Ouija Board
Encyclopedia
Ouija Board is a Thoroughbred
mare
racehorse
(named after the ouija
board spiritualism device) owned by Edward Stanley, 19th Earl of Derby
and trained by Ed Dunlop. In a career spanning four seasons, she won 10 of her 22 races, 7 of them Group 1
s, including the Epsom Oaks
in 2004 and the Hong Kong Vase
in 2005. In 2004, she won the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf
and came 2nd to Intercontinental the following year in the same race. In 2006, the Dunlop team took her back to the USA where she regained her crown in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, proving that she is one of the best racehorse
mare
s in history. She has amassed over £3 million in prize money. Also, she is only the second horse ever to win Breeders' Cup races in non-consecutive years, along with Da Hoss
, who won the Breeders' Cup Mile
in 1996 and 1998.
Her silks were a very simple black, sporting a white cap, and a single white button below the collar. She has had seven different jockeys ride her, with Olivier Peslier
, Kieren Fallon
, Frankie Dettori
and Jamie Spencer
all victorious.
over 7 furlongs, when finishing third, a length behind the winner. She was turned out just 18 days later at Great Yarmouth Racecourse
running over the same distance, although she was victorious this time. Just 11 days later, she had her third race of the season, again at Newmarket, over a furlong extra in a Listed event, although again she finished third. It was her final start of the 2003 season.
over 10 furlongs, a traditional trial for the Epsom Oaks
. She was victorious by an incredible six lengths, but connections opted to go straight to Epsom
, rather than run in any other traditional trials such as the Musidora Stakes
at York
. For her 2004 performance, Ouija Board was voted the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Female Turf Horse
and named European Horse of the Year
.
She started the Epsom Oaks
at 7/2 second favourite behind the Aidan O'Brien
-trained All Too Beautiful, as well as taking on the Godolphin
duo of Punctillious and Sundrop, but her main rivals had absolutely no answer to Ouija Board's devastating turn of foot, and she ran on to win by seven lengths. It was just the start of an amazing Oaks-Derby
double for jockey Kieren Fallon
, who was proclaimed the 'King of Epsom' afterwards. Her next target was the Irish Oaks
, in which two of her Epsom victims were reopposing - Punctillious and All Too Beautiful, but again neither could seriously challenge, and Ouija Board won by a length from the former.
Connections had eyed up a crack at Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
for Ouija Board, attempting to be the first female to win the race since Urban Sea
in 1993. To make matters harder, she had a new jockey on-board in Johnny Murtagh
. She was boxed-in throughout the race, and only got out when it was too late, finishing like a train, but still one-and-a-half-lengths behind the winner Bago
.
Despite the loss, she remained on target for the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf
at Lone Star Park
at the end of October 2004, reunited with jockey Kieren Fallon
. She produced her customary turn of foot to win by one-a-half-lengths.
in the Prince of Wales's Stakes
. Jamie Spencer
was on-board since Fallon was riding for Ballydoyle
and Dettori had a ban which saw him miss the whole of the meeting. Ouija Board lost a shoe round the final bend, and tailed off to finish 7th, thirty lengths behind the winner Azamour
.
However, she bounced back at Newmarket three months later on her next start, in the Group 3 Princess Royal Stakes, winning comfortably under new jockey Frankie Dettori
. Her end of season aim was once again the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf
, although she was partnered by another new jockey, US Hall of Fame jockey and Jerry Bailey. The race was run over a furlong less than the previous year due to the race being run at Belmont Park
. The shorter distance proved her undoing, and she failed by just one length whilst finishing 2nd.
Her relatively short season meant she was still fresh, and connections decided to send her to Japan
for a crack at the Japan Cup
, in which she ran admirably, finishing 5th to Alkaased, but only two lengths behind. She was sent to Hong Kong
just 2 weeks later for a tilt at the Hong Kong Vase
, and although never travelling throughout the race under regular rider Kieren Fallon
, produced an incredible turn of foot, and scythed through the pack to win by two-and-a-half-lengths, but pulling away with every stride.
her first target. Kieren Fallon
was again on-board, and she ran very flat whilst finishing fourth, although Fallon reported that 'she was not herself,' and that the firework display just minutes beforehand unsettled her badly. Connections, although never publicly admitted, felt Fallon had ridden her poorly and signalled the end of the jockey's successful partnership with her.
