TRAINER Aidan O’Brien saddled a four-timer at Leopardstown on Saturday afternoon. Jockey Wayne Lordan was on board three of those winners, including Exactly in the featured Group 3 Killavullan Stakes. Sent off 11/10 favourite, the Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier and Michael Tabor-owned filly made all for an impressive six-and-a-half length win.
Stable representative Chris Armstrong said: “She’s a queen of a filly, she turns up for every dance and she’s been consistent all year. She obviously ran a fantastic race in the (Prix Marcel) Boussac last time.
“Wayne gave her a lovely ride, kept it simple, she quickened and class told in the end. You’d love to have them all like her, she’s so straightforward and tough and gets it done.
“If she came out of it well, we could look at the mile race in France next weekend for her. We’ll see where the rest of the team fit in after the weekend. She’s fierce well and even looking at her going around the ring, she still has her coat and she’s holding her condition well.”
Minnie produces big effort
Minnie Hauk was the opening leg of the O’Brien/Lordan treble, when always prominent before keeping on strongly to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. Also owned by Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier and Michael Tabor, the 2/5 favourite beat Subsonic by half a length.
Representing winning connections, Chris Armstrong said: “She had a lovely run the first day and came on nicely from it.
“Wayne gave her a lovely ride, he said she just wasn’t mad about the ground. She’s a beautiful mover and she’ll handle better ground.
“She’s a lovely filly to look forward to next year, to start off in one of the trials. Hopefully, she’ll turn into an Oaks filly, she’s a lovely staying filly.
“That is Wayne’s 50th winner of the season; he’s on track for his best domestic season prize money wise as well.”
Paddy Harnett was suspended for eight race days due to careless riding, as a result of an incident in the straight involving his mount Guilty Pleasure.
WAYNE Lordan and Aidan O’Brien’s double came courtesy of 1/1 favourite Serious Contender in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden. Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier and Michael Tabor were once again the winning owners, as the market leader prevailed by half a length.
Stable representative, Chris Armstrong said: “Even with the two runs under his belt, Wayne felt he was very babyish. He’s a horse that stays very well and he’d be one to bring back for a Derby trial.
“You wouldn’t be surprised if he even stepped up a bit further and would be a lovely staying horse for next year. It’s a good sign that Wayne felt he’s still very raw and, hopefully, he’ll step up as a three-year-old.”
Pillar to post
Twain, sent off a 28/1 outsider, brought up the O’Brien four-timer when winning the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden under Mark Crehan.
The Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Mrs John Magnier-owned colt made all to score by six lengths from stablemate Mississippi River.
Chris Armstrong said: “He jumped smart, landed out in front and made every post a winning one. He gave him a very positive ride and Mark felt he was doing it easy, within himself, which is a good sign.
“It looked like a pretty good maiden. He’s a lovely horse to look forward to for next year, to bring him back for a Guineas trial. He’s a lovely stamp of a horse and another exciting one by Wootton Bassett.” {Was supplemented to tomorrow’s Group 1 in France]
Mikey Sheehy and Joseph O’Brien teamed up for a 40/1 upset with Sigh No More in the Group 3 Mongey Communications Eyrefield Stakes.
Owned by Bronsan Racing and Stride Racing, the filly stayed on best inside the final furlong to win by one and three-quarter lengths from Trinity College.
“She got a lovely ride from Mikey and the race set up very well,” said Joseph O’Brien. “She’s as tough as nails, she’s progressive and she’s never run a bad race. I’m delighted to win a big pot and a group race for a big ownership group.
“She’s gone well on a better surface as well, so she’s very versatile ground-wise, but she does certainly handle soft conditions. She’s been a model of consistency. We’ve had a great year with her so far and it’s great to finish it off with a big win.”
SEAMIE Heffernan landed the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden on 8/1 chance Just Before. Owned by Mrs John Magnier, the daughter of Justify held on to beat Candleford Green a short head.
Winning trainer Willie Browne said: “I was shocked when the handicapper gave her 74 and disappointed. I thought she was better than that and she is obviously.
“She’s a filly that was supposed to go to Andre Fabre, he trained the mother, but she was quite weak in the spring and they very kindly left her with me and the rest is history. It’s a fantastic win for me.”
Headgear unlocks potential
Colin Keane and Ger Lyons won the concluding Irish Stallion Farms EBF Nursery Handicap with Yamal. Owned by Moyglare Stud Farm, the 7/2 chance led over a furlong out to win by three and a quarter lengths.
“He travelled and the headgear obviously worked,” said Ger Lyons. “He’s a big strapping, strong horse and he’s not a two-year-old. We knew that was in him
“He’s in the horses-in-training sale, so I’ve a decision to make with the owners, whether we’ll move him on or keep him on the team for next year.”