ears pricked."
The Drift in Price
Minnie Hauk had drifted to 4/6 from shorter prices near the off, having looked lively in the paddock and showing signs of the freshness natural in any returning filly. Those who took the generous odds never had a moment of concern. The drift created an opportunity — a horse whose form warranted a shorter price drifting due to paddock behaviour is precisely the scenario where the data advantage over the casual market is clearest.
Aidan O'Brien's Reaction
O'Brien was unambiguous about both the performance and the plan: "She travelled with all the zest she did last year and won very snugly. You couldn't be happier with her and Ryan was very happy. He said he just let her point her toe a bit the last furlong. The Tattersalls Gold Cup is the plan, and that was the perfect prep for it."
He confirmed the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot as the likely subsequent target: "If the Tattersalls Gold Cup went well, she could go to Ascot for the Prince of Wales's. We were thinking of keeping her at a mile and a quarter for her first three runs."
The Arc Unfinished Business
O'Brien has also indicated a second crack at Europe's most valuable race at Longchamp in October remains on the agenda. Minnie Hauk was beaten a head by Daryz in the Arc last season — a head, pulling well clear of the remainder. The race fell apart slightly and she found herself in front sooner than ideal. A horse that came within a head of winning the Arc on her first attempt is a horse with unfinished business.
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Facts verified via web search May 5 2026.