She was next shipped to Sha Tin Racecourse
in Hong Kong
for April's Queen Elizabeth II Cup
where she was reunited with Frankie Dettori
for the HK
$14 million (US$1.8 million) Group One event. Although running over 10 furlongs, 2 furlongs shorter than her preferred distance, she finished 3rd to winner Irridescence. However, she lost absolutely nothing in defeat, absolutely flying in the final furlong, only losing by two necks. Again, although never admitted, connections felt Dettori holding her up in the rear for so long cost her the race.
A return visit to the scene of arguably her greatest triumph was next, as she was sent to Epsom for a crack at the Coronation Cup
, although it would not be an easy task, with Shirocco
, the apple of André Fabre
's eye opposing her, and went off favourite, and justified his favouritism, but Ouija Board again lost nothing in defeat, putting in a marvellous run. Ed Dunlop said after the race that a trip to Royal Ascot was not completely out of the question, with either the Prince of Wales's Stakes
over 10 furlongs or Hardwicke Stakes
over her preferred 12 furlong distance.
She was confirmed as a runner in the Prince of Wales's Stakes
, in a very competitive race. Dubai World Cup
winner Electrocutionist
, Champion Stakes
and Dubai Duty Free Stakes winner David Junior
, Brigadier Gerard Stakes
winner Notnowcato
, Breeders' Cup Turf
runner-up Ace and Manduro
all lining up against her. It was a tactical battle, not helped with having a brand new jockey in Olivier Peslier
. However, he rode a spectacular race, and went on to win by half-a-length.
She was entered for the Coral Eclipse
just 17 days later, with another new jockey in Christophe Soumillon
on-board. However, she was bumped around in midfield and denied a run, finishing 5th, with David Junior
winning. Soumillon was berated by critics for his ride, and again criticised by connections, although again this was not confirmed.
Soumillon returned to England
21 days later for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes riding Hurricane Run
, which he won in a pulsating race, although his post-race celebrations came under huge criticism, and was rumoured that these antics had been aimed at connections of Ouija Board.
Ouija Board had been considered for the "King George", but connections felt she had not recovered from her cuts and bruises from the Eclipse and was left out, although she was confirmed a runner in the Group 1 Nassau Stakes
at Goodwood Racecourse
a week later.
Dettori was once again aboard as Ouija Board lined up in a very competitive field, including Hong Kong Cup
winner Alexander Goldrun
, Coronation Stakes
winner Nannina
, Echelon, and Race For The Stars, a half-sister to Hawk Wing
. Ouija Board and Alexander Goldrun battled eye-to-eye for the final quarter of a mile. Ouija Board was declared the winner after a photo finish.
She lined up next for the Irish Champion Stakes
in a rematch with Alexander Goldrun from Goodwood, and the additional threat of Dylan Thomas
, the Budweiser Irish Derby winner, coming from the formidable trio of Magnier, Aidan O'Brien and Fallon. Partnered by Jamie Spencer
once more due to Dettori riding in the St. Leger Stakes
on the same day and Fallon engaged in the same race, Spencer took Ouija Board past 'Dylan' with just over a furlong to go, but 'Dylan' showed great spirit and speed to get back up to the great mare, and he prevailed by a neck. Connections had mixed emotions, as she had run a fantastic race and was beaten by a brilliant colt, but she had failed to add a 7th Group 1 to her CV.
The Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf
at Churchill Downs
had always been her main seasonal target, and with regular partner Dettori aboard, she was sent off a very warm favourite, and despite being boxed in with three furlongs to go, she sprinted clear of the field and won.
However, compensation was won in the form of her being awarded the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Female Turf Horse
in 2006, to add to her previous win of the same award in 2004.
Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed...
mare
Mare (horse)
A mare is an adult female horse or other equine.In most cases, a mare is a female horse over the age of three, and a filly is a female horse age three and younger. However, in Thoroughbred horse racing, a mare is defined as a female horse more than four years old; in harness racing a mare is a...
racehorse
Horse racing
Horse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC...
