Love conquers all in Yorkshire Oaks as attention turns to France not St Leger

This filly for the ages had so much in hand over her rivals that she just required a hands and heels ride from Moore as she sauntered up the Knavesmire straight for trainer Aidan O’Brien and owner-breeders Coolmore.

Already the winner of the 1000 Guineas and Epsom Oaks, the jockey ruled out a tilt at next month’s St Leger where Love could have become the first Triple Crown winner since Oh So Sharp in 1985.

Instead she’s set to head straight to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp where she would be in receipt of weight from two-time winner Enable and champion colts Ghaiyyath, the Juddmonte International victor, and Stradivarius.

“She’s very special,” said Moore before explaining that the horse’s high cruising speed would be compromised if she stepped up to one mile and six furlongs for the Doncaster classic.

“I rode her as a two-year-old last year and thought she was exceptional. This year she has thrived and just got stronger. It was straightforward. Realistically, I thought it was her easiest task for a while.”

Love, a beautiful white-faced mare, lolloped along in second in the early stages of the Ebor festival’s day two highlight before hitting the front with three furlongs to go. The result was never in doubt and she had five lengths in hand over Alpinista.

As for the Arc, Moore ventured: “She’s been exceptional on every start this year. The Arc has always been in the back of everyone’s minds and we’re six weeks away, so I suppose they’ll see how she is.

“I’d say Ghaiyyath’s stock has gone up and Enable’s has gone up, so the Arc will be a hard race. We haven’t seen the Derby winner (Serpentine) since (Epsom). Everyone has their own opinion on that race, but I still think he was a very good winner.”

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James Mitchinson