Spirit proves tough on third maiden start

Tough Spirit opened her account at the third attempt when just coming out best in a terrific finish to the Curragh ‘Where Champions Are Made’ Fillies Maiden.

The Iffraaj filly is the first foal out of One Spirit, a Listed-winning daughter of Invincible Spirit for Frank Dunne and Ann Marshall, and did her paddock value no harm with this narrow victory.

Thye 7/1 chance was one of five almost in a line inside the final furlong, and Shane Foley’s mount just got the better of Julienne by a nose. Intermedia was just a head further back in third.

Winning trainer Johnny Murtagh said, “I was a little bit disappointed at Leopardstown the last day but Colin did say the ground was a little bit quick for her.

“She should be a filly that will improve and she’s beautifully bred. She always showed a nice bit at home.

“She got away with the ground today but I think she will improve with a bit more ease in the ground. If we can find a nice fillies handicap now it would be a good stepping stone to see where she fits in.”