(named after the ouija
Ouija
The Ouija board also known as a spirit/fire key board or talking board, is a flat board marked with the letters of the alphabet, the numbers 0-9, the words "yes", "no", "hello" and "goodbye", and other symbols and words are sometimes also added to help personalize the board...
board spiritualism device) owned by Edward Stanley, 19th Earl of Derby
Edward Stanley, 19th Earl of Derby
Edward Richard William Stanley, 19th Earl of Derby is a British peer. He is known for ownership of the racehorse Ouija Board and for his controversial plans to build houses and an industrial estate on of greenfield land he inherited in Newmarket, Suffolk...
and trained by Ed Dunlop. In a career spanning four seasons, she won 10 of her 22 races, 7 of them Group 1
Conditions races
Conditions races are horse races where the weights carried by the runners are laid down by the conditions attached to the race. Weights are allocated according to; the sex of the runners, with female runners carrying less weight than males; the age of the runners, with younger horses receiving...
s, including the Epsom Oaks
Epsom Oaks
The Oaks Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at Epsom Downs over a distance of 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 10 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in early June....
in 2004 and the Hong Kong Vase
Hong Kong Vase
The Hong Kong Vase is a Group 1 flat horse race in Hong Kong which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run over a distance of 2,400 metres at Sha Tin, and it is scheduled to take place each year in mid December....
in 2005. In 2004, she won the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf
Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf
The Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf is a Weight for Age Thoroughbred horse race on turf for fillies and mares, three years old and up. It is held annually at a different racetrack in the United States as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships....
and came 2nd to Intercontinental the following year in the same race. In 2006, the Dunlop team took her back to the USA where she regained her crown in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, proving that she is one of the best racehorse
Horse racing
Horse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC...
mare
Mare (horse)
A mare is an adult female horse or other equine.In most cases, a mare is a female horse over the age of three, and a filly is a female horse age three and younger. However, in Thoroughbred horse racing, a mare is defined as a female horse more than four years old; in harness racing a mare is a...
s in history. She has amassed over £3 million in prize money. Also, she is only the second horse ever to win Breeders' Cup races in non-consecutive years, along with Da Hoss
Da Hoss
Da Hoss by Gone West out of Jolly Saint is a bay Thoroughbred gelding best known for twice winning the Breeders' Cup Mile. He was bred in Kentucky by Fares Farms and originally owned by Prestonwood Farm as well as Wallstreet Racing Stables.Bought for only $6,000 as a yearling at the Keeneland...
, who won the Breeders' Cup Mile
Breeders' Cup Mile
The Breeders' Cup Mile is a Grade 1 Weight for Age stakes race for thoroughbred racehorses three years old and up, run on a grass course. It has been conducted annually as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships since the event's inception in 1984...
in 1996 and 1998.
Her silks were a very simple black, sporting a white cap, and a single white button below the collar. She has had seven different jockeys ride her, with Olivier Peslier
Olivier Peslier
Olivier Peslier is a thoroughbred horse racing jockey.Peslier competes in flat racing mainly in France but travels often around the world for the big international races....
, Kieren Fallon
Kieren Fallon
Kieren Francis Fallon is a professional flat racing jockey and has been British Champion Jockey six times....
, Frankie Dettori
Frankie Dettori
Lanfranco "Frankie" Dettori, MBE is an Italian horse racing jockey and celebrity. Dettori has been Champion Jockey on three occasions and has ridden the winners of more than 500 Group races.. He has had many successes in his role of stable jockey to Godolphin Racing...
and Jamie Spencer
Jamie Spencer
Jamie Spencer is an Irish flat racing jockey currently riding in the UK. He has been champion jockey in both Ireland and Britain and has won four classics, two in each country. Spencer is widely regarded as one of the best, and most naturally talented, UK-based jockeys - despite not having a...
all victorious.
2003: Two-Year-Old Season
Her debut came at Newmarket RacecourseNewmarket Racecourse
The town of Newmarket, in Suffolk, England, is the headquarters of British horseracing, home to the largest cluster of training yards in the country and many key horse racing organisations. Newmarket Racecourse has two courses - the Rowley Mile Course and the July Course. Both are wide, galloping...
over 7 furlongs, when finishing third, a length behind the winner. She was turned out just 18 days later at Great Yarmouth Racecourse
Great Yarmouth Racecourse
Great Yarmouth Racecourse, also known simply as Yarmouth Racecourse, is a thoroughbred horse racing venue located in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England.The racecourse is a narrow, oblong track, 1 mile 5 furlongs in circumference.- External links :***...
running over the same distance, although she was victorious this time. Just 11 days later, she had her third race of the season, again at Newmarket, over a furlong extra in a Listed event, although again she finished third. It was her final start of the 2003 season.
