Once again, the Kerrygold Irish Oaks went for export with the John Gosden-trained Star Catcher too good for a classy field at the Curragh on Saturday.

This means eight of the last 10 winners of the race were trained outside of Ireland, with Gosden claiming three victories.

The daughter of Sea The Stars was sent to the front early by Frankie Detorri and once again the Italian was superb, controlling the tempo to allow his filly to travel well into the straight. She picked up nicely to open up a lead and although she did look a little vulnerable when Aidan O’Brien’s Fleeting surged at her late, Dettori had kept enough in reserve to hold off that rival by half a length.

Star Catcher had to be supplemented for the race at a cost of €40,000 last week and Gosden was keen to praise owner Sir Anthony Oppenheimer for stumping up the fee: “Anthony was brave when we discussed supplementing her and told me he was happy to go for it.

“You leave things to Frankie and his tactics were perfect again today. We’re very lucky to have him. We knew she has done well since winning at Royal Ascot. She’s a very progressive filly.”

Indeed this was just Star Catcher’s fifth ever run. Races like the Yorkshire Oaks and Prix Vermeille are in the equation for her now.

Elsewhere at the Curragh on Saturday, last year’s Irish 2000 Guineas winner Romanised returned to winning ways with an impressive performance in the Group 2 Minstrel Stakes.

A return to Group 1 company is on the cards now for Ken Condon’s colt.

A crowd of just over 4,000 attended the Irish Oaks on Saturday, a disappointing figure for what was a strong renewal.

Keogh to take over at the Curragh

On Monday it was announced that Leopardstown chief executive Pat Keogh will take over the same position at the Curragh, replacing Derek McGrath.

It was indicated last week that McGrath would see out this season before exiting his position, but has now been relieved of his duties.

Keogh, who has been at Leopardstown since 2011, will balance both roles until the Dublin track reshuffles its management team.

The Curragh, which has undergone a €90m redevelopment of its facilities, has gone through a turbulent period.