2026 Irish Oaks Tips - British raider can claim Classic glory at the Curragh
The 2026 Irish Oaks is set for an exciting renewal this weekend at the Curragh, with standout fillies Thundering On and Earth Shot heading the betting after recent strong performances. Thundering On attempts to complete the Oaks double after her Epsom success but faces stiff competition, particularly from Inis Mor, who is tipped as the top selection given her proven stamina and pedigree. Pacing strategies could play a key role, and a strong pace is expected from the Ballydoyle team. Live streaming and full race coverage options are also available.
- Odds and betting predictions for the 2026 Irish Oaks
- This Classic takes place at the Curragh on Saturday 18th July
- Inis Mor is our selection at 6/1
43 days after the British equivalent took place at Epsom, some of the sport's top fillies will battle it out in the Irish Oaks this weekend. Many fillies have completed the Oaks double at the Curragh down the years, and this year's Epsom heroine will line up in Saturday's field.
Here's our free guide to the 2026 Irish Oaks, including our best betting tips.
2026 Irish Oaks Odds
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Earth Shot | 3/1 |
| Thundering On | 3/1 |
| Amelia Earhart | 5/1 |
| Johanna Walsh | 6/1 |
| Inis Mor | 6/1 |
| Sparan Nua | 6/1 |
| Bar | 14/1 |
2026 Irish Oaks Runners
Thundering On ran out a hugely impressive winner of the Oaks at Epsom, and carried a short price into the Pretty Polly Stakes last month. Joseph O'Brien's filly made her customary challenge from the rear, but could never quicken past Estrange, and crossed the line fourth behind three older horses.
That defeat has resulted in Thundering On only holding joint-favourite status for Ireland's equivalent of the Oaks. She's joined at the top of the market by William Haggas' Earth Shot, who swooped home late to land the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Thundering On's stablemate, Johanna Walsh ran a cracker to finish second at Royal Ascot, and could join Joseph's Classic winner in the field. Aidan O'Brien's leading chance is Amelia Earhart, despite just a sixth-place finish in the Epsom Oaks.
There have been several supplementary entries for Saturday's Classic. Jim Bolger has thrown unbeaten Group Three winner Sparan Nua into the Irish Oaks. David Menuisier will now be represented by Height Of Fashion Stakes scorer Inis Mor. Joseph O'Brien has bolstered his team with unbeaten Group Three winner Rebel Moon.
Epsom third, Sugar Island could be on pacemaking duties for Ballydoyle again. Aidan O'Brien could also be represented by Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Cameo, Pretty Polly sixth Beautify, and Ribblesdale fifth Composing.
There have been several supplementary entries for Saturday's Classic. Jim Bolger has thrown unbeaten Group Three winner Sparan Nua into the Irish Oaks. David Menuisier will now be represented by Height Of Fashion Stakes scorer Inis Mor. Joseph O'Brien has bolstered his team with unbeaten Group Three winner Rebel Moon.
Epsom third, Sugar Island could be on pacemaking duties for Ballydoyle again. Aidan O'Brien could also be represented by Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Cameo, Pretty Polly sixth Beautify, and Ribblesdale fifth Composing.
2026 Irish Oaks Tips
We have to start with Thundering On, as she looks to complete the Oaks double. Joseph O'Brien's filly powered home from the rear to land the Epsom Classic, and attempted similar tactics in the Pretty Polly Stakes.
Thundering On raced a little keenly early on, as her stablemate Wemighttakedlongway forced a strong pace alongside the front-running Qilin Queen. Dylan Browne McMonagle angled out turning for home and asked the favourite for her effort. Yet, the turn of foot we saw at Epsom never materialised, and Thundering On's challenge flattened out tamely.
Aidan O'Brien will want a strong pace for Amelia Earhart. Sugar Island is likely to be on pacemaking duties again, and Cameo shouldn't be too far off the early gallop. Thundering On has had three weeks to recover from that tough race in the Pretty Polly, and this race should be run to suit. Can she bounce back to her best? Only time will tell, but after that defeat on similar ground, I'm prepared to take her on.
Earth Shot did well to win the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot, and William Haggas' filly is a major player. INIS MOR (6/1) got the better of that rival when they met in the Height Of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood before skipping the Oaks for a crack at the Prix de Diane.
Oisin Murphy took the ride in that French Classic, positioning Inis Mor handily behind the leaders. Turning for home, David Menuisier's filly split the pacemakers and hit the front. However, Inis Mor got there a little too soon, was passed by Diamond Necklace and Pink Panthera inside the final furlong, and kept on one-paced to finish third.
This looks the ideal time to step Inis Mor up in trip. David Menuisier's filly is bred to stay, being by Galiway and out of a mare who won over two miles during her career.
Inis Mor has handled this sort of ground on several occasions, takes a bend well, and remains open to further improvement over this longer trip. Oisin Murphy will be keen not to commit too early, and the strong pace Ballydoyle is likely to set should suit this strong-travelling filly perfectly.
Live Stream
Visit our Irish Oaks Live Stream page if you want to watch any of Saturday's races from the Curragh via a mobile or tablet.
Verdict
Inis Mor is our selection in the 2026 Irish Oaks.
Inis Mor
2026 Irish Oaks Tips
@6/1 - 5 Units
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS
Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
08 May 2026
- WNBA 2026 -
- Basketball
10 June 2026
- Volleyball Nations League 2026 -
- Volleyball
11 June 2026
Load More
Sports Tips Starts in
Today's Acca Tips
-
Soccer tips
-
Horse Racing tips
-
Tennis tips