2004: Three-Year-Old Season
Her first outing in 2004 came at Newmarket in the Pretty Polly StakesPretty Polly Stakes (Great Britain)
The Pretty Polly Stakes is a Listed flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late April or early May.The event is named...
over 10 furlongs, a traditional trial for the Epsom Oaks
Epsom Oaks
The Oaks Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at Epsom Downs over a distance of 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 10 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in early June....
. She was victorious by an incredible six lengths, but connections opted to go straight to Epsom
Epsom Downs Racecourse
Epsom Downs is a Grade 1 racecourse near Epsom, Surrey, England. The "downs" referred to in the name are part of the North Downs. The course is best known for hosting the Epsom Derby, the United Kingdom's premier thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old colts and fillies, over a mile and a half...
, rather than run in any other traditional trials such as the Musidora Stakes
Musidora Stakes
The Musidora Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at York over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 88 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in May....
at York
York Racecourse
York Racecourse is a horse racing track in the southwest of the city of York in North Yorkshire, England with a spectator capacity of 60,000. The most famous race to be held at York on an annual basis is the Ebor Handicap, which is run during the Ebor Festival meeting in August...
. For her 2004 performance, Ouija Board was voted the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Female Turf Horse
Eclipse Award for Outstanding Female Turf Horse
The American Champion Female Turf Horse award is an American Thoroughbred horse racing honor. It is part of the Eclipse Awards program and is awarded annually to a female horse for her performance on grass race courses....
and named European Horse of the Year
European Horse of the Year
European Horse of the Year is an award in European Thoroughbred horse racing. Since 1991 the honor has been part of the Cartier Racing Awards. It is presented annually by Cartier SA to a horse of any age racing in Europe.-Honorees:...
.
She started the Epsom Oaks
Epsom Oaks
The Oaks Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at Epsom Downs over a distance of 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 10 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in early June....
at 7/2 second favourite behind the Aidan O'Brien
Aidan O'Brien
Aidan Patrick O'Brien is an Irish horse racing trainer. Since 1996, he has been the private trainer at Ballydoyle Stables near Cashel in County Tipperary for John Magnier and his Coolmore Stud associates....
-trained All Too Beautiful, as well as taking on the Godolphin
Godolphin Stables
Godolphin Racing is the Maktoum family's private thoroughbred horseracing stable and was named in honour of the Godolphin Arabian, who came from the desert to become one of the three founding stallions of the modern thoroughbred....
duo of Punctillious and Sundrop, but her main rivals had absolutely no answer to Ouija Board's devastating turn of foot, and she ran on to win by seven lengths. It was just the start of an amazing Oaks-Derby
Epsom Derby
The Derby Stakes, popularly known as The Derby, internationally as the Epsom Derby, and under its present sponsor as the Investec Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies...
double for jockey Kieren Fallon
Kieren Fallon
Kieren Francis Fallon is a professional flat racing jockey and has been British Champion Jockey six times....
, who was proclaimed the 'King of Epsom' afterwards. Her next target was the Irish Oaks
Irish Oaks
The Irish Oaks is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in July....
, in which two of her Epsom victims were reopposing - Punctillious and All Too Beautiful, but again neither could seriously challenge, and Ouija Board won by a length from the former.
Connections had eyed up a crack at Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is a Group 1 flat horse race in France which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year, usually on the first Sunday in October.Popularly referred to as the...
for Ouija Board, attempting to be the first female to win the race since Urban Sea
Urban Sea
Urban Sea was a French Thoroughbred racemare best known for winning France's most prestigious race in 1993 and for her importance as a world class broodmare. She is one of only two mares to ever produce two Epsom Derby winners, namely Galileo and Sea the Stars...
in 1993. To make matters harder, she had a new jockey on-board in Johnny Murtagh
Johnny Murtagh
Johnny Murtagh is a Irish flat racing jockey from Bohermeen, Navan, County Meath.He excels on the big stage, having won many Group 1 races around the world...
