EZELIYA

A daughter of Dubawi and multiple Group winner and Classic-placed Eziyra, Ezeliya hails from the great 'E' family of Ebadiyla, Edabiya, Estimate, etc.

She made two starts as a two-year-old, winning her second race at Cork despite dwelling at the start. 

On her three-year-old debut, she registered a first black type success in the Gr.3 Salsabil Stakes, swooping late and entering the frame for The Oaks at Epsom.

“I thought she would run a big race and she did,” said trainer Dermot Weld said. “It was a very true-run Group race and they went a real good gallop for a mile-and-a-quarter. Chris [Hayes - jockey] took his time on her. He planned to sit a little bit closer, but the pace they were going he waited. I loved the way she attacked the hill and saw her race out well. Better ground will suit her better. It is a lovely family, a good, tough family and I think she will get a mile-and-a-half. She is a Group 1 filly and there's lots to look forward to. She is in both [the Oaks and Irish Oaks] and we will review it and see.”

Ezeliya duly lined up for the Oaks at Epsom. Positioned mid-pack by jockey Chris Hayes, the filly slipped comfortably into the lead at the entrance of the straight to win by three lengths. She became a first winner of the race for H.H. the Aga Khan, and the 99th individual Group 1 winner for His Highness and Princess Zahra Aga Khan.

Trainer Dermot Weld said after the race: 'She's a beautiful filly to train. She's not a big filly, but has a lot of quality and these races are all special.”