Whirl: Pretty Polly Win – Brave Group 1 Victory
- Whirl, with Ryan Moore in the saddle, emerged victorious in the Group 1 Paddy Power pretty Polly Stakes at The Curragh on Saturday.
- Trained by Aidan O'Brien, Whirl, a daughter of Wootton Bassett, had previously finished second to Minnie Hauk in the betfred Oaks at Epsom.
- In the final furlong, Colin Keane, aboard Kalpana, mounted a strong challenge.
Ryan Moore steered Whirl to a stunning victory in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at The Curragh,decisively beating favorite Kalpana in a thrilling race. The Aidan O’Brien-trained Whirl showcased extraordinary stamina, holding off a strong late charge from Kalpana in a race that saw a training treble for O’Brien. The victory wasn’t just a win for Whirl; it marked a treble for Moore and the Coolmore partners. News Directory 3 brings you the latest updates on this exciting event. What future Group 1 races await Whirl? discover what’s next …
Whirl Claims Pretty Polly Stakes Victory at The Curragh
Updated June 28, 2025
Whirl, with Ryan Moore in the saddle, emerged victorious in the Group 1 Paddy Power pretty Polly Stakes at The Curragh on Saturday. The 13/8 shot demonstrated impressive stamina to fend off the challenge from Kalpana, the 5/6 favorite.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien, Whirl, a daughter of Wootton Bassett, had previously finished second to Minnie Hauk in the betfred Oaks at Epsom. Moore guided whirl to the front early in the one mile, two furlong race, setting a steady pace.
In the final furlong, Colin Keane, aboard Kalpana, mounted a strong challenge. For a moment, it appeared Kalpana, trained by Andrew Balding, might overtake Whirl.However, Whirl responded to Moore’s urging and held on to win by a length and a quarter.
“The ultimate racing machine, really.”
Aidan O’Brien hails Pretty polly winner Whirl and a fantastic spectacle in the Group 1 @paddypower-backed highlight at @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/i4VuqfyRbd
– Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 28, 2025
The victory marked a training treble for O’brien, a riding treble for Moore, and a treble for the Coolmore partners.It also represented a notable three-timer for Coolmore Stud stallion Wootton Bassett.
Survie, trained in France and priced at 18/1, finished third, a length and three-quarters behind Kalpana, completing the top three in the seven-horse field. The Pretty Polly Stakes is a significant Group 1 event in the racing calendar.
Group 1 glory!
Whirl strikes from kalpana in a thrilling €300,000 @paddypower Pretty Polly Stakes for Ryan Moore, Aidan O’Brien and Ballydoyle 👏 @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/76Eys2rB3i
– Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 28,2025
What’s next
Following this impressive Pretty Polly Stakes win,Whirl is expected to compete in other major Group 1 races later in the season,with connections eyeing potential targets both in Ireland and internationally.