Johanna Walsh won the Group 1 Irish Oaks at The Curragh on July 18, 2026, defeating the field by four lengths over a 2,400-meter distance [1, 2, 3]. The race carried a prize of €500,000 (S$738,000) [2, 3].
Dylan Browne McMonagle rode Johanna Walsh, stepping in as the jockey after his usual mount, Thundering On, a stablemate and race favorite, was declared a non-runner on the morning of the race [1, 2, 3]. McMonagle had ridden Thundering On to victory in the Epsom Oaks in June 2026 [1, 2, 3]. He described Johanna Walsh as "a filly with a lot of gears" and said the race was "very straightforward," adding, "I was always in control of the race. When I pressed the button, she powered away. She wasn’t a bad substitute" [2]. He also remarked, "It was straightforward from the get-go. She is a very straightforward horse and is improving with every run" [1].
Johanna Walsh is trained by Joseph O'Brien, whose Irish Oaks win marked his third Irish Classic success following Latrobe's 2018 Irish Derby and Al Riffa's 2025 Irish St Leger victories [1, 2, 3]. O'Brien said, "That was huge. Dylan gave her a fantastic ride and he had a very willing partner. From the three to the two, she really came alive. It’s fantastic for the team at home and to have two impressive Oaks’ winners is hugely exciting" [2].
In the Irish Oaks, Inis Mor finished second and Sparan Nua took third place [1, 2, 3]. Johanna Walsh had shown promise earlier in the season, winning a Leopardstown maiden race and finishing second in the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 18, 2026 [2, 3].
The next confirmed event for Johanna Walsh or the O'Brien stable has not been announced.
