Indian racing received a rare and cherished international boost when Shapoor Mistry-owned Thundering On produced a scintillating last-to-first run to win the prestigious Betfred Oaks at Epsom on Friday. Trained by Joseph O`Brien and brilliantly ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, the filly stormed clear of her rivals to provide Indian ownership with a landmark Classic success. Mistry, present to lead in the winner, savoured a moment that has eluded Indian owners for decades.

For Indian racing enthusiasts, Friday`s Betfred Oaks at Epsom turned into a day of immense pride as India`s prominent owner-breeder Shapoor Mistry celebrated a memorable victory when his filly Thundering On stormed home to capture one of Britain`s most prestigious Classics.

The success carried special significance. While Indian owners enjoyed success in English Classics decades ago, such triumphs have become increasingly rare over the last four decades. Though several India-based owners have maintained racing interests in Ireland, England and France, victories at the highest level have largely proved elusive. Thundering On`s emphatic Oaks triumph therefore ranks among the most important international achievements by an Indian owner in recent years.

Mistry, whose famed Manjri Stud Farm has produced several top-class performers and classic winners in India, including winners of the Indian Derby, was present at Epsom to lead in the winner. Incidentally, Thundering On is the only foal of owner Shapoor Mistry`s Group I winner Thundering Nights. Thundering On was an impressive winner of Salabil Stakes over a mile and a quarter trip and hence carried great deal of hope in the race.

Also among the sizeable Indian contingent at the racecourse was Cyrus Poonawalla, underlining the growing interest of Indian owners in international racing.

Trained by Joseph O`Brien and ridden with supreme confidence by Irish champion jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, Thundering On produced a breathtaking last-to-first performance. Settled at the rear of the field in the early stages, the daughter of Frankel travelled smoothly throughout before unleashing a devastating burst of acceleration in the home straight.

As rivals came under pressure on Epsom`s demanding uphill finish, McMonagle remained motionless in the saddle. Approaching the furlong marker, Thundering On swept effortlessly alongside the leaders and, once asked for her effort, surged clear to score by an authoritative three and three-quarter lengths from Legacy Link.

O`Brien revealed that patience had always been the plan.

“We were happy to ride her patiently and conserve as much energy as possible on the climb. She came alive in the straight and won very impressively,” said O`Brien. “Winning races like this is a dream and it is wonderful to share it with everyone. She has several options ahead, including the Irish Oaks, but today we will simply enjoy the moment.”

For the 23-year-old McMonagle, the victory provided a first British Classic success

“It was effortless from start to finish,” he said. “She did everything we wanted and sprinted away from them. She is exceptionally talented and keeps improving with every run. I always felt I had everything covered in front of me and once I asked her, she quickened like a very special filly.”

For Indian racing, the result was more than just another international victory. It was a reminder that Indian owners can compete and succeed on the grandest stages of world racing. On a famous afternoon at Epsom, Thundering On did not merely win an Oaks. She carried Indian racing aspirations with her and returned with one of the sport`s most coveted prizes.