Emulous justifies Weld's high opinion

Dermot Weld didn't hide his regard for Emulous from anyone after her success over Lolly For Dolly in the Group 3 TRI Equestrian Stakes at the Curragh 39 days ago and she defied a double penalty in most convincing style in the Group 3 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Brownstown Stakes at Fairyhouse this evening.

Of course Lolly For Dolly gave the form a nice boost in the Group 2 Windsor Forest Stakes at Royal Ascot and here Pat Smullen oozed confidence on Emulous. Prince Khalid Abdulla's four-year-old daughter of Dansili eased to the front a furlong out and she kept on well in the final furlong to beat the staying-on Claiomh Solais by a length.

Weld said: "That was a very pleasing performance from a very consistent filly.

"She'll have a little break now and then be trained for the Group 1 Matron Stakes at Leopardstown and the Sun Chariot Stakes.

"They are the two races I have in mind for her.

"That was a very competitive Group 3, probably close enough to Group 2 standard.

"She likes a little bit of time between her races and that's why we decided not to go to Royal Ascot.

"I'd like to pay tribute to Fairyhouse on the state of the ground this evening – it's in great condition. They've taken a lot of flack but they deserve credit now."