The 2010 Yorkshire Oaks had been billed as a clash of the generations, with 2009's dual Oaks winner Sariska and Ed Dunlop's Snow Fairy, who had completed the same double 12 months on, taking each other on.

The third top-class filly in the field was Cecil's Midday, three times a Group One winner herself, including at the Breeders' Cup last November. But the big clash failed to materialise as Sariska rooted herself to the spot when the gates opened.

As expected it was Barshiba who set off at a decent early pace, which would have suited Snow Fairy. She could be spotted making stealthy headway under new jockey Richard Hughes, replacing the injured Ryan Moore, but Tom Queally was going just as well three furlongs out on the winner.

He kicked early and seemed to put the race to bed but, just as she had done in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, Midday drifted off a true line and gave Snow Fairy a second chance.

The three-year-old could not bridge the gap, though, and went down gallantly by three lengths. There was a further two back to Sir Michael Stoute's Eleanora Duse.

"That was a great performance. She was always going so well and she went and won the race, but then thought she'd done enough," said Cecil.

"She was alone in front but found more. It was a real pity Sariska didn't race, but the second is a very good filly."

Cecil was to be proved right with Snow Fairy going on to considerable success herself, confirming just what had a high-class renewal this had been.

#horse #horseracing #HenryCecil #Midday #yorkraces

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