Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum saw his colours carried to first and second places in the Investec Oaks at Epsom Downs on Friday 6th June 2014.
His home-bred filly Taghrooda (pictured top) – a daughter of brilliant Investec Derby winner Sea The Stars – scored readily by three and three-quarters of a length from Tarfasha, who was a nose ahead of Volume (pictured right). The winner was a first Oaks success for trainer John Gosden, Dermot Weld trained the runner-up, while Volume represented Luca Cumani's stable.
Gosden praised winning jockey Paul Hanagan, and said: "Paul rode her perfectly. Two good fillies were second and third so it looks like a good Oaks.
"I always thought she was a nice filly, but I felt the extra two furlongs was right up her alley, which is why he had her handy.
" Richard [Hughes, on Volume] was in front trying to ride the race to suit himself and his filly won a trial in that way, so we knew if he was playing with the pace we wanted to be where we could do something about it and use our filly's class. Paul did just that and it was a very smooth performance."
The 5/1 shot is now unbeaten in three starts to date and her victory gave Hanagan his first Classic winner following his appointment as Sheikh Hamdan's retained jockey in 2012.
"It's a brilliant feeling," said Hanagan. "This is what I've worked hard for all my life. I'm so pleased for the team though – Sheikh Hamdan, John Gosden and Angus Gold [Sheikh Hamdan's bloodstock advisor]. They have shown so much faith in me and this feels like I've given them something back. Of course, we [heard] this week that John Hills died and he was also an important part of the team – this one's for him.
"I'm not really surprised that she ran like that. I ride her out in work most mornings and I knew she had quality. She's just a pleasure to ride."
Sheikh Hamdan is the Crown Prince of Dubai, son of Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum (pictured top with his wife Princess Haya).