. She was boxed-in throughout the race, and only got out when it was too late, finishing like a train, but still one-and-a-half-lengths behind the winner Bago
Bago (horse)
Bago was the European Three-Year-Old Champion Thoroughbred race horse in 2004. Bred by the Niarchos family, Bago is best known for winning the 2004 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe amongst his five Group One successes....
.
Despite the loss, she remained on target for the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf
Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf
The Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf is a Weight for Age Thoroughbred horse race on turf for fillies and mares, three years old and up. It is held annually at a different racetrack in the United States as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships....
at Lone Star Park
Lone Star Park
Lone Star Park is a horse racing track located in Grand Prairie, Texas.-History:Lone Star Park opened in 1997. The track offers separate meets for Thoroughbred racing and Quarter Horse racing. In October 2002, Magna Entertainment Corp. , based in Aurora, Ontario, leased the facility and acquired...
at the end of October 2004, reunited with jockey Kieren Fallon
Kieren Fallon
Kieren Francis Fallon is a professional flat racing jockey and has been British Champion Jockey six times....
. She produced her customary turn of foot to win by one-a-half-lengths.
2005: Four-Year-Old Season
Several problems at the start of the 2005 season meant her seasonal reappearance came as late as June at Royal AscotAscot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse is a famous English racecourse, located in the small town of Ascot, Berkshire, used for thoroughbred horse racing. It is one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom, hosting 9 of the UK's 32 annual Group 1 races...
in the Prince of Wales's Stakes
Prince of Wales's Stakes
The Prince of Wales's Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
. Jamie Spencer
Jamie Spencer
Jamie Spencer is an Irish flat racing jockey currently riding in the UK. He has been champion jockey in both Ireland and Britain and has won four classics, two in each country. Spencer is widely regarded as one of the best, and most naturally talented, UK-based jockeys - despite not having a...
was on-board since Fallon was riding for Ballydoyle
Ballydoyle
Ballydoyle is a racehorse training facility located in County Tipperary in Ireland. It is a sister thoroughbred facility to Coolmore Stud, and both are owned by John Magnier...
and Dettori had a ban which saw him miss the whole of the meeting. Ouija Board lost a shoe round the final bend, and tailed off to finish 7th, thirty lengths behind the winner Azamour
Azamour
Azamour is a retired Thoroughbred racehorse and active sire. He won four Group One races including the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and was Europe's Champion Older Horse in 2005. At his peak, he was rated the third best thoroughbred racehorse in the world.-Background:Azamour is a...
.
However, she bounced back at Newmarket three months later on her next start, in the Group 3 Princess Royal Stakes, winning comfortably under new jockey Frankie Dettori
Frankie Dettori
Lanfranco "Frankie" Dettori, MBE is an Italian horse racing jockey and celebrity. Dettori has been Champion Jockey on three occasions and has ridden the winners of more than 500 Group races.. He has had many successes in his role of stable jockey to Godolphin Racing...
. Her end of season aim was once again the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf
Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf
The Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf is a Weight for Age Thoroughbred horse race on turf for fillies and mares, three years old and up. It is held annually at a different racetrack in the United States as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships....
, although she was partnered by another new jockey, US Hall of Fame jockey and Jerry Bailey. The race was run over a furlong less than the previous year due to the race being run at Belmont Park
Belmont Park
Belmont Park is a major thoroughbred horse-racing facility located in Elmont in the Town of Hempstead in Nassau County, New York, on Long Island adjoining New York City. It first opened on May 4, 1905...
. The shorter distance proved her undoing, and she failed by just one length whilst finishing 2nd.
Her relatively short season meant she was still fresh, and connections decided to send her to Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
for a crack at the Japan Cup
Japan Cup
The is the most prestigious horse race run in Japan. It is contested at the end of November at Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, Tokyo at a distance of 2400 meters over the grass. With a purse of ¥476 million , the Japan Cup is one of the richest races in the world.The Japan Cup is an invitational event...
