In-foal Queen lands gamble in style

The in-foal Persian Queen justified strong market support, as she ran out a comfortable winner of the Racing Again Tomorrow Apprentice Handicap.

Having made the breakthrough at Naas last month, the Joanna Morgan-trained six-year-old ran a respectable race to finish eighth of 14 in Listed company at Gowran on Wednesday.

Getting in here as second reserve, the Ivawood six-year-old was available at 40/1 in early shows but her price tumbled throughout the afternoon and she was eventually sent off the clear favourite at 5/4. A significant market move even taking into account the six non-runners.

Sent straight to the front by talented 7lb claimer Conor Stone Walsh, she made all. Ridden over a furlong out, she readily increase her advantage and came home three-and-a-quarter lengths to the good.

.Starting Monday (8/1) came through to take second under Jack Cleary for Gillian Scott, while A Mere Accountant (9/2 from 11/2) was half-a-length away in third.

"The handicapper put her up 7lb from her Gowran run so she was well-in but I wasn't anxious to run until I saw the ground was soft to heavy," Morgan commented.

"I knew if she got in she'd take beating and I couldn't believe she was 40/1 with Paddy Power so between myself and my son we had a good bet on."

"I tried her for blacktype but the ground (at Gowran) was good to yielding and was good in the straight. Maybe if it was on today's ground she might have nicked some.

"She has a very good page, is in-foal to Kuroshio and I won't run her on quicker ground so she mightn't run again.

"I have two in training and don't intend to have any more than three at any stage!"

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident shortly after leaving the stalls involving Mere Accountant, ridden by J.A. Powell, Gunsight ridden by J. Gonet, and Persian Queen, ridden by C. Stone-Walsh where it appeared Gunsight ran short of room making contact with the rail. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. J.A. Powell stated his horse was keen and racing on heels but felt he kept his line and didn't cause interference. C. Stone-Walsh stated that he kept straight before taking a look to make sure he was clear of the horses on his inner. J. Gonet stated that her mount was racing very keen and was running short of room as a result. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards did not apportion blame to any rider and they took no further action.

R. Whearty, rider of Who Not What (GB), trained by A. Oliver, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was hampered in the straight.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes