Jockeys Kieren Fallon and Frankie Dettori have hailed Ouija Board as "the best filly I've ever ridden" as they recalled their memories of riding the wonder mare following her death at the age of 21.
PEREZ: Ouija Board Dies at Age 21
Fallon first sat on Ouija Board in her trial for the Vodafone Epsom Oaks (G1) in 2004 before giving Ed Dunlop his first British Classic success when romping to a seven-length win at Epsom. The pair then followed up in the Darley Irish Oaks (G1) before Fallon steered her to the first of her two wins in the VO5 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) at Lone Star Park.
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He said: "Ouija Board was amazing. She was a push-button ride and was probably the best filly I ever rode, especially over a mile and a half. Her win in the Breeders' Cup at Lone Star Park was her best performance for me."
Fallon was later often unable to maintain his association with the mare, but they did celebrate another group 1 success together in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase (G1) at Sha Tin in December 2005.
He added: "I was stable jockey for Aidan O'Brien after that but did win on her in Hong Kong. She was an amazing filly and had a brilliant temperament. She took Ed Dunlop all over the world, and he did a great job with her."
Dettori first rode Ouija Board as a 4-year-old when the pair landed the Princess Royal John Doyle Stakes (G3) at Newmarket in 2005, but it was the following year when their association took off.
After placed efforts in Hong Kong and in the Vodafone Coronation Cup (G1) at Epsom, the pair enjoyed their finest hour together when winning the Vodafone Nassau Stakes (G1) at Goodwood from Alexander Goldrun, a much-hyped race that had been tagged 'the Duel on the Downs.'
Later that year, they followed up in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Churchill Downs and later posted a creditable third on the mare's swansong in the Japan Cup (G1) in Tokyo.
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Dettori said: "I would say that Ouija Board was the best filly I ever rode. I have great memories of riding her as well as some great times with Ed Dunlop and (owners) Lord and Lady Derby."
On her attributes, he said: "For me as a jockey she had everything. She had a good cruising speed and was so easy to ride. She was very talented and so willing; she was a joy to ride and she was always a thrill."
On the highlight of their association, Dettori said: "Her best performance for me was probably what was billed as the 'Duel on the Downs' with Alexander Goldrun in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood. She also won at the Breeders' Cup and was fantastic all around the world when she delivered everything that was asked of her.
"Of course, later she became a great broodmare and bred the (Investec) Derby (G1) and (Dubai Duty Free) Irish Derby (G1) winner Australia. Not many top-class racemares do that. She is a sad loss."
