Treble lightens McCreery's mood

Willie McCreery and Billy Lee completed a 419/1 treble at Tipperary when Bridgets Fable hit the top spot on attempt number one in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Fillies Maiden. Dolce Strega (3/1) and Ostatnia (6/1) were the earlier scorers for McCreery and Lee, but according to the betting Bridgets Fable was of the less expected variety as she went off at 14/1.

Having said that the victorious Champs Elysees filly didn't go un-backed, to follow in the hoof-prints of her half-brother, The Compeller, a winner on a similarly testing surface at Ballinrobe recently.

There was a steward's enquiry before the result was confirmed, after eventual third Special Focus was hampered in the last fifty yards.

However there was no disputing Bridgets Fable's superiority of half a length, over favourite, Simannka (had looked a likely winner), at the line.

Second favourite Santa Monica also 'flirted' with the gold medal position, but after leading a furlong and a half out she swished her tail inside the last and eventually ended up in fourth.

"She's a chestnut filly and got a bit lit up in the parade ring so I said to Billy not to be hard on her and just get her to settle," explained McCreery.

"She dropped her head in the race and is an honest little devil but the race did fall to her a bit.

"Billy gave her a lovely ride and in the end only hit her two flicks; he has won on three fillies tonight and is very quiet and easy on his horses.

"I've used him a lot this year and he doesn't murder or get 'thick' with them, and he'll also admit if he does give one a bad ride.

"That's my first treble. There'll be no celebration tonight though as I was raided last night and a load of saddles and bridles were taken out of the yard.

"I'm not in the best of moods so that's cheered me up a little. It's not nice to go in and find that half of your tack is gone. They're all stamped so if anyone sees them around the place, or is offered them for sale, give me a shout."

Lee, 29, has had trebles in the past and he said "I'm up in Willie's once a week and we're getting on well together. It's working well."

The Stewards enquired into possible interference inside the final furlong involving Bridgets Fable, ridden by W.J. Lee, placed first, Santa Monica (GB), ridden by F.M. Berry, placed fourth, Simannka, ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed second and Special Focus, ridden by K.J. Manning, placed third, where it appeared Special Focus received interference from the inside and was forced to check.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings and took no further action. Mr. Edward Irwin, Acting Steward, absented himself from this enquiry.

(TW & EM)