Jockeys Kieren Fallon and Frankie Dettori praised Ouija board was “the most beautiful mare I’ve ever ridden” as they recalled their memories of riding the magical mare after her death at the age of 21.
PEREZ: Ouija board passed away at the age of 21
Fallon first sat on the Ouija Board during her test for Vodafone Epsom Oaks (G1) in 2004 before giving Ed Dunlop his first British Classic success with a seven-minute win at Epsom. The pair then continued at Darley Irish Oaks (G1) before Fallon took her to the first of her two wins at VO5 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) at Lonely Star Park.
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He said: “Ouija Board was amazing. She was a push-button game and probably the dirtiest game I’ve ever played, especially over a mile and a half. Her win in the Breeders’ Cup at Lone Star Park is her best achievement for me.”
Fallon was subsequently unable to maintain his relationship with the mare, but together they celebrated another success of group 1 at the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase (G1) at Sha Tin in December 2005.
He added: “After that, I was the stable racer for Aidan O’Brien but won her in Hong Kong. She was an incredible girl and had a great temperament. She brought Ed. Dunlop traveled the world, and he did a great job with her.”
Alexander Goldrun a much hyped race tagged ‘Duels on the Downs.’
Later that year, they went on to attend the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Churchill Downs and then took a reliable third place on the mare’s swan version at the Japan Cup (G1) in Tokyo.
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Dettori said: “I can say that Ouija Board is the best game I’ve ever ridden. I have great memories riding it as well as some great times with Ed Dunlop and (owner) Lord and Lady Derby.”
Regarding her traits, he said: “For me as a jockey, she has everything. She has good airspeed and is very easy to steer. She is very nice. talented and very willing; she was a pleasure to ride and she was always a delight.”
On the highlight of their relationship, Dettori said: “Her best performance for me was probably what was considered a ‘Due Duel’ with Alexander Goldrun in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood. She also won the Breeders’ Cup and it was amazing around the world that she delivered everything that was asked of her.
“Of course, she later became a great broodstock breeder and bred the winner of the Derby (Investec) Derby (G1) and (Dubai Duty Free) Irish Derby (G1) Australia . Not many top racetracks do that. She is a sad loss.”
