A 'bird strike' on a Stansted plane has prevented Emily Upjohn from making it to the Curragh for the Irish Oaks.
The hot favourite for the Juddmonte-backed contest was ruled out after the unfortunate hold up with the aircraft. Just 2-5 in the betting, Emily Upjohn was being sent over to secure a Classic win on the back of an unlucky run in the English version.
Ridden by Frankie Dettori, the filly was pipped by Tuesday at the post having lost many lengths at the start. The jockey and trainer John Gosden subsequently had a 'sabbatical' following some high profile defeats at Royal Ascot.
A win for Emily Upjohn would have been their biggest win since they resumed their partnership. But now all roads lead to Ascot for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes on July 23.
Gosden told the Racing Post : "Emily Upjohn will not be going to Ireland to run in the Juddmonte Oaks at the Curragh on Saturday due to the plane due to take her there sustaining a bird strike earlier in the day. Due to various logistical issues she was unable to fly today from Stansted."
He added: "After discussion with the owners it was decided to reroute her to the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes at Ascot next Saturday."
Seven runners will go to post at the Curragh, with Royal Ascot heroine Magical Lagoon the new favourite with bookmakers Paddy Power. The same firm make Emily Upjohn a 5-2 shot for the King George, where she will clash with Irish Derby winner Westover.
Spokesman Paul Binfield said: "That was a surprise because as the betting indicated, she looked to have the Irish Oaks at her mercy.
"However, the fact that we’ve now put her in at second favourite for the King George is testament to her talents and Irish Derby hero Westover will have to bring his A game to repel her."
In a further change of plan, yesterday the Derby winner Desert Crown was ruled out of the Ascot contest. He picked up a minor foot injury and will be given time to fully recover.
"You can't go to a race like this 95 per cent fit," said Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Saeed Suhail.