, in which she ran admirably, finishing 5th to Alkaased, but only two lengths behind. She was sent to Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
just 2 weeks later for a tilt at the Hong Kong Vase
Hong Kong Vase
The Hong Kong Vase is a Group 1 flat horse race in Hong Kong which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run over a distance of 2,400 metres at Sha Tin, and it is scheduled to take place each year in mid December....
, and although never travelling throughout the race under regular rider Kieren Fallon
Kieren Fallon
Kieren Francis Fallon is a professional flat racing jockey and has been British Champion Jockey six times....
, produced an incredible turn of foot, and scythed through the pack to win by two-and-a-half-lengths, but pulling away with every stride.
2006: Five-Year-Old Season
It was decided she would stay in training for one final season, with the Dubai Sheema ClassicDubai Sheema Classic
The Dubai Sheema Classic is a Group 1 flat horse race in the United Arab Emirates open to thoroughbreds which are four-years-old or above. It is run over a distance of 2,400 metres on the turf track at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, and it takes place annually during the Dubai World Cup Night in...
her first target. Kieren Fallon
Kieren Fallon
Kieren Francis Fallon is a professional flat racing jockey and has been British Champion Jockey six times....
was again on-board, and she ran very flat whilst finishing fourth, although Fallon reported that 'she was not herself,' and that the firework display just minutes beforehand unsettled her badly. Connections, although never publicly admitted, felt Fallon had ridden her poorly and signalled the end of the jockey's successful partnership with her.
She was next shipped to Sha Tin Racecourse
Sha Tin Racecourse
Sha Tin Racecourse is one of the two racecourses for horse racing in Hong Kong. It is located in Sha Tin in the New Territories. It is managed by Hong Kong Jockey Club.Penfold Park is encircled by the track.-History:...
in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
for April's Queen Elizabeth II Cup
Queen Elizabeth II Cup
The Queen Elizabeth II Cup is a Group One Thoroughbred horse race at Sha Tin Racecourse in the New Territories, Hong Kong. Established in 1975 by the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, it is run annually in April at a distance of 2,000 metres on turf. Prior to 1997 it was run at 2,200 metres...
where she was reunited with Frankie Dettori
Frankie Dettori
Lanfranco "Frankie" Dettori, MBE is an Italian horse racing jockey and celebrity. Dettori has been Champion Jockey on three occasions and has ridden the winners of more than 500 Group races.. He has had many successes in his role of stable jockey to Godolphin Racing...
for the HK
Hong Kong dollar
The Hong Kong dollar is the currency of the jurisdiction. It is the eighth most traded currency in the world. In English, it is normally abbreviated with the dollar sign $, or alternatively HK$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies...
$14 million (US$1.8 million) Group One event. Although running over 10 furlongs, 2 furlongs shorter than her preferred distance, she finished 3rd to winner Irridescence. However, she lost absolutely nothing in defeat, absolutely flying in the final furlong, only losing by two necks. Again, although never admitted, connections felt Dettori holding her up in the rear for so long cost her the race.
A return visit to the scene of arguably her greatest triumph was next, as she was sent to Epsom for a crack at the Coronation Cup
Coronation Cup
The Coronation Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Epsom Downs over a distance of 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 10 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
, although it would not be an easy task, with Shirocco
Shirocco
Shirocco is a German Thoroughbred racehorse best known for winning the Breeders' Cup Turf in 2005, a year in which he was named German Horse of the Year. He also won the 2004 Deutsches Derby. Overall, he won 6 major group races in 5 countries.In October 2006 he was purchased by Darley Stud and...
, the apple of André Fabre
André Fabre
André Fabre is a French thoroughbred horse racing trainer.The son of a diplomat, Fabre graduated from university with a law degree but then decided to pursue a career in thoroughbred horse racing. He began by working in the stables as a groom then as a schooling rider...
's eye opposing her, and went off favourite, and justified his favouritism, but Ouija Board again lost nothing in defeat, putting in a marvellous run. Ed Dunlop said after the race that a trip to Royal Ascot was not completely out of the question, with either the Prince of Wales's Stakes
Prince of Wales's Stakes
The Prince of Wales's Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
over 10 furlongs or Hardwicke Stakes
Hardwicke Stakes
The Hardwicke Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June.-History:...
over her preferred 12 furlong distance.
