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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Mike Liked By Cork punters after maiden success

Tue 1st Oct 2024, 13:44

Likedbymike and Billy Lee Likedbymike and Billy Lee
© Photo Healy Racing

The Michael Byrne trained Likedbymike was the toast of punters after running out an easy winner of the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Cork.

Mid division on debut at Navan towards the beginning of last month, the Inns Of Court filly took a significant step forward when a close up third at Dundalk on her second start.

Putting that experience to good use here, Billy Lee had the 13/2 chance smartly away from stalls, tracking favourite Passing Phase in the early stages.

Travelling easily over two out, Lee produced the Byrne trained filly to lead at the furlong pole, soon stretching clear for an impressive four-and-a-quarter length success.

Michael Byrne said: "That was very good and she improved with every run. Over five (furlongs) she is very quick and we were hoping today's easy five would suit and it did.

"She has a lot of pace but we couldn't get her into a breeze-up (sale) although she was the best breeze-up horse we had. There you are, she showed it today and she will definitely be for sale."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

1st
13/2
Tote €7.50 €1.60
2nd
4.25L
8/13Fav
€1.10
3rd
2.75L
10/1
€2.80
4th
shd
11/1
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.