JOHN OXX, having taken America by storm with Ridgewood Pearl last autumn, proceeded to do the same on Saturday when Timarida destroyed America's best grass distaffers in dramatic fashion in the Grade One Beverly D Stakes (9 1/2f) in Chicago.

The result, however, was overshadowed by the death of Alec Head's 1995 French 1,000 Guineas winner, Matiara, which broke down and later died of internal bleeding.

Timarida, Johnny Murtagh's mount missed the break and experienced traffic problems but once a gap opened, the Irish filly sluiced through to thrash Perfect Arc, winner of eight of her previous nine runs on turf, by 2 1/2 lengths.

Winner of seven of her eight races last term, Timarida has now won in four countries. John Oxx was convinced that the Aga Khan filly had never been better and he had her primed for a big run.

An overjoyed Murtagh said: "I guess you would . equate the ground here with being the equivalent of good in Ireland. She did prove a little rank but she got there on the bridleand has won nicely in the end."

Timarida picked up a winner's cheque for $300,000 (just under £200,000).

Victory by the Aga Khan's runner rounded off a great international week for Oxx and Murtagh, with the duo having teamed up to win the Yorkshire Oaks on Wednesday with Key Change.

The Grade One Travers Stakes (2,000m) was widely billed as a match between Louis Quatorze (second) and the favoured Skip Away (third), only for both to have their thunder stolen by Will's Way as the three-year-old division was thrown into further confusion.

Winning trainer, H James Bond has had to be patient with Will's Way, owned by Mr and Mrs Rudder's Rudlein Stable. "After he pulled a muscle and finished third in the Flamingo Stakes in the winter, I told Mrs Rudder that he wouldn't make the Kentucky Derby but I will make the Travers for you."