She was confirmed as a runner in the Prince of Wales's Stakes
Prince of Wales's Stakes
The Prince of Wales's Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
, in a very competitive race. Dubai World Cup
Dubai World Cup
The Dubai World Cup is a Thoroughbred horse race held annually since 1996 and from 2010 at the Meydan Racecourse in the city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates...
winner Electrocutionist
Electrocutionist
Electrocutionist was a Thoroughbred racehorse. Electrocutionist won eight of his 12 career starts, including three Grade I's, and won more than $5.6 million. Racing four times for the operation based in both Dubai and Newmarket, he was scheduled to participate in the Emirates Airline Champion...
, Champion Stakes
Champion Stakes
The Champion Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in October...
and Dubai Duty Free Stakes winner David Junior
David Junior
David Junior is a retired thoroughbred racehorse and active sire, who was bred in the United States but trained in the United Kingdom during his racing career which lasted from 2004 to 2006...
, Brigadier Gerard Stakes
Brigadier Gerard Stakes
The Brigadier Gerard Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Sandown Park over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 7 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late May or early June.The event was established in...
winner Notnowcato
Notnowcato
Notnowcato is a retired Thoroughbred racehorse and active sire, bred and trained in the United Kingdom. He won several important races in a career which lasted from 2004 to 2007, but is best known for his victory in the 2007 Eclipse Stakes.-Background:...
, Breeders' Cup Turf
Breeders' Cup Turf
The Breeders' Cup Turf is a Weight for Age Thoroughbred horse race on turf for three-year-olds and up. It is held annually at a different racetrack in the United States or Canada as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships. The race's current title sponsor is Emirates Airlines.The forerunner...
runner-up Ace and Manduro
Manduro
Manduro is a World Champion Thoroughbred racehorse. Sired by Monsun, a multiple Group One winner in Germany, he is out of the mare Mandellicht, a daughter of Northern Dancer's son Be My Guest who was the Leading sire in Great Britain & Ireland in 1982.Manduro was purchased by Baron Georg von...
all lining up against her. It was a tactical battle, not helped with having a brand new jockey in Olivier Peslier
Olivier Peslier
Olivier Peslier is a thoroughbred horse racing jockey.Peslier competes in flat racing mainly in France but travels often around the world for the big international races....
. However, he rode a spectacular race, and went on to win by half-a-length.
She was entered for the Coral Eclipse
Eclipse Stakes
The Eclipse Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Sandown Park over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 7 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in early July.-History:The event is named after Eclipse, a...
just 17 days later, with another new jockey in Christophe Soumillon
Christophe Soumillon
Christophe Soumillon is a Belgian Thoroughbred horse racing jockey.-Career:Raised in a horse racing family, he is the son of a horse jumping jockey Jean-Marc Soumillon. Christophe Soumillon apprenticed at Chantilly Racecourse in Chantilly, France to Cédric Boutin, and won his first race in...
on-board. However, she was bumped around in midfield and denied a run, finishing 5th, with David Junior
David Junior
David Junior is a retired thoroughbred racehorse and active sire, who was bred in the United States but trained in the United Kingdom during his racing career which lasted from 2004 to 2006...
winning. Soumillon was berated by critics for his ride, and again criticised by connections, although again this was not confirmed.
Soumillon returned to England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
21 days later for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes riding Hurricane Run
Hurricane Run
Hurricane Run is a world champion thoroughbred racehorse.-Background:Hurricane Run was trained by André Fabre, and ridden in most of his races by jockey Kieren Fallon for owner Michael Tabor....
, which he won in a pulsating race, although his post-race celebrations came under huge criticism, and was rumoured that these antics had been aimed at connections of Ouija Board.
Ouija Board had been considered for the "King George", but connections felt she had not recovered from her cuts and bruises from the Eclipse and was left out, although she was confirmed a runner in the Group 1 Nassau Stakes
Nassau Stakes
The Nassau Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at Goodwood over a distance of 1 mile, 1 furlong and 192 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late July or early August.-History:The title of...
at Goodwood Racecourse
Goodwood Racecourse
Goodwood Racecourse is a horse-racing track five miles north of Chichester, West Sussex, in England controlled by the family of the Duke of Richmond, whose seat is nearby Goodwood House...
a week later.
