Trainer Ed Dunlop lodged a late-entry fee to include Snow Fairy in the G1 English Oaks and she repaid that faith in the Epsom classic on Friday.

Dunlop won the 2004 English Oaks with Ouija Board and, although this year’s winner isn’t in that league, she will be given the chance to emulate the champion filly in the Irish Oaks in July.

Snow Fairy (3f Intikhab – Woodland Dream by Charnwood Forest) is bred to struggle past a mile but she finished off the 2400m with a powerful last-to-first victory.  She was supplemented for the classic after winning the Listed Height Of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood last month.

“I have to thank the owner as it was her idea to pay the late fee,” Dunlop revealed.  “It brings back memories of Oaks day 2004.  This was Ouija Board’s big day and there were many more to come after that.”

Snow Fairy is raced by owner-breeder Cristina Patino under the banner of Windflower Overseas Holdings.  The filly was catalogued for the 2008 Tattersalls Ireland December Sale but was passed-in when bidding stopped at 1,800 euros!

Her sire Intikhab is a son of Red Ransom (Roberto) and his best have been sprinter-milers.  Her dam Woodland Dream won over 1400m and she is a half-sister to Big Bad Bob who was a stakes winner at Ascot, Deauville and Baden-Baden.

Big Bad Bob is by Bob Back (Roberto) and he has made an encouraging start at Islanmore Stud in Ireland with 7 winners from just 14 starters.

Oaks runner-up Meeznah (Dynaformer) was beaten a neck while the third home Remember When (Danehill Dancer) was another two lengths away.  The latter is a half-sister to Dylan Thomas and Queen’s Logic.