You Wahng claims Queensland Oaks after marathon float trip

Recent floods nearly left You Wahng stranded in NSW, but the Kris Lees filly overcame travel challenges to take out the Group 1 Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm.

You Wahng (left) holds off Pinito to win the Group 1 Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm. Picture: Trackside Photography

The Kris Lees-trained filly You Wahng was lucky to be even running in Saturday’s Queensland Oaks (2200m), let alone winning the Group 1 at Eagle Farm.

But that’s exactly what she did in a stirring performance, although it nearly didn’t happen because of the recent floods on the NSW Mid North Coast.

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Lees said it took a marathon 16 hours of travel, comprising two trips, to even get the filly to Brisbane and didn’t the waiting game pay off.

In an exciting fight to the line, $19 chance You Wahng held on grimly to defeat the James Cummings-trained Pinito ($6), with Group 1 Australasian Oaks champion Benagil a distant third in the $700,000 contest for 3YO fillies.

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“There were floods at Taree so I had to spend the night at Armidale and then come across,” a jubilant Lees said.

“Each trip was like eight hours, so it was two lots of eight hours just to get here (to Brisbane).

“It doubled the travelling time.

“She was very stirred up in The Roses (at Doomben) and I thought ‘oh we’re off here’ and I was thinking she’d be going to the paddock.

“But she actually ran super and came out of it well so she’s a tough filly.”

Calling for the win! 📲

You Wahng takes the G1 Queensland Oaks for @Leesracing and @TommyBerry21!@[e-mail]/LCfWV2Yfof

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 7, 2025

You Wahng finished a creditable fifth in The Roses (2000m) on May 24 in a Group 2 race won by Queensland Oaks favourite Philia, who struggled to cope with the extra 200m on Saturday.

Philia dropped out to finish eighth, ending her four-race winning streak, after starting as the $4.20 favourite.

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Lees admitted he was a little surprised at the victory, although he knew You Wahng was capable of an upset following her excellent third in the Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick on April 12 behind super filly Treasurethe Moment and Sun ‘N’ Sand.

When You Wahng finished last in the Listed The Coast at Gosford last month, Lees wasn’t exactly brimming with confidence.

“Look we lost confidence after she went to Gosford for a prep run to get her back on track but she was a bit plain,” he said.

A jubilant Tommy Berry after winning the Queensland Oaks. Picture: Trackside Photography.

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“(Jockey) Andrew Gibbons suggested putting a tongue-tie on and she’s reacted really well to that.

“It was a lovely ride from Tommy. He was able to get us straight across from the gate and got into a lovely position in running.

“He had a lot of horse coming to the corner, but I was always just a little guarded that last furlong when she presented, but she was able to find under pressure.

“She probably got to him a bit early in The Roses, so Tommy was adamant we just needed to hold her up for a furlong sprint and he produced her at the right time today.

“She looked the winner a long way from home.

“She was on her last legs late but she found something extra under pressure so that was very pleasing.”

You Wahng will now head to the paddock for a “well-deserved” spell.

“That’s her first city win, actually,” Lees said.

“She’ll have a well-deserved rest because she’s had a good prep. She’s been up all throughout and we thought after the Oaks in Sydney we were a chance and she’s delivered.”

Originally published as You Wahng claims Queensland Oaks after marathon float trip