Lee doubles up as Epona Plays scores impressive Group 2 win

The Group Two Lanwades Stud Stakes saw Billy Lee double his score on Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas Day at the Curragh with an impressive success on Epona Plays (9/2).

Owned and bred by Renzo Forni Epona Plays was prominent and led after a furlong.

The Willie McCreery-trained four-year-old was pushed along two furlongs out. Ridden and two lengths clear a furlong out, the successful daughter of Australia was driven out and stayed on well inside the final furlong to beat Soul Search by four lengths.

Favourite Champers Elysees (6/5) could manage only fourth place.

Lee had started the card with a success on the Paddy Twomey owned and trained Pinar Del Rio

“She just got into a lovely rhythm there,” said McCreery.

“There were only six runners and we could see there was probably going to be no pace in the race.

“We wanted to try and take the pace out of the Group 1 filly and not to leave anything for her. That's a tough mile today.

“I was a bit nervous yesterday morning when I saw the lads walking the track but the Curragh is the most drying plain in the country so I never had any worry that it wasn't going to be run.

“It's fantastic for owner Renzo Forni who has been a fantastic supporter of me since Joanna Morgan retired.

“I've nothing at the minute target wise and we'll see.”

(GC & EM)