Dettori was once again aboard as Ouija Board lined up in a very competitive field, including Hong Kong Cup
Hong Kong Cup
The Hong Kong Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in Hong Kong which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run over a distance of 2000 metres at Sha Tin, and it is scheduled to take place each year in mid December....
winner Alexander Goldrun
Alexander Goldrun
Alexander Goldrun is a retired Thoroughbred filly racehorse. Bred by Dermot Cantillon, she was raced by Mrs. Noel O'Callaghan for whom she compiled a race record of 10 wins, seven seconds, and six thirds in thirty-one starts...
, Coronation Stakes
Coronation Stakes
The Coronation Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June.-History:...
winner Nannina
Nannina
Nannina is a retired British Thoroughbred racehorse.Sired by Medicean, out of Hill Hopper and owned by Cheveley Park, Nannina was a group one British thoroughbred racehorse trained by John Gosden...
, Echelon, and Race For The Stars, a half-sister to Hawk Wing
Hawk Wing
Hawk Wing is a Thoroughbred racehorse trained by Aidan O'Brien.-2001: Two-year-old career:He was the top two-year old of 2001 in the United Kingdom and Ireland, by virtue of a two and a half length win in the National Stakes. He was not undefeated at two, however, having earlier finished second in...
. Ouija Board and Alexander Goldrun battled eye-to-eye for the final quarter of a mile. Ouija Board was declared the winner after a photo finish.
She lined up next for the Irish Champion Stakes
Irish Champion Stakes
The Irish Champion Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Leopardstown over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in September.-History:The event was established in 1976, and...
in a rematch with Alexander Goldrun from Goodwood, and the additional threat of Dylan Thomas
Dylan Thomas (horse)
Dylan Thomas is a Thoroughbred racehorse. He was trained in Ireland by Aidan O'Brien and owned by Sue Magnier and Michael Tabor. He was sired by Danehill out of Lagrion, a daughter of Diesis...
, the Budweiser Irish Derby winner, coming from the formidable trio of Magnier, Aidan O'Brien and Fallon. Partnered by Jamie Spencer
Jamie Spencer
Jamie Spencer is an Irish flat racing jockey currently riding in the UK. He has been champion jockey in both Ireland and Britain and has won four classics, two in each country. Spencer is widely regarded as one of the best, and most naturally talented, UK-based jockeys - despite not having a...
once more due to Dettori riding in the St. Leger Stakes
St. Leger Stakes
The St. Leger Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Doncaster over a distance of 1 mile, 6 furlongs and 132 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in September.Established in 1776, the St. Leger...
on the same day and Fallon engaged in the same race, Spencer took Ouija Board past 'Dylan' with just over a furlong to go, but 'Dylan' showed great spirit and speed to get back up to the great mare, and he prevailed by a neck. Connections had mixed emotions, as she had run a fantastic race and was beaten by a brilliant colt, but she had failed to add a 7th Group 1 to her CV.
The Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf
Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf
The Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf is a Weight for Age Thoroughbred horse race on turf for fillies and mares, three years old and up. It is held annually at a different racetrack in the United States as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships....
at Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs, located in Central Avenue in south Louisville, Kentucky, United States, is a Thoroughbred racetrack most famous for hosting the Kentucky Derby annually. It officially opened in 1875, and held the first Kentucky Derby and the first Kentucky Oaks in the same year. Churchill Downs...
had always been her main seasonal target, and with regular partner Dettori aboard, she was sent off a very warm favourite, and despite being boxed in with three furlongs to go, she sprinted clear of the field and won.
Retirement
Just a day before she was due to run in her last ever race, the Hong Kong Vase, a slight injury was discovered, resulting in immediate retirement. This was very sad news as if placing second or higher in the race Ouija Board would have become the highest earning British Race horse in History and this was a distinct possibility as the Racing Post forecast her to be a clear favourite at 6/4.However, compensation was won in the form of her being awarded the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Female Turf Horse
Eclipse Award for Outstanding Female Turf Horse
The American Champion Female Turf Horse award is an American Thoroughbred horse racing honor. It is part of the Eclipse Awards program and is awarded annually to a female horse for her performance on grass race courses....
in 2006, to add to her previous win of the same award in 2004.