Foley gets one back on Marmolata in the claimer

Shane Foley got one back on Colin Keane in the Flat jockeys’ championship when giving Marmolata a strong drive to take the Fairyhouse.ie Claiming Race.

Owned and trained by Emmet Mullins, the four-year-old filly was under pressure early in the straight but really got going on the outer from over a furlong out.

The 11/4 favourite struck the front about 100 yards out and finished with such effect that she had a length and three quarters to spare at the line. Dark Magic also came home strongly on the stands’ side to take second, with first reserve Sweettasteoflove a further three quarters of a length away in third.

This victory leaves Foley six behind (91-85) Keane, who won the opener on Cartouche in the title race.

Mullins said, “Shane was very good on her. The plan kind of went out the window at the start. I hadn’t really counted on her coming out of stalls against proper seven-furlong horses as she was just a bit slower than usual.

“They went a good gallop which played to her strengths and she galloped the whole way to the line. She’s very genuine and hopefully there might be another win or two in her. Seven is her minimum.

“I was surprised she handled the ground and she will be a nice filly for Dundalk over the winter and going back over hurdles next summer.”

There were a total of ten claims in for the winner at 4,000 euro with Willie Mullins successful, while Sweettasteoflove was also claimed for 4,000 by fellow trainer Pat Murphy.