The Grade 3 Belle Mahone Stakes at Woodbine delivered a compelling test of timing and stamina on Saturday as Deloraine produced a powerful late surge to reel in long-time leader Stylish Sue in the final strides of the 1 1/16-mile contest for fillies and mares.
Deloraine Belle Mahone Stakes victory.
The performance marked a significant breakthrough on the big stage for the Godolphin-owned runner, who showed patience early before unleashing a well-judged finish under Ryan Munger.
Stylish Sue, true to her front-running reputation, dictated terms from the outset and set a sharp tempo, leading the seven-runner field through an opening quarter in 23.53 seconds. Behind her, Deloraine settled comfortably into fifth, conserving ground along the rail as the race began to take shape.
As they moved into the backstretch, Stylish Sue continued to control proceedings, with Hurricane Clair and 2025 Woodbine Oaks winner No Time tracking closely. Deloraine, still travelling efficiently, improved into fourth at the half-mile mark in 48.18, maintaining her rhythm while saving valuable energy for the closing stages.
Approaching the far turn, the pace remained honest as the leader reached six furlongs in 1:12.67. Wide out, 2023 Woodbine Oaks winner Elysian Field launched a move, but the decisive moment was developing closer to the inside. Munger angled Deloraine into a tighter path, allowing her to cut the corner and quicken at precisely the right time.
Turning for home, Stylish Sue still held a narrow advantage, but pressure was mounting from multiple angles. Deloraine, now in full stride, began to close rapidly, matching strides with the leader inside the final furlong. Inside the final 70 yards, the daughter of Candy Ride (ARG) out of Elaine’s Cat (by Discreet Cat) finally edged ahead to assert control.
Deloraine crossed the line in 1:44.47, securing a hard-fought victory over Stylish Sue, with Equitas finishing strongly from the rear to take third after a sustained late run.
Ryan Munger reflected on the timing of the winning move, noting the confidence he felt throughout the race as the filly travelled strongly beneath him and responded instantly when asked.
For trainer Eoin Harty and the Godolphin team, the result marked a rewarding return to winning form at stakes level, particularly after Deloraine’s earlier seasonal outing at Keeneland suggested she would benefit from the return to a synthetic surface.
Emma Lovatt, speaking on behalf of the ownership group, highlighted the importance of the performance and the filly’s affinity for the track and conditions, which helped unlock her best finish.
Deloraine Belle Mahone Stakes victory.
Stylish Sue ultimately had to settle for second after controlling much of the pace, while Equitas added late interest to complete the frame with a strong closing effort from the back of the field.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to racebuzz .